How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Idaho

Patient access representatives are the first people patients see when they enter a medical facility.

Because they are the first point of contact, their interaction with representatives will have a significant impact on their overall experience.

As a patient representative, you’ll welcome patients into the facility.

You’ll enter their personal and insurance information, and check them into the computer system so they can be seen by a provider pink.

Patient access representative positions are expected to grow 9% in the next decade, which is higher than most careers.

Steps to Become a Patient Access Representative

1. Determine if this is the Career for You

Before you begin working towards becoming a patient access representative, it’s important to know if this career is a good fit for you.

Patient access representatives handle administrative and customer service duties, including speaking with patients, checking them into the facility, and collecting insurance information.

The position requires empathy, strong communication skills, and computer literacy.

Customer service skills and an interest in the medical field are also helpful.

If you meet these qualifications, you’ll make a great patient service representative.

2. Complete a Training Program

Once you are sure that you want to be a patient access representative, the next step is to complete a training program.

Idaho doesn’t require formal training to be a patient service rep.

However, some employers require you to have experience or complete a training program to be considered for employment.

If you have previous experience as a customer service representative or within the medical field, you may be able to become a patient access representative without completing a training program.

However, the knowledge you gain will be useful in your career, regardless of your previous experience c.

3. Consider an Internship

You can also consider an internship as a patient access representative.

This step isn’t required, but it can help you to get a job within the field.

It’s particularly useful if you have no previous experience in the medical field.

As an intern, you’ll work closely with a supervisor while learning to perform your job duties and gaining valuable experience.

4. Get Certified as a Patient Access Representative

The next step is to become certified.

Idaho doesn’t require any type of certification to work in this role.

However, employers prefer certification, and some require it before considering you as a candidate.

Certification allows you to prove your skills, which can give you an advantage over other applicants.

There are a few certifications you can consider.

All certifications require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent before taking the exam.

The first option is Certified Healthcare Admissions Associate (CHAA).

To take this exam, you’ll need to complete a patient access representative training program that is accredited by the NAHAM, or have at least one year of experience within the medical or financial fields.

Unless you have an associate’s degree from an accredited college, you are also required to complete 30 professional contact hours within the last 2 years.

The CMAA, or Certified Medical Administrative Assistant certification is another option to consider.

This exam requires you to have 1 year of experience as a supervised medical assistant within the last 3 years, or to have completed a medical assistant program within the last 5 years.

The final option to consider is the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist certification or CEHRS.

To be eligible for this certification, you’ll need to have completed an electronic health records specialist training program within the last 5 years, or have at least 1 year of experience as an electronic health records specialist within the last 3 years.

5. Begin Working as a Patient Access Representative

The next and last step is to begin working as a patient access representative.

Schools in Idaho

North Idaho College

North Idaho College offers a patient access representative course.

It takes 41 hours to complete the course, which can be completed in a few weeks up to 6 months.

The course is self-paced and online.

Students will learn about medical terminology and procedures, HIPAA policies, and the revenue cycle.

Students will be prepared to take the CHAA exam upon completion of the course.

Patient Access Representative Schools in Idaho – Summary Table

Patient Access Representative in Idaho Salary

The average national salary k for a patient access representative is $47,418.

The average salary for the position in Idaho is $46,786.

The salary range for a patient access representative in Idaho is $42,573 to $52,596.

Regional Salary in Idaho