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Certified Patient Advocate Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

MedStar Health

Nurse Navigator (RN) Urology

Washington, DC · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Prior experience in patient advocacy, navigation, or specialty care coordination is required. Licensure & Certifications * Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice ...

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How much do certified patient advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified patient advocate in Reston, VA is $21.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Certified Patient Advocate?

A Certified Patient Advocate is a professional who helps patients navigate the healthcare system, ensuring they understand their medical options, rights, and treatment plans. They provide support by coordinating care, clarifying medical information, assisting with insurance issues, and helping to resolve conflicts between patients and healthcare providers. Certification typically involves passing an exam and meeting ethical and educational standards, demonstrating their commitment to effectively assisting patients and their families.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Patient Advocate?

To thrive as a Certified Patient Advocate, you need a solid understanding of healthcare systems, patient rights, and ethical standards, often supported by a relevant certification such as the Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) credential. Familiarity with medical record systems, insurance processes, and healthcare documentation tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and empathy help advocates effectively support and empower patients while navigating complex medical situations. These skills ensure patient needs are addressed, leading to better health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.

What are some common challenges Certified Patient Advocates face when working with healthcare teams, and how can they be addressed?

Certified Patient Advocates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex healthcare systems, communicating effectively between patients and providers, and managing differing opinions or priorities among care team members. To address these, advocates rely on strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, thorough knowledge of healthcare policies, and a patient-centered approach to ensure that the patient's voice remains central. Building trust and maintaining professionalism with all parties also helps create collaborative, solutions-focused relationships.

What is the difference between Certified Patient Advocate vs Patient Navigator?

AspectCertified Patient AdvocatePatient Navigator
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CPAN, CAPA)Often no formal certification, but relevant training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare organizationsCommunity clinics, hospitals, insurance companies
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, advocacy groupsHealthcare systems, social services
Primary FocusAdvocating for patient rights, navigating healthcare systemsAssisting patients with care coordination and access

While both roles support patients, Certified Patient Advocates focus on advocacy and navigating complex healthcare systems, often with certification. Patient Navigators primarily assist with care coordination and access, typically without formal certification. Both roles are vital in improving patient experiences but differ in credentials and specific responsibilities.

Can I be a certified patient advocate without a degree?

Certified patient advocates typically do not need a formal degree but should have relevant experience, knowledge of healthcare systems, and strong communication skills. Certification programs may require specific training or exams, but educational requirements vary by organization. Practical experience and understanding patient rights are also important for success in this role.

How do you become a certified patient advocate?

To become a certified patient advocate, individuals typically complete relevant training programs or courses offered by professional organizations, gain experience in healthcare or patient support, and obtain certification through a recognized certifying body such as the Patient Advocate Certification Board. Certification requirements often include a combination of education, experience, and passing an exam. Continuing education is also recommended to maintain certification and stay current with industry standards.

Is it hard to become a certified patient advocate?

Becoming a certified patient advocate typically requires relevant healthcare knowledge, strong communication skills, and completing a certification program, which can take several months. While there is no universal requirement, certification can enhance credibility and job prospects in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Certified Patient Advocate jobs in Reston, VA?

For Certified Patient Advocate jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Certified Patient Advocate jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Certified Patient Advocate jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Certified Patient Advocate jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Certified Patient Advocate job openings:

Certified Patient Advocate jobs near you

Patient Accounts Representative II

Howard University Hospital

Washington, DC • On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Howard University Hospital rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

259th of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description

Description
Patient Accounts Representative II
Howard University Hospital | Washington, DC
Role Summary
As a Patient Accounts Representative II at Howard University Hospital, you will play a critical role in the financial health of our institution - ensuring that the care our clinicians deliver is properly billed, accurately paid, and compliantly documented. Reporting to the Manager of Patient Accounts, you will manage hospital accounts from claim creation through final adjudication, working third-party payers, government programs, and managed care plans to resolve unpaid balances and protect Hospital revenue.
If you bring deep experience in hospital billing and collections, an eye for detail, and the persistence to work claims to resolution, this is your opportunity to contribute to the financial sustainability of one of the nation's most storied academic medical centers.
What You'll Do
Account & Insurance Management
  • Review and update patient account insurance information, ensuring third-party payer information is complete and accurate
  • Enter and update patient, insurance, contract, revenue, and reimbursement data into one or more hospital applications
  • Verify insurance eligibility and covered services to support accurate claim creation and timely adjudication

Billing & Claims
  • Prepare and submit hardcopy and electronic billing claim packages, collecting all necessary materials for proper claim creation and modification
  • Make payer-specific data changes as required for accurate, compliant, and timely billing
  • Verify that payments and account balances align with payer contracts and applicable billing rules and regulations

Collections & Denial Resolution
  • Contact insurance carriers as scheduled by the collection tool; communicate clear action plans when adjudication is delayed
  • Identify, review, and resolve denied claims daily; monitor accounts receivable status using Siemens Invision Unity, ePremis, EDM, the Medicaid and Medicare portals, CareFirst, and MCO portals
  • Perform payer remittance and reimbursement posting reconciliation; ensure reimbursement is consistent with payer contractual terms before performing adjustments or billing patient responsibility
  • Review and resolve credit balances accurately; report out-of-the-ordinary circumstances to immediate supervisors for investigation

Customer Service & Documentation
  • Receive and respond promptly to internal and external phone calls, correspondence, and inquiries related to patient accounts
  • Prepare and maintain supporting data and documents on all required activities within the hospital system as defined by departmental guidelines

Compliance & Regulatory
  • Promote adherence to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, the Howard University Code of Ethics, the Health Sciences Standards of Conduct, and HIPAA
  • Attend annual and periodic mandatory compliance training, including HIPAA Privacy training; actively participate in compliance program activities
  • Participate in activities that promote adherence to federal healthcare program requirements
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of patients, families, and staff

Required Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) required
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in billing, collections, customer service, or cash posting required
  • Hospital setting experience required
  • Acute care facility experience required, including inpatient stay collection, DRG reimbursement, and Medicare and Medicaid payer experience
  • Certified Patient Account Representative (CPAR - HFMA) or Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist - Institutional (CRCS-I - AAHAM) certification required, and must be retained throughout employment
  • Demonstrated ability to produce accurate Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer claims that yield substantiated reimbursement
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint); strong basic computer and math skills
  • Strong organization, problem-solving, and time-management skills; ability to work independently in a collaborative environment

What We Offer
  • Work-life balance
  • Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
  • Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plan
  • Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children - up to two (2) courses per semester
  • A mission-driven environment rooted in over 150 years of excellence, service, and advocacy for the communities we serve

About Howard University Hospital
Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 - when it operated as Freedmen's Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere - HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Position Details
DepartmentPatient AccountsReports ToManager, Patient AccountsFLSA StatusNon-ExemptBargaining UnitLocal 2094ScheduleFull-Time | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pay & Schedule
This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $19.00 - $30.40/hr, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Compliance Statements
Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org.
Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.
Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.

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