How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Washington

For those with a passion for helping others, a career as a patient access representative can be a rewarding path to explore.

Patient access representatives step in as valuable assets, providing invaluable assistance and ensuring seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers.

If you’re intrigued by the prospect of becoming a patient access representative in Washington, read on.

Steps to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Washington

Here are some points that will inform you if you’re ready for a PAR career.

Complete Your Education

Securing your future as a patient access representative in Washington starts with obtaining a high-school diploma or GED, serving as the initial requirement for this profession.

However, for those aiming to maximize their earning potential and career opportunities, pursuing an Associate’s Degree becomes a promising choice.

Unfortunately, there are no specialized degrees exclusively tailored for patient access representatives, but pursuing a degree program in healthcare administration or medical assistance offers suitable alternatives.

In the competitive job market, candidates who possess a Bachelor’s Degree may enjoy an edge in terms of career advancement and opportunities.

The duration of these degrees typically spans between 2 to 4 years.

Being Certified

While Washington does not mandate certification for patient access representatives, earning one can substantially bolster your employability prospects.

It is advisable to opt for nationally recognized certifications, and there are numerous reputable options available.

Some certifications include:

• 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)
• Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
• Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
• Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)

Acquiring certifications can be a game-changer in your healthcare career, demonstrating your skills and making you a standout candidate in the job market.

One of the excellent options is the CHAA certification from the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM).

This rigorous exam evaluates your abilities in key aspects like customer service, patient access services, and regulatory standards.

Additionally, you have the opportunity to pursue certifications offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), such as CMAA and CEHRS.

Be prepared to complete specialized training programs to qualify for these certifications.

Gain Some Work Experience

In the pursuit of a career as a patient access representative in the healthcare industry, hands-on experience becomes a crucial factor in your journey.

You can explore diverse avenues such as maintaining records, entering data, utilizing medical software, and handling billing tasks.

Engaging in these roles will provide you with a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and its intricacies.

Furthermore, consider seizing the opportunity to work or volunteer at a local healthcare facility.

By gaining experience, you can further develop your expertise and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector.

Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Washington

To complete the educational requirement you can enroll in one of the programs presented below.

Through these programs, you can also earn one of the certifications mentioned earlier.

NAHAM

NAHAM offers an exclusive and comprehensive program tailored specifically for Patient Access Representative Training in the state.

This program encompasses diverse aspects of patient access, such as customer service, healthcare regulation compliance, and administrative responsibilities.

Participating in in-person training not only equips you with valuable knowledge and skills but also facilitates networking with fellow professionals, allowing you to build a strong community of like-minded individuals.

Throughout the training process, NAHAM provides detailed information and expert guidance to support your development.

Penn Foster

The online program focuses on providing the expertise needed to pass the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam and the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialists (CEHRS) exam.

Embracing a flexible approach, the program typically spans a period of six to nine months.

With the liberty to learn at your own pace, you can accommodate your personal and professional life while embarking on this career-enhancing voyage.

The curriculum introduces you to:

• Body Systems
• Medical Terminology
• Pathology and Pharmacology
• Electronic Medical Records
• Medical Billing
• Health Insurance

Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Washington

Securing a patient access representative certification marks a significant accomplishment in one’s healthcare journey.

However, the sense of achievement may also spark curiosity about the financial opportunities that lie ahead.

In the state of Washington, patient access representatives are held in high regard and duly rewarded for their invaluable contributions.

On average, these dedicated professionals earn an impressive annual salary of approximately $54,380 per year.

This figure serves as a promising indicator of the gratifying prospects that await those embarking on this career path.

Yet, it is crucial to acknowledge that various factors can influence individual earnings in this role.

Factors such as your level of experience, expertise, and the specific geographical location of your workplace can sway your income.

For a comprehensive understanding of the salaries for patient access representatives in Washington, refer to the informative table below.

Regional Salary in Washington

Patient Access Representative by State