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Patient access representatives play a critical role in the healthcare sector, providing essential support to individuals undergoing treatment.
These professionals act as intermediaries between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring accurate information dissemination.
This article will uncover the responsibilities, required skills, and significant impact of patient access representatives working in Kentucky.
Article Table of Contents
Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Kentucky
The steps to follow for a PAR position in Kentucky are detailed below.
1. Educational Requirements
Becoming a patient access representative typically requires a minimum educational qualification of a high school diploma or GED.
But, people wanting to maximize their earning potential are encouraged to get an Associate’s Degree.
While not a requirement in Kentucky, acquiring a college degree can significantly enhance one’s resume and provide a competitive edge among other candidates.
Although no specialized degree programs are exclusively tailored for patient access representatives, excellent options exist, such as pursuing a degree in healthcare administration or a related assistance program.
It’s worth noting that some professionals in this field may hold a Bachelor’s Degree, highlighting 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 Kentucky, there are no specific certification or licensing requirements for patient access representatives.
But, getting national certifications can enhance career prospects in this sector.
There are several reputable certifications available for individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives.
Here are some of the best certifications to get:
- 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 suggested to future patient access representatives.
The CHAA certification exam covers essential topics such as customer service, patient access services, and regulatory standards.
Furthermore, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) provides two certifications: CMAA and CEHRS.
Specialized training programs are available to assist individuals in obtaining these certifications.
3. Work Experience
To become a patient access representative, you need to get some professional experience.
Some ways in which you can achieve this is by working in:
- Record keeping
- Data entry
- Medical software proficiency
- Billing and coding
Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Kentucky
Here are the schools providing training programs in Kentucky.
NAHAM 
The National Association of Healthcare Access Management offers courses for individuals interested in furthering their knowledge and skills.
Students can take individual courses to address specific areas of expertise or opt for bundled courses for a more comprehensive education.
These bundles are designed to prepare students for the CHAA or CHAM exam and to provide the needed contact hours for certification.
Penn Foster Career School 
This is an accredited online training program.
It caters to the needs of employees who require flexibility in their learning.
This self-paced program covers all the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent patient access representative.
Throughout the program, participants will explore various subjects such as medical terminology, medical coding, electronic medical records, and body systems.
These comprehensive topics ensure a well-rounded understanding of the field.
The program offered by Penn Foster Career School has a relatively short duration, typically lasting between 6 and 9 months.
Upon successful completion, individuals can obtain their desired certification, further enhancing their credentials in the field.
Eastern Kentucky University 
The bachelor’s degree program provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare administration, focusing on critical areas such as medical office management, healthcare coding and classification, and healthcare data management.
In addition to the administrative aspects, the curriculum includes broader business principles, offering valuable knowledge for career advancement.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College 
It offers an associate degree program that equips students with essential skills for patient access representatives.
The course covers topics such as health data management, medical office procedures, and medical coding, providing a well-rounded foundation for success in this role.
General education courses are also included.
The Medical Information Technology Program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College
It provides diplomas and certificates in various specialties relevant to patient access representatives.
These specialties include medical administration, billing and coding, and electronic health records.
The program offers focused training in these areas, providing aspiring professionals with the necessary skills and expertise.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Eastern Kentucky University | 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY 40475 |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | 4810 Alben Barkley Dr, Paducah, KY 42001 |
| NAHAM | online |
| Penn Foster Career School | online |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Kentucky
The salaries of patient access representatives in Kentucky can vary depending on the specific geographic location.
The job market for patient access representatives in Kentucky presents promising prospects.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is projected to experience growth in the next decade.
As a result, individuals aspiring to pursue a career as patient access representatives can anticipate a wide range of opportunities in Kentucky’s healthcare industry.
On average, professionals in this field earn an annual salary of around $47,695.
For a more detailed breakdown of salary information, please refer to the table provided below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Covington | $49,136 |
| Alexandria | $49,095 |
| Burlington | $49,075 |
| Augusta | $48,834 |
| Verona | $48,474 |
| Louisville | $47,699 |
| Henderson | $47,491 |
| White Mills | $47,297 |
| Owensboro | $47,190 |
| Lexington | $47,119 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 160 | $46,600 | $22.41 | $62,330 | $34,680 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 60 | $49,480 | $23.79 | $74,310 | $37,180 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 630 | $49,690 | $23.89 | $64,870 | $37,150 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 1,130 | $48,860 | $23.49 | $67,580 | $34,740 |
| Owensboro, KY | 80 | $46,130 | $22.18 | $53,340 | $32,350 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in Kentucky?
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.
Are there benefits for becoming a PAR in Kentucky?
Yes!
The most important one is that you get to help others and thus feel needed if this is something important to you.
Another benefit is that this entry-level job pays much more than many others.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State