Patient access, including admission and intake, is a critical step in ensuring that patients are not only well taken care of, but that their charts, billing, and other information is retained and correctly managed. This is where patient access managers come in. Responsible for the oversight of patient access operations and staffing, managers work daily to ensure patients receive quality care.
A Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Providence can provide the skills, knowledge, and application for success as a patient access manager. With a focus on leadership built around the core functions, operations, and compliance found in various aspects of healthcare administration, a healthcare administration degree can prepare you for the role.
What is a Patient Access Manager?
Patient access managers are administrative healthcare professionals who are responsible for the management and oversight of the admissions and registration department of a healthcare facility.
What does a Patient Access Manager do?
There are many duties encompassing the patient access manager role. As a position of management within an organization, access managers are primarily responsible for the oversight of the patient access department, including its staff and operations. These responsibilities include ensuring that the department is operating at its fullest capacity, troubleshooting department issues, assisting in delivering patient access services, and effectively communicating and coordinating with multi-department staff and providers. Additional Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing admissions
- Management and processing of patient data
- Ensuring patient support and relations
- Overseeing patient appointment scheduling across multiple departments
- Maintaining compliance with the latest company, state and federal healthcare regulations
Where do Patient Access Managers work?
Patient access managers can be found throughout the healthcare system. While they can work in smaller or medium-sized healthcare organizations, they are mainly found working in large healthcare companies or organizations that serve a large patient-base.
Common locations include but are not limited to:
- Public or private hospitals
- Private, public or community clinics
- Nursing, assisted living, or long-term care facilities
- Home healthcare services
- Surgical and ambulatory care
Becoming a Patient Access Manager?
The pathway to becoming a patient access manager includes a combination of education, real-world experience, and optional certification. As a role based in leadership, a minimum Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from an accredited university is recommended. While on-site experience is a positive is may not be required for all positions. Those who are already familiar with patient access and who have worked as patient access specialists or patient access representative have a familiar with the department’s operations.
A common pathway to patient access manager:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED
- Complete a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Gain experience in the healthcare field
- Earn optional certifications to enhance skills
Patient Access Manager Career Outlook
Those who pursue the patient access management career path can expect a robust career choice with a multitude of opportunities for personal and professional growth and advancement. As healthcare organizations continue to grow in size, so will the demand for patient access managers to provide operational oversight of a critical component of the patient care process.
Whether you’re considering a career change or interested in entering the healthcare field out of high school, becoming a patient access manager can provide a strong roadmap for motivated professionals seeking to make a difference in the healthcare field. Find out how a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from UP can prepare you to serve in this role.
