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Patient access representative vs registration representative

The differences between patient access representatives 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 representative and a registration representative. Additionally, a registration representative has an average salary of $34,021, which is higher than the $33,603 average annual salary of a patient access representative.

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

Patient access representative vs registration representative overview

Patient Access RepresentativeRegistration Representative
Yearly salary$33,603$34,021
Hourly rate$16.16$16.36
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs151,077118,803
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

What does a patient access representative do?

A Patient Access Representative is the first point of contact of a patient in a hospital facility. Among the duties include the checking-in and out of a patient, gathering a patient's information for the Doctors and Nurses to use, communicates with the patient's family or caregivers, and processes insurance billing. Most of the time, A Patient Access Representative encounters the critically ill or injured which is why one must possess great communication skills and compassion.

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 representative vs registration representative salary

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

Patient Access RepresentativeRegistration Representative
Average salary$33,603$34,021
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $41,000Between $26,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CitySpringfield, MABoston, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMassachusetts
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyUMass Memorial Health
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between patient access representative and registration representative education

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

Patient Access RepresentativeRegistration Representative
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Patient access representative vs registration representative demographics

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

Patient Access RepresentativeRegistration Representative
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 14.5% Female, 85.5%Male, 13.9% Female, 86.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 6.5% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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 Percentage7%7%

Differences between patient access representative and registration representative duties and responsibilities

Patient access representative example responsibilities.

  • Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPPA and clinic.
  • Conduct intensive screening of all Medicare, Medicaid and manage care patients for provider service eligibility.
  • Educate eligible applicants about Medicaid manage care and how to access benefits in a manage care environment.
  • Run internal reports to ensure ICD 9 and CPT procedure codes are accurate for billing for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
  • Deliver quality customer service and compassion while obtaining demographic and financial data from patients seeking emergency medical services.
  • Operate front desk check-in, preparation of charts, receive payments and balance books at the end of the day.
  • Show more

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.
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Patient access representative vs registration representative skills

Common patient access representative skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Medical Terminology, 9%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Patient Registration, 5%
  • Insurance Verification, 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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