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Patient access representatives are integral to the healthcare sector, providing important help to individuals receiving medical treatment.
These professionals serve as intermediaries between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring the accurate dissemination of information.
So, let’s see the responsibilities, required skills, and impact of patient access representatives working specifically in Louisiana.
Article Table of Contents
Road to a Patient Access Representative in Louisiana
Below I outline the map toward a career as a patient access representative.
1. Educational Requirements
To pursue a career as a patient access representative, a minimum educational qualification of a high school diploma or GED is typically required.
However, individuals looking to maximize their earning potential and enhance their credentials are encouraged to obtain an Associate’s Degree.
While not mandatory in Louisiana, obtaining a college degree can significantly boost one’s resume and provide a competitive advantage over other candidates.
It’s important to note that some professionals in this field may hold a Bachelor’s Degree, showcasing the diverse educational backgrounds within the industry.
The choice of degree program depends on various factors, including the duration of study (ranging from 2 to 4 years), financial considerations, and career advancement aspirations.
2. Get a Certification
In Louisiana, patient access representatives are not required to hold specific certifications or licenses.
But, obtaining national certifications can help with your career advancement.
There are a few different reputable certifications available for individuals looking to become patient access representatives in Louisiana.
Some of the certifications offered include:
- Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
- Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
- Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
- Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS)
Among these certifications, the CHAA certification provided by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is highly recommended for future patient access representatives.
The CHAA certification exam covers essential topics such as:
- Customer service,
- Patient access services
- Regulatory standards
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also offers two certifications: CMAA and CEHRS, which can also be beneficial for people pursuing a career as patient access representatives.
3. Work Experience
To work as a patient access representative, you have to obtain professional experience.
Some of the methods for this are:
- Record keeping
- Data entry
- Billing and coding
- Medical software proficiency
Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Louisiana
Various educational institutions in Louisiana offer programs that equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in healthcare administration and related fields.
Here are some notable programs available in the state.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette 
This program provides students with a solid foundation in healthcare delivery systems, health information systems, healthcare policy and law, and healthcare management.
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the healthcare industry and develop the skills required to effectively manage healthcare organizations.
Upon graduating, students will receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration.
Delgado Community College 
This college has 2 programs to choose from for future PARs.
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
This program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Health data requirements and standards
- Clinical classification and coding systems
- Data analysis
- Healthcare reimbursement methods
Students acquire the necessary skills to work in health information management and contribute to efficient healthcare operations.
Medical Office Administration
This program focuses on preparing students for administrative roles in healthcare offices.
Students learn about electronic health records, medical insurance, medical coding, and other essential administrative skills relevant to the healthcare industry.
Graduates are equipped to handle the administrative functions of a medical office effectively.
Louisiana State University 
This university offers an online program that emphasizes management and leadership skills in the context of healthcare administration.
Students gain knowledge of health systems, policy, and law, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute to the efficient delivery of healthcare services.
This program ends with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration.
Southern University at New Orleans 
The Health Information Management Systems program prepares students to manage patient health information and medical records.
It covers the administration of computer information systems, classification of diseases and treatments for research purposes, and quality management.
Graduates are well-prepared to handle the complexities of health information management in various healthcare settings.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Delgado Community College | 615 City Park Ave. New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 |
| Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge, LA 70803 |
| Southern University at New Orleans | 6400 Press Dr, New Orleans, LA 70126 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | 104 E University Ave, Lafayette, LA 70504 |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Louisiana
The salaries of patient access representatives in Louisiana may vary based on aspects such as where you live.
The job market for patient access representatives in Louisiana shows promising prospects.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this sector will increase over the next 10 years.
So, people wanting to become patient access representatives can expect a wide range of opportunities.
On average, professionals in this field earn a salary of around $48,191 per year.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of salary information, please refer to the table provided below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $49,192 |
| Metarie | $49,192 |
| Kenner | $49,166 |
| Violet | $49,166 |
| Ama | $49,085 |
| Luling | $49,005 |
| New Sarpy | $48,951 |
| Schriever | $48,790 |
| La Place | $48,708 |
| Baton Rouge | $47,991 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 80 | $49,030 | $23.57 | $64,110 | $29,850 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 310 | $47,970 | $23.06 | $73,930 | $30,160 |
| Hammond, LA | 30 | $46,810 | $22.51 | $58,310 | $31,050 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 100 | $41,190 | $19.8 | $62,010 | $28,210 |
| Lafayette, LA | 170 | $42,850 | $20.6 | $65,580 | $28,430 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 60 | $43,040 | $20.69 | $65,310 | $29,070 |
| Monroe, LA | 50 | $41,170 | $19.79 | $67,340 | $28,480 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 820 | $51,590 | $24.8 | $69,420 | $30,920 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 280 | $48,390 | $23.27 | $64,340 | $30,360 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in Louisiana?
These are some of the best skills to have for a PAR job:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Problem-solving,
- Organization,
- Computer
- General office
- Being calm
- Accuracy
Does my certification need renewal?
Nationally-recognized certifications usually need renewal.
How often this must be done depends on the institution issuing the certification.
Are there benefits for becoming a PAR in Louisiana?
Yes!
The most important one is that you get to help others and thus feel needed if this is something important to you.
Another benefit is that this entry-level job pays much more than many others.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State