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Patient Access Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Rochester Regional Health

Access Associate

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$17.85 - $20/hr

SUMMARY As an Access Associate, you will be responsible for many administrative support duties ... as needed and scheduling patient appointments * Registration & Verification. Complete the ...

UnityPoint Health

Patient Access Rep

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$17 - $22.15/hr

Week 1 Mon-Thurs & Sat, 3:00PM-11:30PM Week 2 Sun, Tues-Fri, 3:00PM -11:30PM Start a meaningful career with UnityPoint Health as a Patient Access Associate, where you'll make a real difference in ...

Rochester Regional Health

Access Associate

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$17.85 - $20/hr

Access Associate DEPARTMENT: Ambulatory Support Services LOCATION: Unity Hospital - 1555 Long Pond ... Scheduling and/or prescheduling patient appointments. * Interviewing the patient and/or their ...

Rochester Regional Health

Access Associate

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$17.85 - $20/hr

Access Associate DEPARTMENT: Nursing Support Services LOCATION: Unity Hospital - 1555 Long Pond ... Scheduling and/or prescheduling patient appointments. * Interviewing the patient and/or their ...

Rochester Regional Health

Access Associate

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$17.85 - $20/hr

SUMMARY As an Access Associate, you will be responsible for many administrative support duties ... as needed and scheduling patient appointments * Registration & Verification. Complete the ...

Rochester Regional Health

Access Associate

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$17.85 - $20/hr

SUMMARY As an Access Associate, you will be responsible for many administrative support duties ... as needed and scheduling patient appointments * Registration & Verification. Complete the ...

UnityPoint Health

Patient Access Representative

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Week 1 Mon-Thurs & Sat, 3:00PM-11:30PM Week 2 Sun, Tues-Fri, 3:00PM -11:30PM Start a meaningful career with UnityPoint Health as a Patient Access Associate, where you'll make a real difference in ...

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Patient Access Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$18

$21

How much do patient access associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient access associate in Iowa is $18.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $20.53 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

Patient Access Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Access Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,891 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Patient Access Associate

Sioux City, IA

UnityPoint Health
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 894 rated healthcare providers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about UnityPoint Healthexternal

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Unity Point Health St. Luke's - Downtown

Part Time, Nights

Wed, Sat 6p-6:30a (2-12hr shifts)

The Patient Access Representative NE is responsible for facilitating patient admission, registration, insurance verification, and scheduling, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the registration process. The role addresses patient inquiries and manages patient wayfinding. The role also supports administrative tasks and ensures compliance with financial and insurance procedures.


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


  • Accurately and thoroughly collects, analyzes and records
    demographic, insurance/financial and clinical data in computer
    system. Ensures information source is appropriate and all
    required documentation are on file.
  • Maintains knowledge and understanding of insurance
    verification and understanding of insurance plans
  • Answers telephone calls promptly and accurately. Takes
    telephone messages and directs calls in an appropriate and
    professional manner
  • Communicates effectively to provide appropriate education regarding
    patient financial obligations through POS and estimates.
  • Participates in performance improvement initiatives and
    demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer
    services with a goal to exceed customer expectations.
  • Maintain ability to perform roles associated with patient self
    service registration processes
  • Monitors and maintains multiple work queues

Education: 

  • High school graduate required.  
  • Medical related diploma or certificate preferred.  
  • Completion of Medical Terminology Course/Module within 12 months of hire. 

Experience: 

  • One year of medical office or equivalent experience preferred.  
  • Insurance billing for medical or hospital preferred. 

License(s)/Certification(s): 

  • Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons required.  
  • Obtain CPI/MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behaviors) certification within 6 months of hire and maintain certification by-yearly. 
UnityPoint Health logo

About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

View All UnityPoint Health Jobs

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