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Patient Access Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

AdaptHealth

Intake Specialist

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Intake Specialist The Intake Specialist plays a vital role in supporting patient access to care by ... High School Diploma, Associate's degree in relatable field, Healthcare Administration, Business ...

AdaptHealth LLC

Intake Specialist

Columbia, SC · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

... role in supporting patient access to care by coordinating referrals, reviewing clinical ... High School Diploma, Associate's degree in relatable field, Healthcare Administration, Business ...

AdaptHealth, LLC

Intake Specialist

Columbia, SC · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

... role in supporting patient access to care by coordinating referrals, reviewing clinical ... High School Diploma, Associate's degree in relatable field, Healthcare Administration, Business ...

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All JobsPatient Access Associate JobsPatient Access Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC

Patient Access Associate information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$11

$15

$19

How much do patient access associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient access associate in Columbia, SC is $15.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $17.88 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 Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Patient Access jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Patient Access Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Patient Access Associate job openings:

Patient Access Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Access Associate job openings in Columbia, SC 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, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,941 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Paitent Care Coordinator

Pediatric Therapy Associates

Lexington, SC • On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Patient Care Coordinator Pediatric Therapy Associates

Location: Aiken or Lexington, SC | Supporting Multiple Clinic Locations

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Position

A+ Kids & Pediatric Therapy Associates is looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented Patient Care Coordinator to join our growing team. This position will play an essential role in helping children access the therapy services they need by managing the referral and insurance process from initial referral through scheduling and authorization.

The ideal candidate will have strong medical insurance knowledge, understand the referral and authorization process, and be comfortable working with multiple insurance plans, providers, families, and therapy teams.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being the person who makes the process work and wants to make a meaningful difference in the care of pediatric patients.

Key ResponsibilitiesReferral & Patient Coordination

Process and manage pediatric therapy referrals for multiple clinic locations.

Receive referrals from physicians, hospitals, schools, families, and other healthcare providers.

Review referrals for completeness and obtain missing documentation as needed.

Verify patient demographics, diagnoses, physician orders, and required clinical documentation.

Coordinate referrals for OT, PT, SLP, and other pediatric therapy services.

Communicate with families regarding referral status, next steps, and required information.

Coordinate with therapists and clinic leadership to ensure referrals move efficiently through the intake process.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation throughout the referral process.

Insurance & Authorization

Verify patient eligibility and benefits for multiple commercial and government insurance plans.

Understand insurance requirements related to pediatric therapy services.

Obtain and track prior authorizations and referrals when required.

Determine insurance-specific requirements for OT, PT, and SLP services.

Communicate with insurance companies regarding benefits, authorizations, limitations, and coverage.

Monitor expiration dates and coordinate renewals as needed.

Identify potential insurance issues before services are provided.

Work closely with the billing and clinical teams to resolve insurance-related concerns.

Multi-Office Coordination

Manage referral workflows across multiple clinic locations.

Help determine the appropriate clinic location and therapist based on patient needs and availability.

Maintain visibility of referral status across locations.

Assist with managing waitlists and identifying opportunities to schedule patients sooner.

Help ensure consistent referral and intake processes across all offices.

What We're Looking For

Previous experience in medical office administration, patient access, referrals, insurance verification, authorizations, or healthcare coordination.

Strong understanding of medical insurance terminology and processes.

Experience working with insurance companies and obtaining authorizations.

Knowledge of healthcare referrals and medical documentation requirements.

Pediatric therapy experience is a strong plus.

Excellent organizational and follow-up skills.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to manage multiple referrals and priorities simultaneously.

Excellent communication skills with families, healthcare providers, insurance representatives, and clinical staff.

Comfortable working independently while also collaborating with a growing team.

Ability to learn and utilize electronic medical records, scheduling systems, and insurance portals.

What We Offer:

Flexible Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Competitive Compensation: Hourly or salary-based pay structure

Collaborative Team Environment: Work alongside experienced OTs, PTs, and SLPs in a creative, supportive, and innovative setting

Professional Growth: Mentorship, continuing education support, and career advancement opportunities

Benefits Package Includes:

Paid Time Off (Vacation & Sick Leave)

Paid Holidays

Mentorship Program during your first year

401(k) with Matching

Health Insurance (BCBS)Dental & Vision InsuranceFSA (Flexible Spending Account)

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

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