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Patient Access Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... patient access, provider schedule utilization, and scheduling accuracy. This role partners with ... Associate degree; Additional years of experience may substitute for the required education on a ...

Ability to monitor/access performance of self, other individuals, or organization to recommend ... Associates degree or equivalent experience required. * 1+ years of experience in a community ...

As needed, will cross-fill the Patient Access Associate position, which is responsible for greeting patients/family members and obtaining demographic, clinical, financial and insurance information in ...

As needed, will cross-fill the Patient Access Associate position, which is responsible for greeting patients/family members and obtaining demographic, clinical, financial and insurance information in ...

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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.

Central Access Pre-cert Rep, M-F, 9a-5p

Medicine Journal

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
The Central Access Precert Rep is responsible for scheduling, securing patient demographic and insurance information; verifying insurance eligibility and benefits, obtaining and securing pre-certification and clinical documentation obtained and validated. Strong emphasis of managing scheduled cases less than 24 hours and same day add-on cases. Position demonstrates ability to interpret Local Coverage Determination and National Coverage Determinations or commercial contract requirements necessary for pre-certification or authorization. Central access specialist III manages heavy call and schedule volumes. Position is responsible for notifying patients of their financial obligation and collecting co-pays, deductibles, deposits and other identified out-of-pocket liabilities or deposits on accounts as required and supporting their department in meeting the pre-collections goals defined by Revenue Cycle management. This also includes a review of past account balances, notifying patient of additional financial responsibility, and attempt collection of these balances. Review accounts with inadequate financial coverage for the purpose of coordinating with the Central Access Financial Advocate. Position will have daily interactions with physicians or their office designee and with Erlanger's clinical department leaders as necessary to financially clear the patient for the next day of service. The Central Access Precert Rep demonstrates 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, manage a multi-line phone system and a commitment to teamwork are essential. Must have ability to work closely in a clinical setting involving some stressful situations.
Education:
Required:
High School or Equivalent
Preferred:
Associate's Degree in Business Administration or healthcare related field
Experience:
Required:
Three years work experience in either a governmental or commercial insurance provider office with call center experience or two years experience as a Central Access Specialist I or as an Pt Access Specialist II with proven work outcomes and no current disciplinary actions within the past year. Strong Medical terminology, and moderate knowledge of CPT and ICD-9 codes, insurance coding and billing knowledge, Ability to read, write and arithmetic including fractions and decimals. Strong computer skills, excellent customer service skills and interpersonal communication and telephone etiquette are required. Exhibit comprehension of scheduling, registration, financial clearance and physician order processes. Ability to interpret health insurance benefits, clinical documentation from physician office to secure medical necessity. Computer, fax machine, copier, multiline telephone. Demonstrate ability to multitask and manage high volumes. Individual is a self-starter and demonstrated ability prioritize work and manage multiple task in a sometimes stressful environment.
Preferred;
Bilingual
Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Preferred:
Certified Healthcare Access Associate from NAHAM
Essential Functions:
1. Answering incoming phone calls and scheduling outpatient
appointments.
2. Pre-register scheduled patients by gathering all patient demographic
and financial information.
3. Verify insurance eligibility and benefits for scheduled outpatient and
inpatient patients.
4. Validate and initiate pre-certification.
5. Compute patient liability.
6. Communicate and initiate time of service collections.
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. Complete pre-registration, insurance verification and financial
clearance for special admission and transfer patients.