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Patient Access Associate Jobs in Gray, GA (NOW HIRING)

Audiology Assistants improve access to patient care by increasing the availability of audiological ... Associates - Milledgeville Hourly salary $16 - $17 Employment type Full-time

Atlanta Hearing Associates (AHA) is seeking an Audiology Assistant to join their team in ... Audiology Assistants improve access to patient care by increasing the availability of audiological ...

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Patient Access Associate information

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How much do patient access associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient access associate in Gray, GA is $17.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.29 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 cities near Gray, GA are hiring for Patient Access Associate jobs?

Cities near Gray, GA with the most Patient Access Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Patient Access Associate job openings in Gray, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,405 per year, or $18 per hour.

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Children's Healthcare Of Atlanta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Patient Access Representative

Communicates with patients, families, physicians, quality review, clinical staff, and insurance companies to obtain information and insurance verification to ensure quality patient care and payment of hospital accounts. Collaborates with Appeals department to overturn claims denials. Provides other registration, clerical, and billing support as required, including scheduling, chart creation, charge entry, scanning, and point-of-service collections.

Experience:

  • 1 year of experience in healthcare or related clerical, accounting, or customer service experience. Bachelor's degree or equivalent education may be considered in lieu of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • College degree
  • 1 year of experience in registration
  • Certified Patient Account Representative (CPAR) or Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
  • Experience using patient registration systems, insurance verification systems, and/or Medicaid portals

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

Certification Summary:

  • No professional certifications required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Understanding of and familiarity with medical terminology
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Word
  • Strong verbal/written communication skills
  • Demonstrated arithmetic and word mathematical problem-solving skills
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Proven ability to multitask and must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Ability to travel as needed to support multiple locations or different departments
  • Ability to uphold highest level of customer service while covering any location

Job Responsibilities:

  • Communicates with patients, families, physicians, clinical staff, and insurance companies to obtain information and insurance verification to ensure quality patient care and payment of hospital accounts.
  • Interviews patients and families to obtain complete and accurate demographic and financial information and ensures all necessary questionnaires and forms are completed according to pre-determined requirements by government or regulatory agencies.
  • Enters data into system for registration, billing, patient tracking, charge capture, and reconciliation in a fast, efficient way to minimize patient wait times.
  • Verifies insurance coverage and/or validates authorizations if applicable.
  • Explains regulatory financial requirements to patient or responsible party and collects/posts deposits or deductible amounts as required (for outside clinics, could include ensuring that referring physicians have obtained prior insurance authorization as needed and rescheduling appointments if necessary).
  • Assists Patient Accounting by capturing accurate and compliant data elements to produce clean claims, preventing denials and delayed payments. Serves as liaison between patient and department staff by informing patients and families of procedures and delays, answering questions, offering assistance, relaying messages, and other services that patients and families may require. Escalates immediate needs to appropriate leaders and/or clinical team members.
  • Ensures wait time communication occurs by updating schedulers and patient information tools as appropriate.
  • Initiates and executes daily medical record maintenance while maintaining patient confidentiality, including creation of patient charts, filing encounter-specific paperwork, and maintaining correspondence via mailing/faxing with patient's primary care provider and/or specialists as necessary.
  • Provides release of medical information as required.
  • May initiate and perform administrative duties to ensure efficient daily business operations, including participating in the office/department opening and closing procedures, assisting with maintaining, ordering, and restocking front office supplies, and receiving and distributing mail.
  • Schedules patient appointments when needed, including referral from faxes, phones, or other instructions and contacts physician offices to resolve discrepancies.
  • Coordinates all aspects of scheduling including procedures, provider visits, and use of resources.
  • Attends and participates in department meetings according to department standards and may serve on committees representing the department, which could include multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
  • Assists Supervisor and/or Manager by being available to teammates, acting as a resource to help complete complicated/complex tasks, on the job training to team, and seeking out opportunities to become actively involved in staff workflow and development.
  • Prescreens doctor's orders (scripts) received for new patients to ensure completeness/appropriateness of scheduled appointment (clinic setting).
  • May prepare case review materials for court preparation for forensic interviewers and providers (clinic setting/Center for Safe and Healthy Children).
  • Coordinates subpoena process between court system, Child Protection Center, and legal department and facilitates billing process for expert testimony in court cases (clinic setting/Center for Safe and Healthy Children).

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic covered by applicable law.

Primary Location Address: 410 Peachtree Pkwy

Job Family: Patient Access


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