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Patient Access Associate Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Assists in maintaining financial integrity of the hospital through the verification of patient insurance information through online communication with payers, appropriate collection of co-payments at ...

Assists in maintaining financial integrity of the hospital through the verification of patient insurance information through online communication with payers, appropriate collection of co-payments at ...

Assists in maintaining financial integrity of the hospital through the verification of patient insurance information through online communication with payers, appropriate collection of co-payments at ...

Assists in maintaining financial integrity of the hospital through the verification of patient insurance information through online communication with payers, appropriate collection of co-payments at ...

Assists in maintaining financial integrity of the hospital through the verification of patient insurance information through online communication with payers, appropriate collection of co-payments at ...

Showing results 21-40

Patient Access Associate information

See Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island is $18.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $21.44 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 Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Patient Access jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Patient Access Associate jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Patient Access Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Patient Access Associate job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,507 per year, or $19 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Primary Function

Responsible for obtaining Personal Health Information (PHI) for all Kent patients in a timely, professional and caring manner. This information, entered into the Hospitals Information and Clinical Systems, includes demographic and financial information that will be used by all departments within the hospital. Assists in maintaining financial integrity of the hospital through the verification of patient insurance information through online communication with payers, appropriate collection of co-payments at time of registration and manages the daily operations relative to patient bed assignments.

Responsibilities

-Greet and receive patients and visitors, assist in comforting and interacting with patients and their families as well as communicating with police and rescue personnel where applicable.

-Obtain complete and accurate Personal Health Information (PHI) necessary to properly register patients into the Hospital Information and Clinical Systems (Patcom and Affinity) in a timely manner with little or no inconvenience or frustration to the patient. Explain financial requirements and other regulatory mandates to the patient in a professional and caring manner.

-Communicate with physicians offices to ensure accuracy of information needed to appropriately schedule and register a patient.

-Obtain signatures for consent to surgery/treatment, financial responsibility, and all other required authorizations.

-Collect insurance co-payments for Emergency Department visits and Out-Patient Services. When appropriate, collect co-payments, deposits, and deductibles during the registration process.

-Organize test results, registration and medical forms for inclusion in the patients permanent medical record.

-Create daily reports to identify daily registration schedules and distribute to appropriate areas.

-Assists in maintaining financial integrity of the hospital through verification of patient insurance information through online communication with payers using the SSI system.

-Scans insurance card, physician orders and important documents into SSI Optical Imaging System.

-Explains and issues regulatory required information such as: HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, Important Message to Medicare Patients, Medicare Advance Beneficiary Notice and Advance Directive Information.

-Manages the daily operation relative to patient bed assignments utilizing the Electronic Bedboard and Bed Tracking system. Coordinates the various components of patient bed assignment including solely determining appropriate nursing units for all post-operative, emergency department transfers, and direct admissions into the hospital. Must ensure the Operating Rooms are not stopped due to unavailability while ensuring the ED does not go on diversion due to bed unavailability. Serves as a liaison to physicians, Nursing ED and Outpatient Surgery to resolve bed assignment issues. Coordinates daily Bed Management meeting.

-Continually monitors transactions in the Patcom and Affinity Information Systems to insure an accurate daily Hospital census in both systems.

-Consistently maintains a courteous, helpful and professional manner with all other staff, patients and their families. Promotes customer service in daily dealing with anyone with whom contact is made.

-Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications and Specifications

A High School Diploma and a minimum of two year job-related experience or equivalent is required. Certificate of Medical Terminology and strong oral communications skills are preferred. Exceptional patient relation and customer service skills are critical. Minimum typing speed of 40 wpm with a working knowledge of personal computers with an ability to utilize multiple applications within an environment are required. Experience in a medical office or customer service preferred.

Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutionsButler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, and our Wellness Centerare trusted organizations fueling the latest advances in medical research, attracting the nations top specialty-trained doctors, and honing renowned services and innovative programs to engage in the important discussions people need to have about their health.

Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job-specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status

Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.