Hire Patient Access Representatives
A patient access representative is the first point of contact at any healthcare facility and assists patients with obtaining access to medical treatment. The representative primarily deals with administrative duties such as: the collection of patient details, the preparation of admission and discharge documentation, handling patient queries, concerns and complaints, and explaining policies and procedures to the patient and their families. They check in new patients at their facilities and provide billing information to new and existing patients. Patient access representatives take care of patient intake information, ensuring that relevant treatment information is readily available to the doctors and nurses in charge. They act as a liaison between patients, patients' relatives, and the healthcare institution. They usually work in hospitals, nursing homes, medical facilities, mental health institutions, or any private healthcare offices. These professionals draw a salary that ranges between $41,097 and $60,009, varying based on the applicants' skills and expertise. This position is a great starting point for candidates looking to build a career in the healthcare field.
Patient Access Representative Responsibilities
A patient access representative usually reports to the facility manager or the head of a unit/department. The patient representative is primarily responsible for greeting the patients and their caregivers upon arrival, assembling patient information (patient details, medical history, billing, and insurance information, etc.), and preparing patient admission and discharge documentation. They are in charge of maintaining records and relaying relevant patient data to the staff when required. Additionally, they provide patients and their caregivers' billing details, informing them about policies and protocols, and handle their queries and concerns. They are also assigned general administrative tasks of the facility.
Patient Access Representative Requirements
Hiring managers prefer candidates with a diploma/bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with a minimum of two years of clerical or related experience. However, some employers hire entry-level candidates, and provide them with on-the-job training. The candidate should be able to perform administrative tasks with efficiency while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry systems is beneficial. Applicants should have knowledge of medical terminologies and insurance plans. Since the work involves liaising, candidates with excellent communication and interpersonal skills are sought by employers. Applicants should be able to multitask and have strong attention to detail. Most importantly, in order to be successful as a patient access representative, the candidate should be compassionate and committed to helping people.
