Patient access associate vs registration coordinator

The differences between patient access associates and registration coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a patient access associate, becoming a registration coordinator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a registration coordinator has an average salary of $39,641, which is higher than the $35,388 average annual salary of a patient access associate.

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

Patient access associate vs registration coordinator overview

	Patient Access Associate	Registration Coordinator
Yearly salary	$35,388	$39,641
Hourly rate	$17.01	$19.06
Growth rate	-4%	-8%
Number of jobs	85,997	70,846
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age	40	49
Years of experience	4	2

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 registration coordinator do?

A registration coordinator is in charge of organizing and overseeing the registration procedures in programs and projects. Their duties primarily depend on their industry or place of employment. Still, it typically includes coordinating staff, managing the budgets and schedules, setting goals and guidelines, liaising with external parties, and developing strategies to optimize operations. Furthermore, a registration coordinator must monitor the progress of all efforts, resolve issues and concerns, and enforce the company's policies and regulations.

Patient access associate vs registration coordinator salary

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

	Patient Access Associate	Registration Coordinator
Average salary	$35,388	$39,641
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $51,000	Between $28,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	-
Highest paying state	New York	-
Best paying company	Raymond James Financial	-
Best paying industry	Hospitality	-

Differences between patient access associate and registration coordinator education

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

	Patient Access Associate	Registration Coordinator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	-

Patient access associate vs registration coordinator demographics

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

	Patient Access Associate	Registration Coordinator
Average age	40	49
Gender ratio	Male, 13.6% Female, 86.4%	Male, 18.9% Female, 81.1%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 3.8% White, 70.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	7%	9%

Differences between patient access associate and registration 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.

Registration coordinator example responsibilities.

Complete follow up calls to patients about their office visits and schedule surgery dates and times.
Provide Commercial/private health plans, Medicare and Medicaid metrics and data collection.
Call each patient day before surgery or procedure and give them their Pre-Op instructions and arrival time.
Complete Medicaid application for clients without insurance.
Communicate effectively with patients, physicians, insurance companies, case management and all hospital departments.
Provide follow-ups when necessary for patients regarding their insurance coverage status as it relates to clinical visits and/or medication prescriptions.

Patient access associate vs registration 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 registration coordinator skills

Patients, 28%
Customer Service, 20%
Patient Registration, 8%
PowerPoint, 4%
Medical Terminology, 4%
Patient Demographics, 4%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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