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Patient accounts clerk vs clerk

The differences between patient accounts clerks and clerks 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 accounts clerk, becoming a clerk takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a patient accounts clerk has an average salary of $31,951, which is higher than the $31,163 average annual salary of a clerk.

The top three skills for a patient accounts clerk include patients, medical terminology and patient demographics. The most important skills for a clerk are basic math, math, and data entry.

Patient accounts clerk vs clerk overview

Patient Accounts ClerkClerk
Yearly salary$31,951$31,163
Hourly rate$15.36$14.98
Growth rate-4%-5%
Number of jobs161,78080,311
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 28%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age4047
Years of experience42

What does a patient accounts clerk do?

A Patient Accounts Clerk is primarily in charge of computing, billing, and collecting payments in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. They may assist patients or families by answering inquiries, explaining payment procedures, and processing requests. Aside from serving as the point of contact regarding payment concerns, a patient accounts clerk is also responsible for liaising with health care providers and insurance companies, gathering and reviewing data for submissions, preparing and processing the necessary documents, and maintaining accurate records.

What does a clerk do?

Clerks are responsible for many of the general administrative tasks in the office. They are in charge of manning office telephone lines, managing incoming and outgoing mails, filing paperwork and other needed records, scheduling and documenting meetings, typing out documents when needed, disseminating memos and other official announcements, and keeping an inventory of office equipment and supplies. Clerks should have good office skills, communication skills, business writing skills, and time management skills. They should also be able to treat any document or paperwork they handle with confidentiality.

Patient accounts clerk vs clerk salary

Patient accounts clerks and clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Patient Accounts ClerkClerk
Average salary$31,951$31,163
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $38,000Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-New Hampshire
Best paying company-University of Massachusetts Boston
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between patient accounts clerk and clerk education

There are a few differences between a patient accounts clerk and a clerk in terms of educational background:

Patient Accounts ClerkClerk
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 28%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaWestern Carolina University

Patient accounts clerk vs clerk demographics

Here are the differences between patient accounts clerks' and clerks' demographics:

Patient Accounts ClerkClerk
Average age4047
Gender ratioMale, 13.9% Female, 86.1%Male, 34.1% Female, 65.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 6.0% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 7.7% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage7%6%

Differences between patient accounts clerk and clerk duties and responsibilities

Patient accounts clerk example responsibilities.

  • Develop and execute policies and procedures that effectively manage the information needs of the organization and always following HIPAA guidelines.
  • Research ICD-9 and CPT codes on reject claims.
  • Adhere to all company policies, processes and procedures in compliance with HIPPA.
  • Practice HIPAA compliant rules and regulations while updating the patient information and entering the charges.
  • Verify charges on claims and assign valid ICD-9 and CPT codes to ensure appropriate reimbursement.
  • Research, appeal and resolve claims, rejections and denials with Medicare, Medicaid and private insurances.
    • Show more

Clerk example responsibilities.

  • Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
  • Manage orthopedic accounts regarding payment posting through IDX medical systems.
  • Administer financial bookkeeping by way of QuickBooks.
  • Bank reconciliation in QuickBooks and assist bookkeeper when need.
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
  • Call DMV's and dealerships when liens are not perfect.
    • Show more

Patient accounts clerk vs clerk skills

Common patient accounts clerk skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • Medical Terminology, 14%
  • Patient Demographics, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Data Entry, 7%
  • PBX, 4%
Common clerk skills
  • Basic Math, 18%
  • Math, 10%
  • Data Entry, 10%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 8%
  • POS, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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