How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Utah

There are many patients who need extra support during their medical treatment.

This crucial aid is provided by dedicated experts known as patient access representatives.

Patient access representatives indeed play a vital role in facilitating effective communication between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies.

They ensure the accurate and timely transfer of information, which is essential for seamless interactions and the delivery of quality healthcare services.

Steps to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Utah

Here’s what you must do to become a patient access representative.

Complete Your Education

To become a patient access representative, you must first meet an educational requirement.

This is to be a high school graduate or have a GED if a high school diploma is not attainable.

While not mandatory, many opt to pursue an Associate’s Degree, which typically takes two years to complete.

Some candidates decide to further their education and earn a Bachelor’s Degree, even though the program lasts four years.

Become Certified

There are various national certifications available for individuals aspiring to become patient access representatives in Utah.

These credentials 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)

Obtaining any of these certifications can significantly enhance your prospects of securing the desired position.

For instance, the CHAA certification offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is an excellent choice.

The CHAA exam will test you on the most important subjects like customer service, patient access services, and regulations.

Alternatively, you may opt for one of the two certifications provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA):

• CMAA
• CEHRS.

You should also know that these certifications require you to finish specialized training programs designed for each credential.

By acquiring any of these certifications, you demonstrate your expertise and become a highly competitive candidate for your desired role.

Gain Some Work Experience

Getting practical experience plays a crucial role when seeking employment in the healthcare sector, especially for the position of a patient access representative.

Relevant work experience not only makes you eligible for the desired job but also equips you with valuable skills and knowledge.

To gain work experience in this field, consider exploring roles in:

• Maintaining records
• Entering data
• Utilizing medical software
• Handling billing and/or coding tasks

Additionally, another viable option is to work or volunteer at a nearby clinic or hospital.

This hands-on experience will further enhance your expertise as a patient access representative and provide valuable insights into the healthcare environment.

Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Utah

The training programs offered at the schools presented here are a great option for those who want to stand out when applying for a job.

They also help with meeting the educational and certification prerequisites.

Candidates have to be at least 18 years old.

Penn Foster

This online educational platform provides an extensive course designed to equip individuals for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam and the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialists exam.

The program generally lasts between six to nine months, granting students the flexibility to study at their own pace through online modules.

The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including:

• Introduction to Allied Health
• Medical Office Procedures
• Body Systems and Medical Terminology
• Pathology and Pharmacology
• Electronic Medical Records
• Medical Billing and Health Insurance
• Law,
• Ethics,
• Confidentiality

The Healthcare Administration program at Utah Valley University delves into the intricacies of healthcare operations and policies.

Weber State University

This school offers an Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.

The subjects you will learn about include:

• Medical Terminology,
• Coding & Billing Basics,
• Introduction to Healthcare Delivery

Those interested can earn an Associate’s Degree, a Certification, a Master’s Degree, and one of the 3 available Bachelor’s.

Classes are available online as well as in person.

Salt Lake Community College

This institution provides a certificate program tailored to give you with the needed skills for medical office positions.

The curriculum includes courses like:

• Insurance Billing Processes,
• Health Law
• Ethics
• Patient Privacy.

The University of Utah

This is yet another good school that offers an online program focused on medical terminology.

The course is ideal for working professionals and individuals with time constraints.

The course is flexible and thus ideal for students who need more free time.

Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Utah

Once you obtain your patient access representative certification, it’s natural to wonder about your potential income.

In the state of Utah, patient access representatives receive competitive compensation.

On average, the annual salary for this profession is approximately $47,959 per year.

Keep in mind that your specific earnings may vary based on factors such as your level of experience and the location of your workplace.

For more detailed information, refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Utah

Patient Access Representative by State