What does a Patient Coordinator do?
A patient coordinator, or care coordinator, works with healthcare professionals, medical staff and patients to manage a patient's healthcare plan. Oftentimes, they act on behalf of the disabled or elderly to communicate with doctors and nurses. Care coordinators educate patients about their conditions, help them contact healthcare practitioners and monitor overall progress.
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Working as a Patient Coordinator
Working as a patient care coordinator requires excellent communication skills. Many facilities do have a registered nurse to fill this position, but it is not a requirement in all. Patient coordinators work in hospitals, doctor's offices, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, clinics and specialty care centers. Their responsibilities may include:
- Developing and coordinating care programs
- Expediting communication between medical staff and patients
- Preparing public relations information
- Organizing and maintaining human resources
- Handling patient case management
- Recruiting and training staff
- Creating work schedules
- Developing patient goals
- Developing departmental goals
- Maintaining patient confidentiality and quality care
- Ensuring that policies and procedures are followed
How much does a Patient Coordinator make in the United States?
Average base salary
The average salary for a patient coordinator is $19.16 per hour in the United States. 7.2k salaries reported, updated at November 27, 2023
Where can a Patient Coordinator earn more?
Compare salaries for Patient Coordinators in different locations
How much do similar professions get paid in United States?
Scheduling Coordinator
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Front Desk Manager
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Front Desk Receptionist
Job openingsAverage $32,786 per year
Intake Coordinator
Job openingsAverage $20.25 per hour
Patient Access Manager
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Patient Services Representative
Job openingsAverage $18.72 per hour
Common questions about for a Patient Coordinator
Can a patient coordinator diagnose a patient?
Patient coordinators do help manage chronic illnesses and can help patients develop diet and lifestyle changes to treat illnesses. However, the diagnosis of any diseases or illnesses is up to primary healthcare providers and specialists. A coordinator can put patients in contact with these individuals and even set up appointments.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a patient coordinator?
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a patient coordinator, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.
Can a patient coordinator give prescriptions?
Patient coordinators can help patients fill prescription orders but may not give a prescription. They can assist patients with taking the pills and organizing methods to help patients remember which pills to take and when, but patient coordinators are primarily focused on helping patients follow physicians' orders.
