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Patient Access Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

As a Patient RegistrationCustomer Service Representative in Patient Registration, you will be the ... Our associates are given the chance to contribute, think boldly and create meaningful work that ...

As a Patient Registration Customer Service Representative in Patient Registration, you will be the ... Our associates are given the chance to contribute, think boldly and create meaningful work that ...

Patient Access Specialist Industry: Healthcare Location (City, State): Chattanooga, TN Compensation ... Associate degree or healthcare-related certification is a plus. Perks * Competitive hourly ...

Patient Access Specialist Industry: Healthcare Location (City, State): Chattanooga, TN Compensation ... Associate degree or healthcare-related certification is a plus. Perks * Competitive hourly ...

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Patient Access Associate information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do patient access associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient access associate in Tennessee is $17.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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. The position offers opportunities for stable employment, skill development in customer service and administrative tasks, and often requires attention to detail and familiarity with electronic health records. It can be a good entry point into healthcare careers with potential for advancement.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Patient Access jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Patient Access jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Patient Access Associate jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Patient Access Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Patient Access Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,615 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Patient Access Specialist-7a-7p w. rotating weekends - East Campus

Erlanger Health System

Chattanooga, TN

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
The Patient Access Specialist I is an entry level position and is responsible for the accurate and efficient admitting, registering, bed placement, and financial analysis activities for all patients upon arrival to the healthcare system, including initiation of activities necessary to comply with managed care contracts and CMS regulations. Position is responsible for responding in a professional and courteous manner to all patient information inquiries, greeting and initiating the registration process upon patient's arrival. Position is responsible for the review of past account balances, notifying patient of their financial responsibility, and collection of these balances. This includes supporting their department in meeting the pre-collections goals defined by revenue cycle management. Review accounts with inadequate financial coverage for the purpose of coordinating with financial counseling services and facilitating an application for State Agency or Charity. In addition, Patient Access Specialist I must have comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system patient access policy and procedures as well as enforce established requirements and processes. The Patient Access Specialist I demonstrates empathy and professionalism as reflected by courteous actions, maintenance of confidentiality and appropriate presentation of self; consistently exhibits excellent oral and written communication skills; possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide interactive communications appropriate to the age of the patient being served; interact appropriately with third party payers and other departments; and have the ability to relate well to people of a broad socio-economic mix. Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, work in a fast pace environment and a commitment to teamwork are essential. Must have ability to work closely in a clinical setting involving some stressful situations, personal flexibility; moderate sitting, standing, stooping, bending and moderate work at portable computers required. Position must demonstrate excellent computer skills.
Education:
Required: High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred: Prefer graduate of Medical Secretary Program
Experience:
Required:
Demonstrated ability to read, write, arithmetic, multiplication/division including fractions and decimals. Strong computer skills.Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal communication and telephone etiquette are required. Demonstrate ability to multitask and manage high volumes. Computer, fax machine, copier, multiline telephone.
.
Preferred:
Knowledge of basic registration and third party payer preferred. Preference for work experience in a physician front office or insurance/healthcare call center. Medical terminology, and basic knowledge base of CPT and ICD-9 codes, insurance coding and billing knowledge,
Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Preferred: Certified Healthcare Access Associate from NAHAM
Department Position Summary:
Essential Functions:
1. Register and activate scheduled patients by gathering all demographic, financial, and pertinent information necessary to meet all regulatory andbilling requirements.
2. Register and activate walk-in, add-on, and emergency room patients by gathering all patient demographic financial and pertinent information
necessary to meet all regulatory and billing requirements.
3. Verify insurance eligibility and benefits for scheduled outpatient and
inpatient patients.
4. Validate pre-certification.
5. Compute patient liability at point of registration
6. Communicate and collect patient financial liabilities.
7. Review prior bad debts and request payment of outstanding prior bad
debt.
8. Alert Financial Advocates of accounts with financial clearance issues.
Document patient liability and financial clearance status to ensure
timely processing at the point of service.
9. Demonstrate excellent verbal and action related customer service skills to our patients, physicians, visitors.