What Does a Medical Coordinator Do?

Medical coordinators are the liaisons between medical professionals and their patients. They help to ensure that doctors, nurses, technicians, etc., are working together effectively to provide quality care.

Medical coordinators may also be responsible for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and other administrative tasks.

Medical Coordinator Job Duties

A medical coordinator typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Reviewing insurance coverage to determine whether services can be billed to patients’ insurance plans
• Coordinating with insurance providers to ensure that claims are processed correctly and on time
• Reviewing physician orders to ensure that they are valid and comply with state laws regarding physician privileges
• Maintaining documentation of patient medical records in an organized manner
• Assisting physicians by preparing examination rooms for patients, taking patient vitals, and administering tests as required by the physician’s order
• Talking with patients about their health concerns and needs
• Scheduling appointments for patients with physicians and other health care professionals such as therapists or nurses
• Coordinating with hospital departments to ensure that all medical records are transferred correctly after a patient’s discharge from the facility
• Coordinating with other medical staff members including nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and dietitians

Medical Coordinator Salary & Outlook

Medical coordinators’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the size of the company and the geographic location of the job.

• Median Annual Salary: $49,500 ($23.8/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $77,500 ($37.26/hour)

The employment of medical coordinators is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

Demand for healthcare services will increase as the large baby-boom population ages and people continue to live longer. As a result, more medical coordinators will be needed to organize and direct the work of healthcare providers.

Related: Medical Coordinator Interview Questions and Answers

Medical Coordinator Job Requirements

A medical coordinator typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Most medical coordinators have at least a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, such as nursing, health care administration or medical technology. Some coordinators choose to earn a master’s degree in health administration or health care management to increase their job opportunities and earning potential.

Training & Experience: Medical coordinators typically receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or other medical professionals. They may shadow other medical professionals to learn how to perform certain tasks and interact with patients. They may also receive training in the use of medical software and computer systems.

Certifications & Licenses: Candidates can pursue certifications to gain more practical knowledge of their role and to advance their career. Even though most employers do not require certifications, these can help candidates stand out during the hiring process.

Medical Coordinator Skills

Medical coordinators need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Medical coordinators communicate with many different people, including patients, doctors, nurses, insurance representatives, patients’ families and other medical staff. They need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely to ensure everyone understands each other. Medical coordinators also need to be able to listen to others and respond appropriately.

Organization: Medical coordinators often have excellent organizational skills, which can help them manage multiple tasks at once. This can include scheduling appointments, maintaining patient files and managing the budget for their department. Being able to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively can help you be more efficient and complete your work on time.

Medical knowledge: Medical knowledge is the ability to understand medical procedures and treatments. Medical coordinators often need to have a strong understanding of medical procedures and treatments to ensure they’re providing the right information to patients. Medical knowledge can also help them to identify any potential risks or complications that may arise during treatment.

Time management: Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks within a specific time frame. Medical coordinators often have many responsibilities, including managing the schedules of their team, ensuring that patients receive the care they need and keeping track of patient records. Having strong time management skills can help you complete your tasks efficiently and free up your time to complete other important tasks.

Problem-solving: Medical coordinators often work with a team of other medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, technicians and other support staff. They use their problem-solving skills to help their team members find solutions to challenges they face in their work. For example, if a patient has a reaction to a medication, the medical coordinator might work with the doctor to find a solution to the problem.

Medical Coordinator Work Environment

Medical coordinators work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and insurance companies. They typically work full time, and some may work evenings or weekends to accommodate the schedules of their patients or clients. Medical coordinators who work in hospitals or other 24-hour facilities may be required to work shifts that include evenings, nights, and weekends. Medical coordinators who work in private practices or other settings with regular business hours may have more flexible schedules. However, they may be expected to work additional hours to complete reports or other tasks.

Medical Coordinator Trends

Here are three trends influencing how medical coordinators work. Medical coordinators will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Telemedicine

The growth of telemedicine is a trend that is quickly changing the medical industry. With the help of technology, patients can now see doctors and other health professionals without having to leave their homes.

This trend is creating new opportunities for medical coordinators, who are needed to manage patient appointments and ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed. In order to be successful in this field, medical coordinators will need to be comfortable with technology and have excellent organizational skills.

Patient Engagement Becomes More Important

As healthcare becomes more focused on patient engagement, medical coordinators will need to develop new skills to stay ahead of the curve.

Medical coordinators are essential to any healthcare team, as they are responsible for managing patient appointments and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed. In order to stay competitive, medical coordinators will need to develop skills that allow them to better engage with patients and understand their needs. This includes understanding how to communicate effectively with patients and families, as well as being able to navigate the ever-changing healthcare system.

More Use of Technology in Healthcare

The use of technology in healthcare is becoming increasingly common, as hospitals and clinics look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

As medical coordinators are responsible for overseeing many of the day-to-day operations in a clinic or hospital, they will need to learn how to utilize technology to its fullest potential. This includes learning how to use electronic medical records (EMRs) and other software tools to streamline tasks and improve communication between staff members.

How to Become a Medical Coordinator

A medical coordinator career can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the healthcare industry. As a medical coordinator, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a variety of professionals and learn about different aspects of medicine. You’ll also gain experience working with patients and their families, which is an important part of the job.

To become a medical coordinator, you’ll need to have a degree in nursing or another related field. You may also want to consider taking additional courses in business administration or management. Additionally, it’s important to develop strong communication skills and be able to work well under pressure.

Advancement Prospects

Medical coordinators typically have opportunities to advance to positions of greater responsibility within their organization. For example, they may become unit managers, directors of medical records, or health information administrators. With experience, some medical coordinators may move into related occupations, such as hospital administration or health information management.

Medical Coordinator Job Description Example

The Medical Coordinator is responsible for the organization and administration of the medical care program. He or she will work with the medical staff to ensure that the program meets the health care needs of the participants. The Medical Coordinator will also be responsible for the development and implementation of health education programs.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field, as well as experience working in a medical setting. He or she must be able to effectively communicate with both medical and non-medical staff. The Medical Coordinator must also be able to maintain confidentiality of medical records.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients, families, and health care providers
• Schedule appointments and coordinate care with other medical professionals
• Verify insurance benefits and coverage levels
• Check in patients, update medical records, and collect co-pays
• Prepare charts and files for upcoming appointments
• Answer phone calls, respond to voicemails, and return messages in a timely manner
• Greet patients and visitors, provide directions, and answer questions
• Keep waiting areas clean and organized
• Stock exam rooms with supplies
• Perform clerical duties, such as faxing, scanning, and copying documents
• Process incoming and outgoing mail
• Handle billing and coding tasks

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or related field
• 3-5 years experience in a medical office setting, with progressively increasing responsibility
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration or related field
• 5-7 years experience in a medical office setting, with progressively increasing responsibility
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and practice management software
• Working knowledge of medical billing and coding
• Familiarity with accreditation standards and quality improvement initiatives