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Patient access representatives shoulder various responsibilities.
For instance:
- They handle patient registration, ensuring accurate and timely information is collected.
- They verify insurance data, ensuring that patients have the correct insurance for their medical services.
- Data collection and updating are also key tasks
- They schedule appointments
- They coordinate and arrange healthcare services for patients
Article Table of Contents
Road to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Montana
If you want to become a patient access representative in Montana, read on.
1. Educational Requirements
In Montana, a high school diploma or GED is a requirement for future patient access representatives.
If you want increased professional opportunities, consider obtaining an Associate’s Degree.
The choice of degree program depends on several factors, including the duration of study, typically ranging from 2 to 4 years.
Pursuing an Associate’s Degree in healthcare administration or a related field equips students with comprehensive knowledge and skills related to healthcare management, operations, and leadership.
2. Get a Certification
In Montana, specific certifications are not legally required for individuals aspiring to work as patient access representatives.
However, obtaining national certifications can significantly enhance career prospects in this field.
There are various certifications available for those looking to become patient access representatives in Montana.
Some of these are:
- 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 recommended for future patient access representatives.
The CHAA 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.
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also offers two certifications, CMAA and CEHRS.
By obtaining these certifications, individuals can enhance their qualifications.
3. Work Experience
Getting professional experience is essential for individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives.
You can get the experience you need by getting hired for one of the following positions.
Record Keeping
It develops proficiency in maintaining accurate and well-organized records is crucial for aspiring patient access representatives.
This skill ensures the proper management of patient information and contributes to the smooth functioning of healthcare operations.
Proficient Data Entry
It helps individuals master data entry is a fundamental requirement for patient access representatives.
Becoming adept at accurately and efficiently inputting data into computer systems enables seamless processing of patient information, appointments, and other vital data.
Medical Software Competence
It helps becoming familiar with various medical software systems is vital for patient access representatives.
This knowledge allows them to navigate electronic health record (EHR) systems, access patient information, schedule appointments, and efficiently manage administrative tasks.
Billing and/or Coding
This kind of job makes the candidate proficient in the procedures and knowledge proved valuable for patient access representatives.
Familiarity with billing systems and coding practices enables them to assist patients with insurance inquiries, verify coverage, and ensure accurate billing processes.
By actively engaging in these methods, individuals can enhance their work experience and develop the essential skills needed for success as patient access representatives.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to be hired for any of these jobs as volunteering also counts as work experience. —
Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Montana
The programs you can attend in Montana are:
Flathead Valley Community College 
Flathead offers an associate’s degree program in healthcare office management, specifically designed to prepare students for careers as patient access representatives.
The comprehensive curriculum covers essential topics such as:
- Healthcare delivery
- Health data content
- Medical document formatting
- Medical terminology,
- Coding,
- Medical office procedures
- Electronic health records
- Data analytics,
- Medical law
- Ethics
- Computer technology
The cost of the degree program is $9,000, excluding financial aid.
Applicants must have a high school diploma to be eligible for admission.
City College at Montana State University 
The health administration program at City College of Montana offers a bachelor’s degree.
Students are also welcome to take individual classes to enhance their knowledge and skills.
The curriculum covers subjects like:
- The American healthcare system,
- Health administration,
- Healthcare economics,
- Health law,
- Ethics,
- Managing healthcare organizations,
- Operations management,
- Medical terminology
- Health communication.
The tuition cost for the program is $4,100 per semester.
Applicants must have a high school diploma to apply.
Additional enrollment requirements might also exist.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| City College at Montana State University | 3803 Central Ave, Billings, MT 59102 |
| Flathead Valley Community College | 777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901 |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Montana
Montana offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals seeking to work in the healthcare field.
Patient access representatives play a vital role in this industry, ensuring smooth communication and providing essential support to patients.
In Montana, the average annual salary for patient access representatives is around $46,336.
It’s important to note that individual salaries may vary based on factors such as the geographical location within Montana and the level of experience.
For a more comprehensive understanding of salaries in the field, please refer to the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Whitefish | $49,060 |
| Rexford | $49,060 |
| Billings | $48,337 |
| Antelope | $48,296 |
| Whitetail | $47,940 |
| Poplar | $47,940 |
| Molt | $47,683 |
| Miles City | $47,583 |
| Absarokee | $47,583 |
| Superior | $47,553 |
Regional Salary in Montana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT | 60 | $43,040 | $20.69 | $55,750 | $29,520 |
| Missoula, MT | 70 | $45,130 | $21.7 | $58,400 | $31,200 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in Montana?
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
How does my salary as a PAR in Montana compare to other states?
In Montana, PARs earn less compared to the median salary at the national level.
Where will I find Employment as a PAR in Montana?
Future PARs from Montana 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
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State