What Does A Patient Access Representative Do? | Patient Access Representative Responsibilities
What Does A Patient Access Representative Do? | Patient Access Representative Responsibilities. Patient Access Representatives are part Customer Service Representative and part Information Clerk. They are often the first point of contact for a patient, so they must rely heavily on their people skills in order to consistently create a positive impression for new and returning patients.
Patient Access Representatives are typically employed by hospitals, nursing homes, mental health institutions or private healthcare offices. This is an entry-level position that serves as a great starting point for anyone looking to build a career in the healthcare field.
To be successful as a patient access representative you should be able to perform administrative tasks with high efficiency and always maintain a positive and professional demeanor.
What is a patient access representative?
The Patient Access Representative is the person who answers the phone when patients call with questions. A Patient Access Representative checks in new patients at healthcare facilities, and also provides facility and billing information to new and existing patients. These professionals apply a range of skills to greet incoming patients, screen and prepare patients’ medical information for clinical staff and record patients’ information during admission and upon discharge.
How much does a patient access representative earn?
The earning potential for access representatives can vary between employers, locations and by work experience or level of education. Related roles like patient services representative and patient access manager can reflect a similar earning potential as patient access representatives, ranging from $28,339 per year to $38,537 per year, respectively.
What’s the job outlook for patient access representatives?
Patient access representatives and similar roles, like medical records and health information technicians, can expect an 8% increase in available jobs between 2019 and 2029 according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Patient Access Representative Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Ability to multitask.
- Attention to Detail.
- Ability to take initiative and work without constant supervision.
- Written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Professional and positive demeanor.
- Basic Computer Skills.
- Organizational Skills.
What challenges does a Patient Access Representative face?
Many patient access roles are in the front end of the Revenue Cycle, which means the data they enter affects the downstream workflows. So, many of the challenges staff face are based upon the information they receive. If a patient is incapacitated, staff may struggle getting updated registration information. With medical billing being incredibly complicated, being able to explain the complex to patients when they’re sick, can sometimes be a difficult battle.
What does a patient access representative really do?
Patient access representative may also be responsible for the following apart from processing patient information for admission and discharge:
- Communicating important information with appropriate staff members.
- Performing general administrative and office tasks.
- Answering patients’ questions and providing guidance through concerns or issues.
- Processing patients’ information, including reasons for seeking treatment and insurance information.
- Entering patient information into clinical databases and maintaining accurate patient records.
- Preparing paperwork and documentation for patient discharge and providing guidance for follow-ups after discharge.
Patient Access Representative Requirements
1. Work experience
Patient access representatives typically have previous experience working in a clerical or administrative position. For instance, data entry, office assistance and customer service are several fields that patient access representatives may have experience in.
2. Essential skills
Because of the administrative tasks patient access representatives are responsible for, they must possess strong computer skills and effective communication. Using word processing software and computer databases are typical duties these professionals perform, which require the ability to communicate effectively in writing and proficiency with digital applications.
3. Education and training
Most employers require patient access representatives to hold at least a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED). However, some facilities may require patient access representatives to complete an associate’s degree or at least some college coursework in a clinical field like healthcare administration.
Other Requirements for a patient access representative
- Knowledge of medical terminology and insurance plans is beneficial.
- Strong administrative and organizational skills.
- Compassionate and patient.
- Professional demeanor.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- High school diploma/GED.
- Experience in a clerical position preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry systems.
- Ability to multitask and maintain strong attention to detail.
What should someone consider before becoming a Patient Access Representative?
That you’ll have a difficult job. You will constantly be balancing satisfying the patients and the clinical teams who are there to take care of them. A lot of your work will be influenced by situations out of your control and you’ll need to learn how to accept the things you cannot change.
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