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Patient access representatives play a critical role in the healthcare industry of Michigan, offering essential support to individuals in need of medical care.
These dedicated professionals serve as a bridge between patients and healthcare providers, facilitating effective communication throughout the recovery journey.
As part of their responsibilities, patient access representatives perform a range of tasks including patient registration, insurance verification, data collection and updating, and appointment scheduling.
Article Table of Contents
Road to a Patient Access Representative Position in Michigan
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a patient access representative in Michigan, here are the steps to get started.
1. Educational Requirements
Becoming a patient access representative in Michigan typically requires a minimum educational qualification of a high school diploma or GED.
However, individuals who aspire to maximize their earning potential and enhance their qualifications are encouraged to pursue an Associate’s Degree.
While not mandatory in Michigan, obtaining a college degree can greatly enhance one’s resume and provide a competitive advantage over other candidates in the field.
Although there are no specialized degree programs exclusively tailored for patient access representatives, there are excellent options available, such as pursuing a degree in healthcare administration.
The choice of degree program depends on various factors, including the duration of study, which can range from 2 to 4 years.
2. Get a Certification
In Michigan, a specific certification is not required to work as a patient access representative.
However, obtaining national certifications can greatly enhance career prospects in this field.
There are several reputable certifications available for individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives in Michigan.
These certifications cover various specialized areas, including healthcare access, medical office management, billing, coding, and administrative support.
Some noteworthy certifications offered in Michigan 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 individuals pursuing a career as patient access representatives.
This certification exam covers essential topics such as customer service, patient access services, and regulatory standards, equipping professionals with the necessary expertise to excel in their roles.
Additionally, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers two certifications, CMAA and CEHRS, which can also be valuable for those interested in the patient access representative role.
These certifications provide additional knowledge and skills that can enhance job prospects and professional growth in the healthcare industry.
3. Work Experience
Acquiring professional experience is a crucial step for individuals aspiring to pursue a career as patient access representatives.
There are several key methods to gain this valuable experience:
- Record Keeping:
- Developing strong skills in maintaining accurate and organized records is essential for patient access representatives.
- They must effectively document patient information and ensure its accessibility when needed.
- Data Entry:
- Proficiency in data entry is vital for patient access representatives.
- They are responsible for accurately inputting patient data into electronic systems or databases, ensuring the precision and integrity of the information.
- Medical Software Proficiency:
- Familiarity with various medical software systems is a must for patient access representatives.
- They need to navigate electronic health record systems and other software tools to retrieve and update patient information efficiently.
- Billing:
- Understanding billing procedures and possessing a basic knowledge of medical coding is valuable for patient access representatives.
- This knowledge allows them to assist in billing processes and ensure accurate documentation.
By gaining experience in these areas, individuals can develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as patient access representatives and contribute effectively to the healthcare industry.
Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Michigan
Michigan offers a range of healthcare training programs designed specifically for aspiring patient service representatives.
Here are some programs available.
Washtenaw Community College 
This school will teach students more about health sciences including health data, health policy, health behavior, and healthcare delivery systems.
At the end of the program, you will be ready to get certified and get hired for any position within the industry.
Michigan State University 
This program gives you the knowledge and skills to organize healthcare data, such as medical terminology, medical record management, as well as insurance reimbursements.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Michigan State University | 220 Trowbridge Rd East Lansing, MI 48824 |
| Washtenaw Community College | 4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Michigan
Michigan offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals aspiring to work as patient access representatives in the robust healthcare industry.
With a wide array of healthcare facilities and organizations scattered across the state, there is a strong demand for skilled professionals in this field.
On average, patient access representatives in Michigan earn an annual salary of around $50,268 dollars.
However, it’s crucial to note that actual salaries may vary depending on factors such as your experience and where you live.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the salary ranges in this field, please refer to the table provided below:
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $51,849 |
| Westland | $51,125 |
| Detroit | $50,804 |
| Warren | $50,804 |
| Dearborn | $50,804 |
| Addison | $50,762 |
| Taylor | $50,723 |
| Sterling Heights | $50,643 |
| Livonia | $50,643 |
| Algonac | $50,402 |
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 350 | $51,290 | $24.66 | $66,230 | $36,090 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 40 | $45,220 | $21.74 | $63,840 | $28,850 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 1,550 | $46,580 | $22.39 | $62,910 | $35,240 |
| Flint, MI | 270 | $45,890 | $22.06 | $63,940 | $31,590 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 440 | $44,690 | $21.49 | $60,720 | $34,370 |
| Jackson, MI | 30 | $48,090 | $23.12 | $69,970 | $31,350 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 100 | $40,950 | $19.69 | $57,640 | $29,910 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 210 | $52,490 | $25.24 | $73,450 | $35,430 |
| Midland, MI | 50 | $45,870 | $22.05 | $59,040 | $36,950 |
| Muskegon, MI | 100 | $43,230 | $20.78 | $55,080 | $30,760 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 60 | $35,060 | $16.86 | $46,340 | $25,500 |
| Saginaw, MI | 110 | $49,090 | $23.6 | $65,430 | $32,210 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my certification need renewal?
Nationally-recognized certifications usually need renewal.
How often this must be done depends on the institution issuing the certification.
Where will I find Employment as a PAR in Michigan?
Future PARs from Michigan can work in these types of settings:
- Acute care hospitals
- Extended care and mental health facilities
- State and federal agencies
- Insurance companies
- Colleges
- Transcription services and consulting
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in Michigan?
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
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State