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Access Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Patient Access Supervisor

Nashville, TN · On-site

$46K - $66K/yr

Patient Access Associates * Provide coaching, performance feedback, and development support * Foster a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement Operations & Process Management

Patient Access Supervisor

Nashville, TN · On-site

$46K - $66K/yr

Patient Access Associates * Provide coaching, performance feedback, and development support * Foster a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement Operations & Process Management

Showing results 21-40

Access Associate information

See Tennessee salary details

$41.8K

$98.2K

$156.6K

How much do access associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for access associate in Tennessee is $98,168.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,600.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a patient access associate?

To become a patient access associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and strong communication and customer service skills. Relevant experience in healthcare or administrative roles can be beneficial, and some employers may require familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems or certification in medical office administration.

What is an access associate at a hospital?

An access associate at a hospital is responsible for managing patient admissions, verifying insurance information, and ensuring accurate registration. They often use hospital information systems and require strong communication skills to coordinate between patients and healthcare staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an access associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Access Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with healthcare operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems, scheduling software, and patient registration tools is commonly required. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills help build rapport with patients and handle sensitive situations effectively. These skills ensure efficient patient intake, accurate information management, and a positive experience for both patients and healthcare teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an access associate in a healthcare setting?

As an Access Associate, your day-to-day responsibilities typically include greeting and registering patients, verifying insurance information, scheduling appointments, and answering patient inquiries both in person and over the phone. You'll collaborate closely with clinical staff, billing departments, and other administrative professionals to ensure a smooth patient experience and accurate record-keeping. Attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential, as you'll often be the first point of contact for patients entering the facility. This role requires adaptability, as you may need to handle high volumes of patient interactions during peak hours.

What is the difference between Access Associate vs Customer Service Representative?

AspectAccess AssociateCustomer Service Representative
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in healthcare or administrative supportHigh school diploma or equivalent; customer service training often preferred
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, administrative offices, or clinicsCall centers, retail, or office settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare providersRetail, telecommunications, banking, and service industries
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving patient or client access to servicesCompared for roles involving customer interaction and support

The main difference between an Access Associate and a Customer Service Representative lies in their work environment and focus. Access Associates typically work in healthcare settings, managing patient access and administrative tasks, while Customer Service Representatives work across various industries handling customer inquiries and support. Both roles require strong communication skills and a high school diploma, but their specific responsibilities and industry contexts differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Access jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Access jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Access Associate jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Access Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Access Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,168 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Patient Access Specialist, PRN East Campus

Erlanger Health System

Chattanooga, TN

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
The Patient Access Specialist I is an entry level position and is responsible for the accurate and efficient admitting, registering, bed placement, and financial analysis activities for all patients upon arrival to the healthcare system, including initiation of activities necessary to comply with managed care contracts and CMS regulations. Position is responsible for responding in a professional and courteous manner to all patient information inquiries, greeting and initiating the registration process upon patient's arrival. Position is responsible for the review of past account balances, notifying patient of their financial responsibility, and collection of these balances. This includes supporting their department in meeting the pre-collections goals defined by revenue cycle management. Review accounts with inadequate financial coverage for the purpose of coordinating with financial counseling services and facilitating an application for State Agency or Charity. In addition, Patient Access Specialist I must have comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system patient access policy and procedures as well as enforce established requirements and processes. The Patient Access Specialist I demonstrates empathy and professionalism as reflected by courteous actions, maintenance of confidentiality and appropriate presentation of self; consistently exhibits excellent oral and written communication skills; possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide interactive communications appropriate to the age of the patient being served; interact appropriately with third party payers and other departments; and have the ability to relate well to people of a broad socio-economic mix. Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, work in a fast pace environment and a commitment to teamwork are essential. Must have ability to work closely in a clinical setting involving some stressful situations, personal flexibility; moderate sitting, standing, stooping, bending and moderate work at portable computers required. Position must demonstrate excellent computer skills.
Education:
Required: High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred: Prefer graduate of Medical Secretary Program
Experience:
Required:
Demonstrated ability to read, write, arithmetic, multiplication/division including fractions and decimals. Strong computer skills.Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal communication and telephone etiquette are required. Demonstrate ability to multitask and manage high volumes. Computer, fax machine, copier, multiline telephone.
.
Preferred:
Knowledge of basic registration and third party payer preferred. Preference for work experience in a physician front office or insurance/healthcare call center. Medical terminology, and basic knowledge base of CPT and ICD-9 codes, insurance coding and billing knowledge,
Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Preferred: Certified Healthcare Access Associate from NAHAM
Department Position Summary:
Essential Functions:
1. Register and activate scheduled patients by gathering all demographic, financial, and pertinent information necessary to meet all regulatory andbilling requirements.
2. Register and activate walk-in, add-on, and emergency room patients by gathering all patient demographic financial and pertinent information
necessary to meet all regulatory and billing requirements.
3. Verify insurance eligibility and benefits for scheduled outpatient and
inpatient patients.
4. Validate pre-certification.
5. Compute patient liability at point of registration
6. Communicate and collect patient financial liabilities.
7. Review prior bad debts and request payment of outstanding prior bad
debt.
8. Alert Financial Advocates of accounts with financial clearance issues.
Document patient liability and financial clearance status to ensure
timely processing at the point of service.
9. Demonstrate excellent verbal and action related customer service skills to our patients, physicians, visitors.