1

Patient Access Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Patient Access Associate I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $24.82/hr

Overview Our Patient Access Associate will assist in providing access to services provided at the hospital and/or other service area. Knowledge of all tasks performed in the various Patient Access ...

Our Patient Access Associate will assist in providing access to services provided at the hospital and/or other service area. Knowledge of all tasks performed in the various Patient Access Service ...

Patient Access Associate I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $24.82/hr

Overview Our Patient Access Associate will assist in providing access to services provided at the hospital and/or other service area. Knowledge of all tasks performed in the various Patient Access ...

Patient Access Associate I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $24.82/hr

Overview Our Patient Access Associate will assist in providing access to services provided at the hospital and/or other service area. Knowledge of all tasks performed in the various Patient Access ...

Our Patient Access Associate will assist in providing access to services provided at the hospital and/or other service area. Knowledge of all tasks performed in the various Patient Access Service ...

Patient Access Associate I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $24.82/hr

Overview Our Patient Access Associate will assist in providing access to services provided at the hospital and/or other service area. Knowledge of all tasks performed in the various Patient Access ...

Patient Access Associate I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $24.82/hr

Overview Our Patient Access Associate will assist in providing access to services provided at the hospital and/or other service area. Knowledge of all tasks performed in the various Patient Access ...

Patient Access Associate I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $24.82/hr

Overview Our Patient Access Associate will assist in providing access to services provided at the hospital and/or other service area. Knowledge of all tasks performed in the various Patient Access ...

Our Patient Access Associate will assist in providing access to services provided at the hospital and/or other service area. Knowledge of all tasks performed in the various Patient Access Service ...

Patient Access Team Lead

Springfield, IL · On-site

$18.34 - $28.42/hr

Overview Our Patient Access Team Leader is responsible for the guidance and coordination of needs ... Associate's degree or higher preferred. Licensure/Certification/Registry * Certified Healthcare ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Patient Access Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$18

$22

How much do patient access associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient access associate in Illinois is $18.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $21.20 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Patient Access Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,092 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

PATIENT ACCESS ASSOCIATE - GOSHEN CAMPUS - FT DAYS (61778)

ANDERSON HOSPITAL

Edwardsville, IL • On-site

$15.75 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Anderson Hospital rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

682nd of 1,062 rated hospitals


Job description

Job Summary

The Patient Access Associate assists in maintaining a well-organized and functional practice and promotes safe and effective care of patients through support services.  The Patient Access Associate performs clerical duties for the practice including charting, typing, faxing, filing, scanning and telephone communications.  The Patient Access Associate is responsible for collecting patient co-pays and balances.  The associate obtains patient demographic and insurance information and enters that information into the registration system.  The Patient Access Associate is responsible for performing insurance eligibility checks, scheduling appointments, receiving test results, and obtaining physician’s orders.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Supports patient’s rights and responsibilities, including respect of cultural and religious diversity.

2. Demonstrates flexibility to meet staffing needs of office/organization and appearance.

3. Appropriately follows the chain of command.

4. Posts payments in the system, balances payments at the end of the shift and assures all monies are

    secured and submitted to the appropriate office staff at the end of the shift.

5. Confirms that new patient paperwork is complete.

6. Ensures accuracy of patient registration information to contribute to an efficient revenue cycle.

7. Performs eligibility checks daily to ensure complete and accurate insurance information prior to

    scheduled appointment.

8. Offers Privacy Notices to patients and documents such per policy.

9. Ensures Patient information is protected. 

10. Facilitates, accurate, timely and safe patient/visitor related activities in an efficient and courteous

      manner.

11. Performs clerical duties as assigned to ensure the efficient utilization and management of data.

Education Requirements and Other Requirements:

Education Level: High school graduate or equivalent preferred. Medical terminology course or background preferred.

Experience Requirements: Experience in a medical setting.

Other Requirements: Must be able to complete computer work. Typing of 40-50 wpm preferred. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary.


What Anderson Hospital employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom