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Prior authorization representative vs patient access representative

The differences between prior authorization representatives and patient access 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 prior authorization representative and a patient access representative. Additionally, a prior authorization representative has an average salary of $38,726, which is higher than the $33,603 average annual salary of a patient access representative.

The top three skills for a prior authorization representative include patients, customer service and outbound calls. The most important skills for a patient access representative are patients, customer service, and medical terminology.

Prior authorization representative vs patient access representative overview

Prior Authorization RepresentativePatient Access Representative
Yearly salary$38,726$33,603
Hourly rate$18.62$16.16
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs55,498151,077
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 24%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Prior authorization representative vs patient access representative salary

Prior authorization representatives and patient access representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

Prior Authorization RepresentativePatient Access Representative
Average salary$38,726$33,603
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $51,000Between $27,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CityAttleboro, MASpringfield, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMassachusetts
Best paying companyNTT Data International L.L.C.University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between prior authorization representative and patient access representative education

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

Prior Authorization RepresentativePatient Access Representative
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 24%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeHoward UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Prior authorization representative vs patient access representative demographics

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

Prior Authorization RepresentativePatient Access Representative
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 21.1% Female, 78.9%Male, 14.5% Female, 85.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 5.8% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between prior authorization representative and patient access representative duties and responsibilities

Prior authorization representative example responsibilities.

  • Manage inbound/outbound calls for medical personnel and patients, along with computerize data entry to regulate proper distribution of prescription medication.
  • Utilize knowledge of physician office policies, CPT and ICD-9 coding, procedures, and equipment.
  • Provide compassion without judgment in regards to patient's finances.
  • Determine if CPT and ICD-10 codes are correct and qualify for coverage.
  • Review all daily EDI reports to make sure claims are being accept properly.
  • Perform chart audits via EMR, prepare medical records for subpoenas, general requests.
  • Show more

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.
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Prior authorization representative vs patient access representative skills

Common prior authorization representative skills
  • Patients, 26%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Outbound Calls, 5%
  • Medical Terminology, 4%
  • Data Entry, 4%
  • Insurance Coverage, 4%
Common patient access representative skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Medical Terminology, 9%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Patient Registration, 5%
  • Insurance Verification, 4%

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