Patient Care Coordinator

Job Responsibilities of a Patient Care Coordinator

These responsibilities can vary widely depending on individual employer needs. Here are some of the responsibilities of patient care coordinators: 

• Perform analytical and data entry task 
• Answer patient calls, emails and questions, including finding insurance estimates 
• Confidentially manage patient accounts 
• Schedule patient visits and answer pre-visit questions, including about billing 
• Ensure compliance with professional standards & regulatory requirements 
• Provide patient consultations and recommended treatments 
• Discuss cost of service, insurance coverage, and payment options with the patient 
• Work as a team player to ensure each patient receives the best service possible 
• Schedule any necessary outpatient appointments 
• Get prior authorizations for procedures 
• Scan documents into patient charts 
• Meet with patients and families regarding treatments, procedures, medications, and continuing care. 
• Assist care team with setting goals for quality assurance and best practices 
• Provide community resources and referrals for continuing care 
• Assist in locating funding for special procedures or other patient needs 

Additional Training/Requirements

Because so many healthcare providers are going to electronic health records (EHRs), it is vital that you have good computer skills. You may also want to take extra courses in health and biology, especially if you can do so in high school. Many employers look for candidates with associate and bachelor’s degrees, but it is not an absolute requirement and depends on the employer’s needs. However, students who wish to further their education can apply their courses and earned credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in health services administration at Bryant & Stratton College. 

Patient care coordinators should have good analytical skills to be able to understand and then explain medical procedures and diagnoses to patients. You should be compassionate, resourceful, a team player, and emotionally stable as you could easily be working with distraught, confused, or even angry patients. You should be detail oriented and show integrity in your work as you have an obligation to keep patient records confidential. 

Employment Settings

The BLS shares most medical and health services managers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Evening or weekend work may be required in healthcare settings that operate around the clock, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Medical and health services managers may need to be on call in case of emergencies. Medical and health services managers may work on a team with other healthcare providers, such as licensed practical nurses and medical assistants. 

For insights into a career as a patient care coordinator, please visit the Career Services section of our blog. Here you will find valuable information about health care careers. Explore the website and be sure to visit the Health Services Assistant Diploma Page.