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Patient Access Service Representative Jobs in Decatur, AL

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Patient Access Service Representative information

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$11

$17

$22

How much do patient access service representative jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient access service representative in Decatur, AL is $17.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient access service representative?

A Patient Access Service Representative is a healthcare professional who assists patients with the administrative aspects of their medical visits. Their duties often include registering patients, verifying insurance, scheduling appointments, and collecting necessary documentation. They serve as the first point of contact for patients entering a healthcare facility and play a crucial role in ensuring smooth communication between patients and medical staff. Excellent customer service skills and attention to detail are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient access service representative, and why are they important?

To excel as a Patient Access Service Representative, you need strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring healthcare-related coursework or experience. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic health records (EHR), and insurance verification tools is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and a calm demeanor help you manage patient interactions and resolve issues efficiently. These skills ensure accurate patient registration, enhance the patient experience, and support smooth healthcare operations.

What are some common challenges faced by patient access service representatives and how can they be managed?

Patient Access Service Representatives often navigate challenges such as handling high patient volumes, managing sensitive information, and addressing diverse patient needs with empathy. Effective time management and strong communication skills are crucial in ensuring accurate registration, insurance verification, and appointment scheduling. Building familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and staying updated on healthcare policies can also help representatives stay efficient and reduce errors. Many organizations offer training and peer support to help new team members adapt and excel in this fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Patient Access Service Representative vs Medical Secretary?

AspectPatient Access Service RepresentativeMedical Secretary
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; administrative or medical office training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesMedical offices, hospitals, clinics
Primary ResponsibilitiesPatient check-in, insurance verification, schedulingScheduling, correspondence, record management

The Patient Access Service Representative primarily handles patient intake and insurance processes, while the Medical Secretary focuses on administrative support and documentation. Both roles are essential in healthcare settings and often overlap in customer service and administrative tasks, but they differ in specific duties and focus areas.

How do I become a patient access service representative?

To become a patient access service representative, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and strong communication and customer service skills. Some employers may prefer prior experience in healthcare or administrative roles, and training is often provided on the job. Certification is not required but can enhance job prospects.

Is it hard to be a patient access service representative?

Being a patient access service representative involves handling administrative tasks such as scheduling, verifying insurance, and assisting patients, which requires strong communication and organizational skills. The role can be fast-paced and may involve managing multiple priorities, but it generally does not require extensive prior experience or advanced certifications. Success in this position depends on attention to detail, customer service skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

What are the duties of a patient access service representative?

A patient access service representative is responsible for scheduling appointments, verifying patient insurance and personal information, collecting copayments, and ensuring accurate registration in the healthcare facility's system. They serve as the first point of contact for patients, requiring strong communication skills and familiarity with electronic health records and billing processes.

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Patient Access Service Representative jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Patient Access Service Representative job openings:

Infographic showing various Patient Access Service Representative job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,432 per year, or $17 per hour.

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Huntsville Hospital Health System rating

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Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

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Job description

Overview

Job Summary: Professionally and courteously interviews patients and/or family members

to obtain accurate and complete demographic, financial, and medical information for the registration/admission process and patient identification. Verifies insurance eligibility and benefits. Estimates patient responsibility, collects, and posts payments. Ensures the  smooth flow of patients through  registration areas. Provides excellent customer service and service recovery.  Demonstrates through behavior Decatur Morgan Hospital's mission, vision and values.

Responsibilities Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions

1.     Accurately identifies patient records using 2 patient identifiers

2.     Greets and interviews patients or calls and interviews patients by phone to obtain all necessary insurance and demographic information.

3.     Accurately enters data into the registration system, including medical, demographic, insurance, precertification, and medical necessity data.

4.     Verifies insurance benefits, precertification status, and medical necessity information.

5.     Determines patient financial responsibility, collects and posts all applicable copays, deductibles, and co-insurance balances.

6.     Assists patients in making payment arrangements when appropriate.

7.     Completes all registrations and preregistrations in a timely manner.

8.     Assists patients with completing all necessary admission forms.

9.     Escorts patients to treatment locations.

10.  Performs registration duties with minimal supervision or guidance.

11.  Provides coverage in other Patient Access areas as needed.

12.  Provides excellent customer service and service recovery when needed.

13.  Required to attend all departmental staff meetings.

14.  Successfully completes all required tests and quizzes in NetLearning

15.  Responsible for knowledge of all pertinent policies and procedures.

16.  Must be able to multi-task and prioritize multiple simultaneous duties.

17.  Must utilize AIDET and HEATT to problem solve with patients, visitors, co-workers and staff from other departments.

18.  Responsible for managing personal time and attendance, notifying supervisor immediately of issues.

Qualifications Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:
  • Education / Certification:
  •              High School / GED required. Post-secondary education preferred.

  • Experience
  • Two years customer service strongly preferred. Previous registration, scheduling, insurance, medical records, or billing experience preferred.

  • Additional Skills / Abilities
  • Excellent verbal and written skills required. Must possess ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a positive attitude. Must demonstrate effective time management skills. Must demonstrate efficiency and organizational skills with the ability to multitask. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite strongly preferred.

    Employment Type: OTHER

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