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The role of patient access representatives is important in the healthcare sector as they provide crucial support to those undergoing treatment.
They serve as intermediaries between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring accurate information dissemination.
This article aims to elucidate the responsibilities, required skills, and significant impact of patient access representatives specifically in Kansas.
Article Table of Contents
Becoming a PAR in Kansas
Let’s see the steps you must follow for a PAR position in Kansas!
1. Educational Requirements
To pursue a career as a patient access representative, a minimum educational qualification of a high school diploma or GED is typically required.
However, individuals aspiring to maximize their earning potential are encouraged to consider obtaining an Associate’s Degree.
Although not mandatory in Kansas, a college degree can provide a competitive edge among other candidates.
While there are no specialized degree programs exclusively tailored for patient access representatives, there are excellent options available.
They include a degree in healthcare administration or a related assistance program.
It is noteworthy that some professionals in this field may hold a Bachelor’s Degree, which exemplifies the diverse educational backgrounds within the industry.
The choice of degree program depends on various factors, including the duration of study (ranging from 2 to 4 years), financial considerations, and aspirations for career advancement.
2. Get a Certification
In Kansas, specific certification or licensing requirements for patient access representatives are not mandated.
However, acquiring national certifications can significantly enhance career prospects in this field.
There are several reputable certifications available for individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives.
Some certifications offered in Kansas include:
- Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
- Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
- Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
- Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS)
Among these certifications, the CHAA certification provided by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is particularly recommended to future patient access representatives.
The CHAA certification exam covers essential topics such as customer service, patient access services, and regulatory standards.
It equips professionals with the necessary expertise to excel in their roles.
In addition, the National Healthcare Association (NHA) offers two certifications: CMAA and CEHRS.
Specialized training programs are available to assist individuals in obtaining these certifications.
These programs provide the necessary education and preparation to successfully achieve these certifications.
3. Work Experience
The healthcare sector requires professional experience, and this includes patient access representatives.
Some job examples are:
- Record keeping
- Data entry
- Medical software proficiency
- Billing
- Coding
Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Kansas
Below are the institutions offering training programs in this state.
Metropolitan Community College 
This institution provides a Health Information Management program, where you can get your associate degree.
You also have to pass the below courses to graduate:
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Health Information Management
- Legal Aspects of Health Information Management
- Pharmacology
- Database for Health Information
- Healthcare Statistics
- Clinical Professional Practice
- Ambulatory Care Coding- CPT
- Coding Professional Practice
- Health Information Management Competency Review
The program costs vary depending on where you live.
University of Kansas Medical Center
The University of Kansas Medical Center provides a Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) program meant to prepare you for several careers in the healthcare sector, including that of a PAR.
The program lasts for 4 years and the following courses should be completed:
- Healthcare System
- Research for Healthcare Leaders
- Healthcare Economics
- Financial Concepts in Healthcare Management
- Financial Applications in Healthcare Management
- Healthcare Management
- Governance and Health Law
- Human Resources and Workforce Development
- Organizational Behavior in Healthcare
- Professional Development
- Graduate Internship in Health Services Administration
- Research Practicum in Health Services Administration
- Capstone Seminar
Students must also take one or more of the following elective courses:
- Rural Health Care
- Organizational Foundations for Leading Change
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Comparative Health Care Systems
- Health Care and Social Policies in Sweden
If you live in this state, the tuition costs $342 per credit hour.
If you are not a resident, you need to pay $891, and you should also complete 60 to 63 credit hours.
Penn Foster Career School
The accredited online training program provides the flexibility needed for individuals who are currently employed.
This self-paced program covers all the necessary knowledge and skills required to become a competent patient access representative.
Throughout the program, participants will delve into various subjects, including:
- Medical terminology,
- Medical coding,
- Electronic medical records,
- Body systems.
These comprehensive topics ensure a well-rounded understanding of the field.
The duration of the program offered by this school is relatively short, ranging between 6 and 9 months.
Upon successful completion, individuals will have the opportunity to obtain their desired certification.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penn Foster Career School | online |
| Metropolitan Community College | 3201 Southwest Trafficway, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 |
| University of Kansas Medical Center | 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160 |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Kansas
The salaries of patient access representatives in Kansas may vary based on the specific geographic location.
The job market for patient access representatives in Kansas shows promising prospects.
On average, professionals in this field earn an annual salary of around $48,262.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of salary information, please refer to the table provided below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $49,266 |
| Overland Park | $49,121 |
| Shawnee | $49,121 |
| Olathe | $48,987 |
| Stilwell | $48,879 |
| Mapleton | $47,869 |
| Troy | $48,819 |
| Peru | $47,402 |
| Niotaze | $47,402 |
| Neodesha | $47,141 |
Regional Salary in Kansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | 60 | $50,570 | $24.31 | $61,510 | $34,760 |
| Manhattan, KS | 50 | $42,470 | $20.42 | $57,730 | $29,120 |
| Topeka, KS | 170 | $51,630 | $24.82 | $67,430 | $35,480 |
| Wichita, KS | 370 | $46,160 | $22.19 | $63,890 | $32,690 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in Kansas?
These are some of the best skills to have for a PAR job:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Problem-solving,
- Organization,
- Computer
- General office
- Being calm
- Accuracy
Does my certification need renewal?
Nationally-recognized certifications usually need renewal.
How often this must be done depends on the institution issuing the certification.
What are the future job projections for patient resource representatives?
The job prospects for a PAR in Kansas are good.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is projected to experience growth in the next decade.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State