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Patient Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Patient Access Representative

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$22.57 - $30.57/hr

As a Patient Access Representative, you'll use your strong communication and interpersonal skills to collect insurance and other essential information, assist patients and families in understanding ...

Patient Access Representative

Tualatin, OR ยท On-site

$22.32 - $31.90/hr

As a Patient Access Representative, you'll use your strong communication and interpersonal skills to collect insurance and other essential information, assist patients and families in understanding ...

As a natural "people person," the Patient Dining Assistant communicates directly with patients-in person or by phone-to assist with meal ordering based on their dietary needs. As a valued member of ...

Ability to recommend treatments and products to benefit the patient * Assist patients throughout consultations to identify their goals and help them decide the correct procedure to achieve optimal ...

Showing results 21-40

Patient Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$12

$23

$65

How much do patient assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient assistant in Portland, OR is $23.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient assistant?

Patient Assistants are healthcare professionals who support nurses and other medical staff in caring for patients. Their duties typically include helping patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as assisting with mobility and transportation within healthcare facilities. Patient Assistants also monitor patients' conditions, report changes to medical staff, and help maintain a clean and safe environment. They play a vital role in ensuring patients' comfort and well-being during their stay in hospitals or care facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient assistant?

To thrive as a Patient Assistant, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic medical knowledge, and experience in patient care or healthcare settings. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic medical records (EMRs), and basic medical equipment is often required. Compassion, strong communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for supporting patients and collaborating with medical staff. These abilities ensure patients receive attentive, safe, and effective care while maintaining smooth clinical operations.

What are some common challenges patient assistants face when supporting patients with mobility issues?

Patient Assistants frequently help individuals with limited mobility, which can present both physical and emotional challenges. Safely transferring or repositioning patients requires proper training to prevent injury to both the patient and the assistant. Additionally, Patient Assistants must navigate sensitive situations with empathy and patience, as some patients may feel frustrated or embarrassed by their limitations. Effective communication and teamwork with nurses and other healthcare professionals are essential to ensure patient comfort and safety.

What is the difference between Patient Assistant vs Medical Assistant?

AspectPatient AssistantMedical Assistant
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but some may have basic trainingCertified or registered with credentials like CMA or RMA
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, patient care areasClinics, hospitals, physician offices, labs
Job DutiesAssisting patients with daily activities, basic patient support, escorting patientsClinical tasks like taking vital signs, preparing patients, administrative duties
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities focusing on patient comfort and supportMedical practices, hospitals, clinics with clinical responsibilities

While both roles support patient care, Patient Assistants primarily focus on patient comfort and support without extensive clinical duties, whereas Medical Assistants perform clinical tasks and administrative work, often requiring certification. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How do I become a patient assistant?

To become a patient assistant, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require certification in healthcare or first aid. Relevant skills include communication, empathy, and basic medical knowledge, and on-the-job training is often provided. Some roles may require background checks and adherence to healthcare regulations.

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Patient Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Patient Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Patient Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,451 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Patient Access Representative

PATIENT ACCESS

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$22.57 - $30.57/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Patient Access Representative

You are the first face patients see โ€” setting the tone for a welcoming and positive experience. Simply put, you are the face of Legacy.

As we work to fulfill our mission of making life better for others, we need compassionate and capable individuals to guide patients through every step of their healthcare journey. As a Patient Access Representative, you'll use your strong communication and interpersonal skills to collect insurance and other essential information, assist patients and families in understanding their financial responsibilities, collect co-payments, and ensure required legal documentation is obtained for state and federal compliance.

Your attention to detail in creating accurate medical and financial records will make a meaningful difference for both patients and our medical teams.

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in North Portland plays a vital role as a local and regional leader in serious clinical illness or injury. With around-the-clock expertise for critical health issues, including experts in trauma, heart care, burns, significant wounds, stroke, brain surgery and more, Legacy Emanuel is central to the health of our community and critical to the care of the Northwest.

Schedule will be Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday - Thursday Friday Saturday

Responsibilities

The Patient Access Representative serves as the primary non-clinical contact for all hospital-based patient visits. Responsibilities include:

  • Greeting, registering, checking in, and admitting patients according to scope and service line.
  • Collecting patient demographics, identifying medical providers involved in care, and documenting medical decision-makers.
  • Verifying insurance coverage and benefits, and determining patient financial responsibilities.
  • Assisting patients and families in understanding active insurance coverage and providing guidance on accessing financial and insurance resources.
  • Offering self-pay information and applicable discounts.
  • Collecting copayments, coinsurances, deposits, and payments as appropriate.
  • Collaborating with Revenue Cycle departments and hospital units to ensure accurate medical and financial records.
  • Collecting and submitting required legal documentation to meet State and Federal compliance regulations.
Qualifications

Education:

  • High School diploma or equivalent required.
  • Two years college education including satisfactory completion of college level Health Records coursework preferred.

Experience:

  • A minimum of one year of healthcare experience or equivalent education in at least one of the following areas required: Patient Access, Medical Records/Health Information or applicable clerical support experience.
  • Six months customer service experience required.
  • Previous registrar and third-party payor experience preferred.
  • An understanding of health plan and benefit structures preferred.

Skills:

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required.
  • Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision, exercising independent judgment within stated guidelines.
  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills which promote cooperation and teamwork.
  • Ability to withstand varying job pressures and organize/prioritize related job tasks.
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time.
  • Excellent public relations skills and demonstrated ability to communicate in calm, succinct, business-like manner.
  • Ability to deal with people in emergent and/or stressful situations.
  • Ability to identify alternative means of communication as needed.
  • Ability to adapt to change.
  • Keyboard skills and ability to navigate electronic systems applicable to job functions.
  • Ability to maneuver through several applications including electronic medical records, Microsoft Office applications, different software, website, and databases.
  • Demonstrated understanding of complex collection issues.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of multi-payor systems, and understanding and applying e-coverage results preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of billing/collection, past balances, deposits and knowing State and Federal rules and regulations preferred.
  • Ability to understand and adhere to EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) guidelines.
  • Able to communicate patient financial communication, offer financial aid services, educating patients on eligibility and in and out of network status.
  • Ability to enroll patients into Presumptive Medicaid services โ€“ which entails a detailed questionnaire with the patient to determine eligibility
  • Knowledge of medical terminology.
Pay Range

USD $22.57 - USD $30.57 /Hr.

Our Commitment to Health and Equal Opportunity

Our Legacy is good for health for Our People, Our Patients, Our Communities, Our World. Above all, we will do the right thing.

If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to applyโ€”even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.

Legacy Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.