How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Mississippi

In Mississippi, patient access representatives have the role of providing support to individuals seeking medical care.

These professionals are intermediaries between patients and insurance companies, ensuring communication goes smoothly.

Patient access representatives undertake various responsibilities as part of their role, including:

• Registering patients
• Verifying insurance information
• Data collection and updating
• Scheduling appointments

Their contributions are essential in ensuring a smooth and efficient healthcare experience for patients.

Steps Toward a Patient Access Representative Job in Mississippi

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a patient access representative in Mississippi, here are the steps to get started.

1. Educational Requirements

To pursue a career as a patient access representative in Mississippi, you need a high school diploma or GED.

However, those aiming to expand their earning potential are encouraged to consider obtaining an Associate’s Degree.

While not mandatory in Mississippi, a college degree can significantly enhance a candidate’s resume.

The choice of degree program depends on various factors, including the duration of study, which typically ranges from 2 to 4 years.

Students have the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge and skills related to healthcare management, operations, and leadership, which can be directly applied to the role of a patient access representative.

By completing an Associate’s Degree in healthcare administration or a related field, individuals can demonstrate a higher level of dedication and competence, making them more desirable candidates for employment and potential career advancement.

2. Get a Certification

In the state of Mississippi, specific certifications are not legally required for individuals seeking to work as patient access representatives.

However, obtaining national certifications can significantly career opportunities.

There are various certifications available for aspiring patient access representatives in Mississippi.

These certifications cover areas like healthcare access, medical office management, billing, coding, and administrative support.

Some certifications offered in Mississippi include:

• Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS)
• Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
• Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)
• Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
• Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Among these certifications, the CHAA certification provided by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) comes highly recommended for individuals pursuing a career as patient access representatives.

The CHAA certification exam covers crucial topics like customer service, patient access services, and regulatory standards, equipping professionals with the necessary expertise to excel in their roles.

Furthermore, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers two certifications for those interested in the patient access representative role:

• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS).

3. Work Experience

You will also need to have some professional experience.

This can be achieved by working in various fields.

These can be:

• Effective Record Keeping:
  • Building proficiency in maintaining precise and well-organized records is crucial for individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives.
• Proficient Data Entry:
  • Mastering data entry is a fundamental requirement for patient access representatives.
• Medical Software Competence:
  • Acquiring familiarity with various medical software systems is vital for patient access representatives.
• Billing Understanding:
  • Gaining an understanding of billing procedures and possessing basic knowledge of medical coding proves valuable for patient access representatives.

By actively engaging in these methods, individuals can enhance their work experience and develop the essential skills needed for success as patient access representatives.

Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Mississippi

The programs you can attend in Mississippi are detailed below.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

This school offers the Healthcare Assistant Program, training individuals to become Patient Access Representatives.

They accept new students in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

The included classes are:

• Certified Nursing Assistant Courses
• Phlebotomy
• Holistic Care Techniques
• Mississippi Nurses Aide Training Prep for Certification
• Interdisciplinary Health Care Practices

Coahoma Community College

This school provides both long-term and short-term programs to prepare students for the allied healthcare field.

The long-term programs lead to an associate’s degree in Nursing, while the short-term certificate programs train students for entry-level healthcare positions, such as Patient Access Representatives, within 10-16 weeks.

Applicants for this program may be required to undergo drug testing.

Here are some of the classes you’ll attend:

• Nursing Assistant
• Phlebotomy
• EKG
• Practical Nursing
• Respiratory Care

East Mississippi Community College

This school offers various allied healthcare programs to prepare students for careers in hospitals and other medical settings throughout Mississippi.

Their program covers fundamental aspects of patient care, including vital sign assessment and medical records management.

Admission into this program is competitive.

You’ll attend classes such as:

• Basic Patient Care
• Front Desk Support
• Medical Records Training
• Nursing Assistant
• Vital Signs

Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Mississippi

In Mississippi, you can find numerous opportunities to work in healthcare.

The average annual salary for patient access representatives in Mississippi is $45,201.

Your salary may be different depending on the area where you live and how much experience you have.

For more detailed information on salaries, please refer to the table below:

Regional Salary in Mississippi

Patient Access Representative by State