Authorization specialist vs registration representative

The differences between authorization specialists and registration representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an authorization specialist and a registration representative. Additionally, an authorization specialist has an average salary of $36,518, which is higher than the $34,021 average annual salary of a registration representative.

The top three skills for an authorization specialist include patients, customer service and insurance verification. The most important skills for a registration representative are patients, medical terminology, and patient care.

Authorization specialist vs registration representative overview

	Authorization Specialist	Registration Representative
Yearly salary	$36,518	$34,021
Hourly rate	$17.56	$16.36
Growth rate	-4%	-4%
Number of jobs	71,831	118,803
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

What does an authorization specialist do?

An authorization specialist is responsible for reviewing insurance claims and determining the necessary settlement for the clients and involved parties. Authorization specialists file documents and gather the required information for further investigation and analysis. They coordinate with the insurance agency and the medical institution and ensure that the correct communications are being sent out for reference. An authorization specialist must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing authorization requests and resolve claims timely and efficiently.

What does a registration representative do?

In medical facilities, a registration representative serves as the patients' first point of contact in clinics and hospitals. They primarily greet patients, identify their needs, gather personal and medical information, and assist them in filling out forms. They must also handle admission and discharge procedures, process payments, arrange payment plans, and collect insurance information. Furthermore, as a registered representative, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Authorization specialist vs registration representative salary

Authorization specialists and registration representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Authorization Specialist	Registration Representative
Average salary	$36,518	$34,021
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $47,000	Between $26,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Milford, MA	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Guidehouse	UMass Memorial Health
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between authorization specialist and registration representative education

There are a few differences between an authorization specialist and a registration representative in terms of educational background:

	Authorization Specialist	Registration Representative
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Authorization specialist vs registration representative demographics

Here are the differences between authorization specialists' and registration representatives' demographics:

	Authorization Specialist	Registration Representative
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%	Male, 13.9% Female, 86.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 6.9% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 21.3% Asian, 6.4% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between authorization specialist and registration representative duties and responsibilities

Authorization specialist example responsibilities.

Demonstrate knowledge of HIPAA by appropriately managing patient confidentiality.
Utilize CMS and InterQual criteria to establish authorizations for members requiring medical services for a Medicare advantage insurance company.
Build authorization, match ICD-10 codes with there procedure codes
Provide patients with patient registration forms in order to follow up on patient check-in and check-out utilizing a proprietary management system.
Obtain verification of insurance coverage and authorizations for clinical visits and surgical procedures for patients.
Perform all components of the office registration including arrival, check-in and future appointments.

Registration representative example responsibilities.

Work with third party payer requirements including Medicare, Medicaid (AHCCCS), manage care plans, and commercial plans.
Manage and update demographic and insurance information, including authorizations and referrals, while demonstrating HIPPA confidentiality regulations.
Verify eligibility and insurance benefits for patients, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and workers' compensation.
Maintain patient privacy in accordance with HIPAA with a high level of professionalism, compassion, productivity, and accuracy.
Maintain proficient level of knowledge regarding Medicare requirements, HIPAA compliance and reimbursement criteria.
Complete registration process for inpatients, outpatients, and emergency patients accurately and efficiently in accordance with policies and procedures.

Authorization specialist vs registration representative skills

Common authorization specialist skills

Patients, 20%
Customer Service, 10%
Insurance Verification, 6%
Medical Terminology, 6%
Insurance Eligibility, 4%
Veterans, 4%

Common registration representative skills

Patients, 25%
Medical Terminology, 10%
Patient Care, 6%
Customer Service, 6%
Health Insurance, 5%
Patient Registration, 4%

Authorization Specialist vs. similar jobs

Authorization Specialist related careers

Authorization Specialist related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Authorization Specialist
Authorization Specialist vs Registration Representative

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs