How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Maryland

Patient access representatives play a vital role in the healthcare sector, providing essential support to individuals undergoing medical treatment.

PARs serve as the bridge between patients, their healthcare providers, and insurance companies.

In Maryland, patient access representatives are responsible for efficiently:

• Managing patient registrations
• Verifying insurance coverage
• Collecting and updating patient information
• Scheduling appointments.

Road to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Maryland

Before applying for a PAR position, you’ll need to ensure you meet these next requirements.

1. Educational Requirements

To be a patient access representative, a minimum educational requirement of a high school diploma or GED.

However, individuals who wish to maximize their earning potential and enhance their qualifications are encouraged to obtain an Associate’s Degree.

The choice of degree program depends on various factors, including the duration of study, which can range from 2 to 4 years.

2. Get a Certification

In Maryland, patient access representatives are not legally required to obtain specific certifications.

However, obtaining national certifications can significantly contribute to career advancement in this field.

There are several reputable certifications available for individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives in Maryland.

These certifications include:

• Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
• Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
• Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
• Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS)

The CHAA certification offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is one of the most recommended for future patient access representatives.

Through this certification, candidates prove their skills in customer service, patient access services, regulatory standards, and other necessary expertise for their roles.

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also provides two additional certifications that can be beneficial for those interested in the patient access representative role: CMAA and CEHRS.

3. Work Experience

Getting professional experience is essential for individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives.

Here are some key methods to acquire this experience:

• Record Keeping:
  • Developing strong skills in maintaining accurate and organized records is crucial for patient access representatives
• Data Entry:
  • Proficiency in data entry is vital for patient access representatives
• Medical Software Proficiency:
  • Familiarity with various medical software systems is essential for patient access representatives
• Billing:
  • Understanding billing procedures and having a basic knowledge of medical coding is valuable for patient access representatives

Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Maryland

It’s important to know which schools in Maryland offer training to those wanting to become PARs in this state.

Loyola University

This school offers a program, which spans 12 months, and equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field.

The program covers a wide range of topics, including medical terminology, law and ethics, HIPAA requirements, billing and coding language, and patient communication.

Additionally, students receive comprehensive training on the CEHRS and CMAA certification exams, ensuring they are well-prepared for these assessments.

With a cost of just under $2,700, the program covers all books, fees, and tuition, offering an affordable and inclusive learning experience.

Penn Foster

This is an online vocational school, that provides a flexible patient access representative training program that can be completed in at least 6 and a maximum of 9 months.

The curriculum covers essential subjects such as:

• Allied Health introduction,
• Electronic medical records,
• Health insurance and medical billing,
• Medical terminology,
• Medical office procedures,
• Ethics and law within the system.

The program aims to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge necessary for both national certification exams and success in entry-level positions.

Baltimore City Community College

At this college, you will enroll in an Associate’s Degree in Health Information Technology.

When completing this educational program, you’ll be able to take the Registered Health Information Technician certification exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association.

There are some admission prerequisites students must meet before enrolling in this program.

Some of these are:

• Passing a general health check
• Being vaccinated
• Have health insurance
• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass a drug screening test
• Have a 2.5 GPA

Classes will include:

• Medical terminology
• English writing
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Disease process

Books and transportation are not included in the tuition.

Community College of Baltimore County

This community college offers a Medical Office Assistant program that has a duration of a year.

Students will learn how scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding, are performed correctly.

Procedures like taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and taking EKGs, may also be taught in this program.

Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Maryland

The healthcare industry in Maryland offers abundant opportunities for individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives.

With a variety of healthcare facilities and organizations throughout the state, there is a high demand for skilled professionals in this field.

On average, patient access representatives in Maryland earn an annual salary of around $52,259.

However, it is important to note that actual salaries may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and specific employer.

For a more comprehensive understanding of salary ranges, please refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Maryland

Patient Access Representative by State