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Patient Access Associate Jobs in Milltown, WI (NOW HIRING)

Patient Access Associate information

See Milltown, WI salary details

$13

$18

$22

How much do patient access associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient access associate in Milltown, WI is $18.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $21.06 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 Milltown, WI are hiring for Patient Access Associate jobs?

Cities near Milltown, WI with the most Patient Access Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Patient Access Associate job openings in Milltown, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,828 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Patient Access Associate- Full Time

St Croix Health

Saint Croix Falls, WI • On-site

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description

   St. Croix Health is seeking a full-time (.8 FTE) team member to join our organization. This position is scheduled Monday- Friday as early as 6am and as late as 4:30pm.  With a weekend rotation for 1st and 2nd shift every three to four weeks. 


The Patient Access Associate is responsible for being the first point of contact with patients and their caregivers. This position assists patients with the administrative aspects of gaining access to the medical treatment they need. The Patient Access Associate oversees patient registration, telecommunication systems, and patient scheduling. 


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:   

Patient Registration

  • Greet patients and their caregivers upon arrival
  • Register patient accurately in the database
  • Collect information such as patient details, medical history, billing, and insurance information
  • Records insurance information and updates any other patient information
  • Relays information between patients and other staff members 
  • Informs patients and their caregivers on hospital procedures, policies, and protocols

Telecommunication 

  • Handles all functions in the telecommunications area, daily on call schedule, alarm monitors and ambulance communications and/or works the call center in the clinic.
  • Patient/staff complaints when in telecommunications area
  • Input from other departments on our accuracy

Patient Scheduling  

  • Schedules patient appointments and procedures as requested by patients, nursing or medical providers.
  • Review of errors that come from the chores when checking appointments


* While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.

Requirements

Education & Licensure: 

  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • Associate degree in related field preferred

Experience:

  • One year of experience in customer service, patient registration, or another similar role in a healthcare setting


Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times


  St. Croix Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process.  If reasonable accommodations are needed, please contact us at HR@scrmc.org or 800-828-3627 


St. Croix Health has been a healing force in the St. Croix Valley for over 103 years. We are a purpose-driven organization with a dedicated team committed to serving our patients and communities throughout the St. Croix Valley. This commitment is rooted in our mission, vision and values. 


Mission: To deliver care driven by excellence, guided by heart, and grounded in community.

Vision: To be a trusted partner in providing healthcare that is personal and accessible to all, by adapting to meet the needs of our communities, and support lifelong well-being.

Values: Integrity. Respect. Compassion. Collaboration


Here at St. Croix Health, we offer our employees with a robust benefits package that includes:

  • Health, vision and dental insurance
  • 403b retirement program with employer match
  • Paid time off
  • Short-term disability, long-term disability and life insurance options
  • Education reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Wellbeing incentive program
  • Free parking

St. Croix Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system located in St. Croix Falls, WI dedicated to helping people live healthier, happier, and longer lives. St. Croix Health offers the services of 80+ providers and 20 specialties with five community clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin all supported by a critical access hospital on the main campus in St. Croix Falls, just an hour northeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Nestled in the bluffs of the St. Croix River Valley, St. Croix Falls is the ideal place to work, live and play.