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Patient Access Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Palomar Health

Supervisor Patient Access

Poway, CA · On-site

$40.79/hr

Patient Access Union: Shift: 8-hour Shift - Evening (United States of America) Hours Per Pay Period ... Associate's Degree or completion within two years of hire or combination of college education and ...

Palomar Health

Supervisor Patient Access

Poway, CA · On-site

$27.16 - $40.79/hr

Patient Access Union: Shift: 8-hour Shift - Night (United States of America) Hours Per Pay Period ... Associate's Degree or completion within two years of hire or combination of college education and ...

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$13

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$23

How much do patient access associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient access associate in California is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient access associate?

Patient Access Associates are healthcare professionals responsible for managing the initial point of contact for patients entering a medical facility. They handle patient registration, verify insurance information, collect payments, and schedule appointments. Their role ensures that patients are accurately and efficiently processed, which is critical for both patient care and the healthcare facility's operations. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for this position.

What does a patient access associate do?

A patient access associate, also known as a patient access representative, is responsible for checking in patients as they come to a doctor’s office, hospital, nursing home, or other medical facility. They typically do not provide any form of medical care. As a patient access associate, you are usually the first person a patient sees when they enter the office or building. Your primary job duties consist of tracking patient visitors, providing billing information to patients, and gathering patient information. You enter this patient information into a computer system so that doctors and nurses can begin the medical examination and treatment process. The qualifications for a career as a patient access associate include communication and computer skills, and most employers prefer candidates with a year of experience working in a medical office or hospital.

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

To thrive as a Patient Access Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring experience in healthcare administration. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic health records (EHR), and insurance verification tools is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively assist patients and coordinate with medical staff. These skills are vital to ensure accurate patient intake, smooth administrative processes, and a positive experience for patients entering the healthcare system.

What are some typical challenges a patient access associate might face during busy periods, and how can they effectively handle them?

During peak times, Patient Access Associates often manage high patient volumes, tight schedules, and urgent requests, which can be stressful. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize tasks quickly, and clear communication with both patients and clinical staff. Utilizing electronic health record systems efficiently and remaining calm under pressure are key to ensuring patients are registered accurately and promptly. Teamwork and a patient-focused attitude also help maintain a positive environment, even during the busiest shifts.

What is the difference between Patient Access Associate vs Medical Secretary?

AspectPatient Access AssociateMedical Secretary
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require certification in healthcare accessHigh school diploma; medical office administration certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilitiesMedical offices, clinics, hospitals
Primary ResponsibilitiesPatient registration, insurance verification, appointment schedulingScheduling, correspondence, record management
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare settings for front desk rolesCommon in medical offices for administrative support

The Patient Access Associate and Medical Secretary roles both serve vital administrative functions in healthcare. While the Patient Access Associate primarily handles patient registration and insurance tasks, the Medical Secretary focuses more on scheduling and correspondence. Both roles require strong communication skills and familiarity with healthcare environments, making them closely related but distinct positions within medical facilities.

Is being a patient access associate a stressful job?

Patient Access Associates often work in fast-paced healthcare environments, managing patient check-ins, scheduling, and insurance verification. The job can be stressful during busy periods or when handling difficult patients, but strong organizational skills and attention to detail help manage workload and reduce stress levels.

Is patient access a good career?

A Patient Access Associate plays a key role in healthcare by managing patient registration, insurance verification, and appointment scheduling. It offers opportunities for entry-level employment, customer service skill development, and can lead to advancement within healthcare administration. The job typically requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, with some positions offering certification options to enhance career prospects.
More about Patient Access Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Access jobs in California?

The most popular types of Patient Access jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Patient Access Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Patient Access Associate job openings:

Patient Access Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Access Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,813 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Supervisor Patient Access

Poway, CA • On-site

Palomar Health

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Learn more about Palomar Healthexternal

$40.79/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Department:

Patient Access

Union:

Shift:

8-hour Shift - Evening (United States of America)

Hours Per Pay Period:

80

Job Description:

Pay range: $ 27.16 - $40.79

Responsible for facilitating the operations of both on-site and off-site patient access for Palomar Health facilities. Responsible for overseeing the registration functions to comply with the efficiency of admission and discharge of patients and to maximize the facilities revenue position in relation to patient access. Responsible for facilitating the resolution of all customer service issues in a timely and professional manner. Ensure patient access staff members develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the various systems utilized by Patient Access Services. Responsible for organizing and supervising all work performed by the team. Responsible each month to supervise root cause analysis of any issues or obstacles that prevent timely admissions and discharges within the facilities and assimilate the data into readable and useful tools for analysis. Work in collaboration with the District Patient Access Manager and Director for making recommendations to the Patient Access Leadership Team for resolution and elimination of issues and obstacles where possible. Work in collaboration with all departments and units in the revenue cycle to appropriately communicate issues and/or barriers, and to formulate work plans for resolution each month of the trended issues. Generates, provides data validation and quality assurance of appropriate monthly Patient Access reports that are distributed to the organization and is knowledgeable of the contents and can provide information and answer questions when necessary. Work with the District Patient Access Manager and Director to monitor department established key performance indicators and work with all patient access staff to understand the importance of maintaining and achieving the indicators. Provide insight into departmental improvements to obtain the key performance indicators. Work with the Manager, Main Registration and Patient Placement to ensure all patient access processes are in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Provide training and competency evaluations of team members as it relates to specific job functions and responsibilities. Complete employee schedules and PTO requests. Complete employee performance evaluations.
Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.

Job Requirements

Minimum Education:Associate's Degree or completion within two years of hire or combination of college education and certification (CHAM or equivalent certification)

Preferred Education:Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare or Business related field

Preferred Experience: 2 years Patient Access or related experience with equivalent combination of education and experience
- 2 years lead/supervisor or management experience
Advanced use of Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Preferred Experience: 3+ years of Patient Access and Patient Financial Services experience
- 3 years lead/supervisor or management experience

Required Certification:Not Applicable

Preferred Certification:Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) or Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)

Required License: Valid Driver's License

Preferred License: Not Applicable

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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