A patient care coordinator acts as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers, addressing concerns and ensuring patient satisfaction. The role requires excellent communication, organizational skills, and the ability to problem-solve. While no formal education is required, experience in a medical services environment is preferred.
A patient care coordinator serves as the liaison between patients and health care providers. He may work in a hospital, clinic, or medical testing facility. If a patient has a question, concern, or comment about personal care or the care provided to a family member, the patient care coordinator is the first point of contact. Their primary concern is usually patient satisfaction with the services received.
The coordinator’s job typically involves heavy communications. These interactions can take place on the phone, through letters and emails, and in person. He is expected to be an excellent listener and a great problem solver. Knowing where to find answers in the shortest amount of time is often necessary for success in this position. The ability to accurately assess when an issue needs input from other departments or supervisors is also generally considered an asset to a patient care coordinator.
In addition to addressing patient concerns, this position usually requires good organizational skills. The coordinator is regularly asked to synchronize resources, equipment and personnel to facilitate the flow of cases. This often requires a clear understanding of policies and procedures to effectively identify challenges and resolve them.
A good relationship with doctors, nurses and administrative staff is normally considered a requirement for success in this position. Once the coordinator understands the patient’s query, he focuses on the most efficient way to find the answer. Understanding who knows what in your organization allows the service coordinator to successfully see the most patients in the least amount of time.
In addition to being resourceful and organized, the patient care coordinator will be more successful if he is positive and energetic. Patients are often anxious, fearful, or skeptical of medical professionals or procedures. A coordinator who can make patients feel safe and supported often contributes to peace of mind for staff and family members.
In some configurations, a patient care coordinator may also be required to monitor equipment functions and ensure that adequate inventory levels of non-medical supplies are maintained. These professionals are also often assigned to prepare reports on patient communications, which include suggested improvements or changes to protocols.
While no specific formal educational background is required for this position, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically expected. A minimum of three years of professional experience in a medical services environment is highly preferred. Experience in computer operations is also desirable, as excellence in interpersonal communications is demonstrated.
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