Admissions coordinators collect patient information, schedule appointments, and work in various medical settings. They need an associate degree or certification, good communication skills, and knowledge of medical software. They also monitor patients and schedule follow-up visits.
Admissions coordinators work in a wide variety of settings. They receive patients and collect necessary information, including personal, medical, and insurance information. An intake coordinator will also work with the patient to schedule evaluations and arrange future medical treatments.
Entry into a career as an admissions coordinator generally requires a minimum of an associate degree. The degree may be in medical office administration, health administration or a related field. Those interested in becoming an admissions coordinator may also decide to receive certification through a professional association representing health practice coordinators or managers. Some may prefer to obtain a bachelor’s degree to help them land jobs in management.
Coordinators may work in many different types of offices and environments across the medical profession. Hospitals and doctors’ offices offer employment opportunities. Other options include working in mental health facilities and outpatient treatment centers.
Greeting and helping patients are two of the main duties of an admissions coordinator. They require a pleasant, outgoing personality to help patients feel comfortable. Coordinators take care of clients in person and over the phone; therefore, they must exhibit good communication skills and be able to listen actively as they gather the information needed to complete important documentation.
The information collected usually starts with personal and health-related information. This includes information such as the patient’s name, address, and date of birth. Intake staff also have patients complete with documents, such as health questionnaires, to collect information that the doctor will use during the consultation. Other information commonly collected includes insurance data and past medical information.
Coordinators use computer systems to keep track of patient information. Accurate data entry is essential because it serves as a record of all personal information, patient visits and billing information. Coordinators will be required to learn specific software for the medical field in order to perform their duties.
Patients often work with their intake coordinators to schedule follow-up visits and appointments. Coordinators often work with patients to help verify insurance information and provide clarification on coverage related to specific medical treatments and procedures. When necessary, such as when a physician has to leave the office unexpectedly, admitting staff call and reschedule patients’ appointments.
Monitoring patients is another of the many responsibilities that an intake coordinator fulfills on a daily basis. This may include follow-ups related to test results. Other reasons an intake coordinator might follow up with patients include providing contact information for referrals and confirming medication calls and refills.
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