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For individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives in North Carolina, understanding the key aspects of the role is essential.
These professionals play a critical part in the healthcare system, performing tasks that are vital for the smooth operation of healthcare facilities.
Patient access representatives are responsible for various duties, including patient registration and gathering accurate information for medical records and billing purposes.
They ensure that all necessary details are collected efficiently and in a timely manner.
Article Table of Contents
Road to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in North Carolina
If you are considering a career in this field, it is important to familiarize yourself with the road you must follow for a patient access representative job.
This knowledge will help you navigate the profession more effectively and prepare you for success in your role.
1: Educational Requirements
To pursue a career as a patient access representative in North Carolina, a high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement.
However, obtaining an Associate’s Degree can provide enhanced opportunities for professional growth.
Enrolling in a healthcare administration program is an excellent choice for individuals interested in becoming patient access representatives.
These degree programs typically span between 2 to 4 years, allowing students to acquire comprehensive knowledge in various aspects of healthcare management.
During the program, you will delve into subjects such as medical terminology, healthcare regulations, ethical considerations, and healthcare operations.
This in-depth understanding of the healthcare industry equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the role of a patient access representative.
By pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in healthcare administration, you will be better prepared to handle the complexities of patient access, medical records management, and effective communication within the healthcare setting.
This educational foundation enhances your qualifications and positions you for success in your career as a patient access representative in North Carolina.
2: Get a Certification
North Carolina does not currently have any specific certification or licensing requirements for individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives.
But, at the national level, there are several certifications available that can greatly benefit those pursuing a career in this field.
These licenses 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)
Obtaining any of these certifications can enhance your chances of securing a position as a patient access representative.
Among these certifications, the CHAA certification offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is particularly well-suited for this role.
The CHAA certification exam covers essential topics such as customer service, patient access services, and regulatory standards, ensuring that certified professionals possess the necessary expertise.
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers two certifications, CMAA and CEHRS, which are also recognized all over the country and thus useful.
3: Work Experience
Prior job experience is a crucial requirement for future patient access representatives.
Here are some positions that can provide job experience.
Record Keeping
This involves effectively managing and documenting patient information and medical records.
Data Entry
This involves accurately and efficiently inputting patient data and information into various systems and databases.
Customer support
Through this kind of job, you’ll learn how to handle a variety of people with just as many issues.
Billing and/or Coding
Understanding insurance verification, claims processing, and billing practices equips them to assist patients with insurance inquiries and ensure accurate billing processes.
Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in North Carolina
Currently, North Carolina does not offer any specific training programs for patient access representatives.
However, there are several national training groups that you may consider.
Penn Foster 
This career training facility provides online training programs for people interested in becoming patient access representatives.
Their programs are available in North Carolina, offering comprehensive preparation for certifications such as Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS).
These certifications are specifically tailored for PARs and are similar to the options provided by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM).
While the choice of certification may depend on the requirements of the hospital or healthcare organization, obtaining any of these certifications can greatly enhance your career prospects in the field.
The online support provided by Penn Foster ensures that you receive the necessary assistance and guidance throughout your training journey.
This makes it a convenient and valuable option for individuals who require additional support while learning and preparing for their certification exams.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penn Foster | online |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in North Carolina
The median salary for patient access representatives in North Carolina is approximately $48,658 per year.
To gain a better understanding of salary ranges and expectations in the field, please refer to the table below for a breakdown of average salaries based on different factors.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alexis | $49,286 |
| Waco | $49,146 |
| Charlotte | $49,084 |
| Raleigh | $48,975 |
| Cary | $48,975 |
| Zebulon | $48,787 |
| Durham | $48,682 |
| Winston-Salem | $48,186 |
| Advance | $48,045 |
| Badin | $47,730 |
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 260 | $45,040 | $21.66 | $59,020 | $33,310 |
| Burlington, NC | 30 | $48,280 | $23.21 | $59,930 | $34,650 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 870 | $49,970 | $24.03 | $69,500 | $35,210 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 470 | $53,110 | $25.53 | $70,110 | $37,530 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 270 | $50,910 | $24.48 | $70,030 | $31,770 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 60 | $50,400 | $24.23 | $78,160 | $33,360 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 310 | $43,470 | $20.9 | $61,100 | $33,830 |
| Greenville, NC | 320 | $51,570 | $24.8 | $63,480 | $38,010 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 140 | $42,760 | $20.56 | $54,170 | $31,200 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 70 | $49,850 | $23.96 | $63,770 | $35,030 |
| New Bern, NC | 70 | $42,820 | $20.59 | $67,690 | $31,490 |
| Raleigh, NC | 590 | $50,970 | $24.5 | $69,480 | $32,000 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 40 | $50,830 | $24.44 | $77,880 | $31,000 |
| Wilmington, NC | 230 | $41,010 | $19.72 | $58,260 | $24,330 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 490 | $57,270 | $27.54 | $79,680 | $37,220 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does my salary as a PAR in North Carolina compare to other states?
In North Carolina, PARs earn less compared to the median salary at the national level.
Despite this, these professionals still earn more than many other individuals working entry-level jobs, even in the medical field.
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in North Carolina?
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.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State