How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Georgia

As a patient access representative, you’ll be responsible for speaking with patients when they come into the facility.

Duties can include collecting patient information, including insurance and billing information.

You may also discuss the facility’s policies and procedures with the patient and family members.

A patient access representative is the first person to interact with patients.

Their professionalism, skill, and attitude will have an impact on the patient’s overall experience.

Steps to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Georgia

Georgia has no formal requirements for becoming a patient access representative, but most medical facilities and doctors’ offices do have hiring requirements.

Following the steps to become a patient access representative will allow you to be successful in the field.

1. Determine if Becoming a Patient Access Representative is Right for You

The first step to becoming a patient access representative is to determine if it’s a good fit for your skills and personality.

Patient access representatives work with patients, as well as the medical staff.

Their goal is to make the patient’s stay as smooth and efficient as possible.

You’ll need strong communication skills, empathy and patience, and attention to detail.

If you have excellent interpersonal skills, and the desire to learn, you’ll be a great patient access representative.

2. Attend a Training Program

The next step to becoming a patient access representative is to attend a training program.

While not required in Georgia, this training will give you an advantage over other job candidates.

This is particularly helpful if you don’t have any experience in the medical or clerical fields.

A training program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to perform your job duties.

3. Consider an Internship

Many positions require you to have on-the-job experience before beginning a career as a patient access representative.

They may be willing to hire you without this if you have formal training.

However, an internship is a great way to get real-world experience and make yourself more desirable to employers.

4. Get a Certification

Again, certification isn’t required, but it can greatly increase your chances of finding a job in your field.

There are three certifications you should consider.

All certifications require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The first is Certified Healthcare Admissions Associate (CHAA).

To take the exam, you’ll need 1-year experience within the medical or financial field or completion of a NAHAM-accredited training program.

You’ll also need to complete 30 hours of professional contact hours within the last 2 years, or an associate’s degree from an accredited college.

The CHAM is an advanced certification.

It requires 2 years of management experience in finance or the medical field.

You’ll also need 90 professional contact hours within the last 3 years, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.

Another option is the CMAA or Certified Medical Administrative Assistant certification.

To take the CMAA exam, you’ll need to have completed a medical assistant program within the last 5 years, or have 1-year experience as a supervised medical assistant within the last 3 years.

The last option is the CEHRS, or Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist, certification.

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

Which certification is the best for you will depend on your education options and your personal preferences.

5. Begin Your Career

Once you have completed the above steps, you are ready to find a position as a patient access representative in Georgia.

Schools in Georgia

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University offers continuing and professional education.

Their Patient Access Representative program takes 12 months to complete and requires 250-course hours.

The program is self-paced, so students can work at their own speed.

Students will learn medical terminology, law, ethics, and healthcare, pharmacology, diagnostic procedures, EHR (electronic health records), HIPAA requirements, managing health records, and patient communications.

After completing the program, students may take the CMAA exam or the CEHRS exam.

Agnes Scott College

Agnes Scott College is located in Decatur, Georgia. Students can take the Certified Electronic Health Records program completely online.

Enrollment is open, so you can begin at any time.

The course prepares students to take the CEHRS exam, which qualifies them to work as a patient access representative.

Students will learn all they need to know about electronic health records, including hands-on experience with software, HIPPA practices, and how to track information including vital signs, allergies, and medications administered.

They will also learn to communicate with patients effectively.

Students will learn medical technology, coding, and billing as well.

This allows them to manage health records, and communicate with patients effectively.

Patient Access Representative Schools in Georgia – Summary Table

Patient Access Representative in Georgia Salary

The salary for a patient access representative in Georgia ranges from $17,000 to $49,000 a year.

The average salary is $29,500.

Senior patient access representatives can earn significantly more.

The average salary for a senior is $48,896.

The range is $44,493 to $54,665.

Regional Salary in Georgia