Patient Care Coordinator
Coordinate patient care activities, manage treatment plans, and serve as liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
| Median Salary | $36,000-$59,000 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +11%Very Good |
| Education | Bachelor's Degree |
| Time to Start | 4 years |
Work Settings
- •Hospitals
- •Outpatient clinics
- •Primary care practices
- •Specialty clinics (oncology, cardiology)
- •Home health agencies
- •Hospice facilities
- •Behavioral health facilities
- •Managed care organizations
- •Nursing homes
- •Telehealth services
Primary Duties
- •Develop, monitor, and adjust individualized patient treatment plans in collaboration with healthcare providers
- •Schedule and coordinate patient appointments with specialists, diagnostic services, and follow-up visits
- •Obtain prior authorizations from insurance companies and manage referrals between providers
- •Educate patients and families about health conditions, treatment options, and self-management strategies
- •Facilitate patient transitions between care settings, including discharge planning and post-treatment follow-up
- •Serve as central communication liaison among patients, families, medical staff, and healthcare providers
- •Verify insurance coverage, process claims, and assist patients with billing inquiries and payment plans
- •Maintain accurate, confidential medical records and documentation in compliance with HIPAA regulations
- •Connect patients with community resources, social services, and specialists to address health needs
- •Advocate for patients in navigating the healthcare system and resolving barriers to care
How to Become Patient Care Coordinator
Complete bachelor's degree
Pursue degree in health administration, nursing, public health, social work, or related field. Include coursework in medical terminology, healthcare law, and EHR systems.
Duration: 48 months
Gain entry-level healthcare experience
Work as medical assistant, front desk staff, patient service representative, or complete clinical internships to understand healthcare workflows and patient interaction.
Duration: 24 months
Obtain relevant certifications
Pursue certifications such as CCM, RHIA, CHW, or clinical licensure (RN/LPN) depending on career goals and setting preferences.
Duration: 6 months
Secure Patient Care Coordinator position
Apply for coordinator roles, emphasizing education, healthcare experience, and certifications. Network within healthcare organizations and attend industry events.
Duration: 6 months
Build specialized expertise
Develop proficiency in specific patient populations, care settings, or coordination specialties. Pursue additional certifications for career advancement.
Duration: 36 months
Advance to senior or specialized roles
Progress to senior coordinator, case manager, practice manager, or population health roles with additional experience and credentials.
Duration: 24 months
Continuing Education
Patient Care Coordinators must stay current with evolving healthcare technologies, clinical guidelines, and regulatory changes. Many certifications, such as the CCM, require ongoing continuing education units (CEUs) for renewal, typically every few years. Professional development opportunities include training in new EHR systems, population health management platforms, and specialized care coordination techniques. Attending conferences, webinars, and workshops offered by professional associations helps you maintain expertise and advance your career.
Certifications & Licenses
- •Certified Case Manager (CCM) - Commission for Case Manager Certification
- •Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) - American Health Information Management Association
- •Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) - National Association for Healthcare Quality
- •Certified Medical Manager (CMM) - Professional Association of Health Care Office Management
- •Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate - State health departments or community colleges
- •Clinical licenses (RN, LPN, LSW) - State licensing boards (often required for clinical settings)
Citations
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Medical and Health Services Managers ↗
- Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) ↗
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) ↗
- National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) ↗
- Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) ↗
- American Case Management Association ↗
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