Are you wondering what a patient access representative is and does?
Well, they’re usually the first person to greet you when you’re visiting a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic.
The patient access representative will welcome the patient, register then, get insurance information, and go over any forms that need to be filled out.
The representative’s duties also include entering patient information into the computer database, communicating with other staff, scheduling appointments, processing billing, and answering any questions the patient may have about their visit or after care.
This is a great job for anyone that wants to help others, likes working with a variety of people, is detail-oriented, and organized.
Patient access representatives can work in a variety of settings, like doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
If you’re interested in becoming a patient access representative in the state of Louisiana, read on for some important information.
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- Steps To Become A Patient Acess Representative In Louisiana
- Schools In Louisiana That Can Help Train You To Become A Patient Access Representative
- Patient Access Representative Schools in Louisiana – Summary Table
- What Is The Salary For A Patient Access Representative In Louisiana?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Steps To Become A Patient Acess Representative In Louisiana
If you’d like to become a patient access representative in Louisiana, you must have a high school diploma.
Though there are no state licensing or certification requirements, most employers do prefer that you have an associate’s degree or classes in healthcare administration or a related field.
In addition, most offices and hospitals prefer that you have some experience related to healthcare and know basic medical terminology.
It’s important that you also have strong communication, interpersonal, and computer skills.
Schools In Louisiana That Can Help Train You To Become A Patient Access Representative
1. Delgado Community College
About The School
This open admission college is located in the heart of New Orleans and offers over 100 degree programs.
Day and evening classes are available, as well as online classes.
The school also offers workforce development and adult education classes.
There is an active campus life with sports and clubs, as well as a large library, writing center, and tutoring center.
Delgado offers a program in medical registration specialist.
This is simply another term for patient access representative.
About The Program
The medical registration specialist program will prepare students for the expectations of working at the front desk of a medical facility and assisting patients.
The topics of instruction include greeting and registering patients, medical terminology, communication skills, patient privacy and laws, information management, written skills, and data entry.
The cost of tuition is $3,900 per year.
All applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED.
Address: 615 City Park Ave.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
Phone: (504)6715000
Website: https://www.dcc.edu
2. Baton Rouge Community College
About The School
Baton Rouge Community College is a public college and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
They have been helping students achieve academic and professional success for over 20 years.
The college offers online, in-person, and flexible schedules.
With many programs from accounting to welding, you’re sure to find a program right for you.
Full academic and learning support is available to all students.
About The Program
Baton Rouge Community College offers a medical office assistant program that will prepare students to work as a patient access representative.
Courses include medical terminology and body systems, professionalism in healthcare, patient rights, computer technology, administrative procedures, information management, coding, and insurance and billing.
The cost of tuition is approximately $9,600 per year.
Address: 201 Community College Dr.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
Phone: (866)2179723
Website: https://www.mybrcc.edu
Patient Access Representative Schools in Louisiana – Summary Table
Top 2 Schools in Louisiana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Delgado Community College | 615 City Park Ave. New Orleans, Louisiana 70119, USA |
| Baton Rouge Community College | 201 Community College Dr. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806, USA |
What Is The Salary For A Patient Access Representative In Louisiana?
The annual salary for a patient access representative is $26,033.
However, some salaries are as high as $38,100 per year.
The salary is dependent upon many factors, including location, experience, and the size of the facility.
The nationwide average is $35,000 per year.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Patient Access Representatives in Louisiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $49,334 |
| Baton Rouge | $47,357 |
| Shreveport | $46,329 |
| Lafayette | $45,945 |
| Lake Charles | $45,663 |
| Kenner | $49,307 |
| Bossier City | $46,329 |
| Monroe | $45,382 |
| Alexandria | $44,646 |
| New Iberia | $45,676 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 80 | $49,030 | $23.57 | $64,110 | $29,850 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 310 | $47,970 | $23.06 | $73,930 | $30,160 |
| Hammond, LA | 30 | $46,810 | $22.51 | $58,310 | $31,050 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 100 | $41,190 | $19.8 | $62,010 | $28,210 |
| Lafayette, LA | 170 | $42,850 | $20.6 | $65,580 | $28,430 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 60 | $43,040 | $20.69 | $65,310 | $29,070 |
| Monroe, LA | 50 | $41,170 | $19.79 | $67,340 | $28,480 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 820 | $51,590 | $24.8 | $69,420 | $30,920 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 280 | $48,390 | $23.27 | $64,340 | $30,360 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do an externship to become a patient access representative?
While it’s not required by the state of Louisiana, or even employers, many degree programs do have externships as part of their coursework.
It depends on the college and the type of degree you’re pursuing.
Is a patient access representative a good job?
Being a patient access representative can be a great job for the right person.
If you want to work in healthcare and help patients without having to go to medical or nursing school, then it might be something to consider.
While it can be mentally draining at times, it’s a good job if you can’t be on your feet a lot or have some other physical limitations.
What do patient access representatives wear?
It depends on the environment in which they are working.
Some facilities may require scrubs to be worn, while others may require business casual clothes like khakis and a polo shirt or blouse.
Some offices may let employees choose their form of attire.
What are the qualities that make a good patient access representative?
In order to be a good patient access representative, you must enjoy working with people, both staff and patients.
Good organization and attention to detail is a must.
Patience and kindness also go a long way when dealing with folks that may not feel well.
Excellent written and computer skills are also needed.
