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Patient Access Associate Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Pre-Visit Associate I

Concord, MA · On-site

$22 - $29.57/hr

... the patients' access into the hospital and clinical systems by providing scheduling, pre ... Associates degree preferred. Experience Minimum of 1-3 years experience in Registration, Hospital ...

Pre-Visit Associate I

Concord, MA · On-site

$22 - $29.57/hr

... the patients' access into the hospital and clinical systems by providing scheduling, pre ... Associates degree preferred. Experience Minimum of 1-3 years experience in Registration, Hospital ...

Showing results 21-40

Patient Access Associate information

See Boston, MA salary details

$15

$21

$25

How much do patient access associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient access associate in Boston, MA is $21.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $23.75 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Patient Access jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Patient Access Associate jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Patient Access Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Patient Access Associate job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,825 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Patient Access Rep -32H - Beverly

Beth Israel Lahey Health

Boston, MA • On-site

$20.50 - $27.59/hr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Beth Israel Lahey Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you're making a difference in people's lives.
This position supports the Beverly Emergency Department in Patient Access Services. 2 week schedule as follows:
Mon/Tue/Wed 8am - 4:30p, Sat 7-3:30p
Sun 7am-3:30p, Tue/Wed 8-4:30p, Fri 6a-3p
some on call also required
Job Description:
Essential Duties & Responsibilities including but not limited to:
Registration:
1. Registers patients presenting for visits. Explains the registration process to patients and responds to patient questions.
2. Processes patient co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles, and balances due. Safeguards cash, checks and receipts and reconciles cash drawer at the end of each business day. Assists patients with Kiosk check-in as needed.
3. Completes the Medicare Secondary Payer Questionnaire for each patient and adjusts patient coverage based on results.
4. Instructs patients and obtains signatures on consent forms, financial forms, and other documents required by the clinical department; distributes documents to patients; scans, processes, and records receipt of all documents collected during registration encounter.
5. Counsels patients regarding non-covered services, obtaining signatures on Advance Notice Beneficiaries (ABNs), consents and waivers.
6. Monitors patient waiting area for a smooth, efficient registration flow. Advises patients of potential delays and takes steps to ensure a pleasant patient experience.
7. Responds to patient concerns and potential patient safety issues accordingly. Recognizes health conditions that are a possible risk to others and adheres to appropriate established procedures to help contain risk.
8. Assures a neat, orderly registration desk and patient waiting area, securing all confidential patient information.
Scheduling:
9. Initiates patient scheduling activities by prioritizing and accessing a variety of sources, including patient phone calls and digital messaging, orders, scheduled order work queues.
10. Utilizes a variety of information sources to schedule, reschedule, and cancel patient appointments. Information sources include online questionnaires, offline materials, and subgroup searches.
11. Establishes working relationships with staff of assigned clinical departments. Understands and correctly applies unique clinical department scheduling protocols.
12. Remains current on scheduling protocols and applies judgment, or seeks management assistance, to ensure safe patient care when clinical department scheduling protocols do not meet patient needs.
13. Ensures all required key patient scheduling and registration information is captured and verified. Key information includes referring physician information, insurance coverage, demographics, and contact information.
14. Identifies and communicates to Patient Access management issues that may impact the timeliness and accuracy of patient appointments and subsequent patient care.
15. Strictly follows confidentiality and equipment security and safeguarding guidelines when working in a remote setting. Maintains productivity, quality, and accuracy levels and communicates regularly with the Supervisor and Manager. Pre-Registration:
16. Efficiently registers patients, capturing and verifying all required information in order to identify the patient, contact the patient, and receive proper reimbursement for services on initial claim submission.
17. Ascertains, creates, and assigns the guarantor for each patient, including personal/family relations, workers compensation insurance, third parties, behavioral health, or others as required.
18. Identifies records and verifies patient insurance coverage using real-time eligibility (RTE); reviews the insurer's response to each verification request and takes appropriate action based on this response.
19. Applies the appropriate guarantor and insurance to each patient visit.
20. Communicates financial clearance status to patients. Advises patients of contract status, self-pay status, and payment responsibility and schedules patients with Financial Counseling as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High school degree or equivalent. Associate's degree preferred.
Licensure, Certification & Registration: None
Experience: 1-3 years related work experience. Experience with computer systems required, including web-based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Access.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: Able to work successfully in a fast-paced, multi-task environment, where some independent decision-making is necessary. Able to process electronic information and data accurately and efficiently.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
• Call Center and/or telephone customer service experience • Strong typing skills 40+wpm. Knowledge of medical terminology • Bilingual written and verbal communication skills • Familiar with EHR Software
Pay Range:
$20.50 - $27.59
The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.
As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.
More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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