Patient access associate vs registration representative

The differences between patient access associates 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 a patient access associate and a registration representative. Additionally, a patient access associate has an average salary of $35,388, which is higher than the $34,021 average annual salary of a registration representative.

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

Patient access associate vs registration representative overview

	Patient Access Associate	Registration Representative
Yearly salary	$35,388	$34,021
Hourly rate	$17.01	$16.36
Growth rate	-4%	-4%
Number of jobs	85,997	118,803
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
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 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.

Patient access associate vs registration representative salary

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

	Patient Access Associate	Registration Representative
Average salary	$35,388	$34,021
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $51,000	Between $26,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	New York	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Raymond James Financial	UMass Memorial Health
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Health Care

Differences between patient access associate and registration representative education

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

	Patient Access Associate	Registration Representative
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Patient access associate vs registration representative demographics

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

	Patient Access Associate	Registration Representative
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 13.6% Female, 86.4%	Male, 13.9% Female, 86.1%
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, 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 patient access associate and registration representative 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 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.

Patient access associate vs registration representative 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 representative skills

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

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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