Patient access associate vs patient coordinator

The differences between patient access associates and patient coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a patient access associate and a patient coordinator. Additionally, a patient access associate has an average salary of $35,388, which is higher than the $32,954 average annual salary of a patient coordinator.

The top three skills for a patient access associate include patients, customer service and insurance verification. The most important skills for a patient coordinator are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Patient access associate vs patient coordinator overview

	Patient Access Associate	Patient Coordinator
Yearly salary	$35,388	$32,954
Hourly rate	$17.01	$15.84
Growth rate	-4%	-4%
Number of jobs	85,997	97,878
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

What does a patient access associate do?

A patient access associate serves as a patient's primary point of contact in a physician's office or medical facility. Their responsibilities include greeting and checking in patients, gathering patient data, collecting billing information and medical history, and providing assistance in filling-up forms and necessary documents. They may also address and answer patient inquiries, explaining the protocols and other information as needed. Furthermore, as a patient access associate, it is essential to perform administrative tasks such as keeping records and updating databases, all while maintaining an active communication line with nurses and physicians.

What does a patient coordinator do?

A patient coordinator functions as the primary point of contact between health care professionals and patients in a medical facility. They mostly perform administrative tasks such as greeting visitors, answering calls, responding to inquiries, managing schedules, arranging appointments, processing payments, gathering information, and keeping records. Moreover, they assist in filling out forms, escorting patients to different rooms or offices, and setting treatment plans. Most importantly, they discuss and share necessary information with patients and families regarding medications, procedures, and proceeding care according to a physician's assessment.

Patient access associate vs patient coordinator salary

Patient access associates and patient coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Patient Access Associate	Patient Coordinator
Average salary	$35,388	$32,954
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $51,000	Between $25,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Brockton, MA
Highest paying state	New York	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Raymond James Financial	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Health Care

Differences between patient access associate and patient coordinator education

There are a few differences between a patient access associate and a patient coordinator in terms of educational background:

	Patient Access Associate	Patient Coordinator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Patient access associate vs patient coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between patient access associates' and patient coordinators' demographics:

	Patient Access Associate	Patient Coordinator
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 13.6% Female, 86.4%	Male, 11.2% Female, 88.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 21.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 25.4% Asian, 6.2% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between patient access associate and patient coordinator duties and responsibilities

Patient access associate example responsibilities.

Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPPA and clinic.
Coordinate scheduling, cross-checking, billing, explaining HIPAA, and care savings programs to patients.
Register patients for outpatient laboratory and/or radiology services.
Collect and update demographic and insurance information from emergency room and labor and delivery patients for registration and/or admissions.
Interview patients and ensure accuracy of all information necessary, including demographic information, insurance verification, and insurance authorizations.
Follow EMTALA, HIPAA, payer and other applicable regulations and standards for registration.

Patient coordinator example responsibilities.

Comply with HIPAA regulations by discreetly and professionally handling all patients private medical information.
Gather personal plus insurance information and perform thorough insurance breakdowns for patients.
Communicate directly with patients to obtain initial patient information and respond to inquiries.
Process and update HIPAA relate paperwork and other require institutional forms as necessary.
Obtain all necessary documentation prior to surgery such as proof of identification, copy of insurance and require insurance referrals.
Respond in writing to all grievances in accordance with CMS and DNV guidelines.

Patient access associate vs patient coordinator skills

Common patient access associate skills

Patients, 23%
Customer Service, 15%
Insurance Verification, 8%
Medical Terminology, 8%
Patient Care, 5%
Insurance Coverage, 4%

Common patient coordinator skills

Patients, 30%
Customer Service, 11%
Patient Care, 6%
Patient Flow, 5%
Excellent Organizational, 4%
Check-In, 3%

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Office and Administrative Industry
Patient Access Associate
Patient Access Associate vs Patient Coordinator

Updated January 8, 2025

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