Patient Care Coordinator vs. Receptionist: What Are the Differences?

A career in the medical field can be both rewarding and challenging. Two positions that are vital to the smooth operation of a medical facility are that of a patient care coordinator and a receptionist. Though these roles share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between a patient care coordinator and a receptionist, and we provide additional medical professions you may be interested in pursuing.

What is a Patient Care Coordinator?

Patient Care Coordinators work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics and private practices to ensure that patients receive the care they need in a timely and efficient manner. They work closely with patients, families, doctors and other healthcare staff to create individualized care plans. Patient Care Coordinators also schedule appointments, coordinate referrals to specialists and provide information about treatment options. They may also provide emotional support to patients and their families.

What is a Receptionist?

Receptionists are the first point of contact for many businesses and organizations. They are responsible for answering incoming calls, routing calls to the appropriate staff member, taking and delivering messages, greeting visitors and handling general inquiries. A Receptionist may also be responsible for managing incoming and outgoing mail, ordering office supplies, scheduling appointments and maintaining office equipment. In some cases, Receptionists may also provide administrative support to other staff members. Receptionists must have excellent customer service skills and be able to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.

Patient Care Coordinator vs. Receptionist

Here are the main differences between a patient care coordinator and a receptionist.

Job Duties

A receptionist is the first point of contact for many patients and clients. As such, their job duties often include greeting visitors, answering phone calls, directing people to the locations they need to go and providing information about a company or organization.

A patient care coordinator works with medical professionals to ensure that each patient receives the best possible care. Their job duties may include scheduling doctor’s appointments, updating patient records and communicating with other staff members to make sure each patient has everything they need.

Job Requirements

Patient care coordinators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in health administration, business administration or another related field. They might also pursue certification through the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM). This organization offers a Certified Patient Account Representative credential that requires candidates to have two years of experience and pass an exam.

Receptionists do not need as much formal education as patient care coordinators. Many receptionists start their careers with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer candidates who have some postsecondary education, such as a certificate in office administration. Additionally, many receptionists complete on-the-job training to learn how to use specific software programs or telephone systems.

Work Environment

Patient care coordinators and receptionists work in different environments. A patient care coordinator typically works in a medical office, hospital or other healthcare facility. They may travel to various locations depending on the needs of their employer. Some patient care coordinators work for large companies that have multiple facilities across an area.

A receptionist usually works in a business environment, such as a doctor’s office, dentist’s office or insurance company. While some receptionists work in hospitals, they are more likely to work in private practices. Receptionists who work in hospitals often work in outpatient settings rather than inpatient settings.

Skills

Both patient care coordinators and receptionists need to have strong communication skills. As a patient care coordinator, you will be responsible for communicating with patients, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. You will need to be able to listen to patients and understand their needs in order to coordinate their care effectively. As a receptionist, you will be responsible for greeting visitors, answering phone calls and responding to inquiries. You will need to be able to communicate clearly and efficiently in order to provide accurate information and directions.

Both patient care coordinators and receptionists need to be organized and detail-oriented. As a patient care coordinator, you will be responsible for managing patient files, scheduling appointments and coordinating care between different departments. You will need to be able to keep track of multiple deadlines and details in order to ensure that everything runs smoothly. As a receptionist, you will be responsible for maintaining the front desk area, handling incoming mail and keeping track of visitor logs. You will need to be able to stay organized in order to keep the front desk running smoothly.

Patient care coordinators need to have strong interpersonal skills in order to build relationships with patients and their families. They also need to be able to work well under pressure and handle difficult situations. Receptionists need

Salary

Patient care coordinators can earn an average salary of $56,337 per year, while receptionists can earn an average salary of $36,790 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.