Individuals who are hospitalized or receiving ongoing treatment for a variety of illnesses benefit from the services of a patient care coordinator. This person frequently serves as a liaison between medical personnel and patients to ensure that they receive the best possible care. When other medical professionals are unavailable, these professionals can act as advocates, assist families dealing with a loved one’s illness, and provide supportive and personal attention. A care coordinator may also suggest special programs and support groups to help people cope with the psychological effects of various medical conditions or diseases that come with a bleak prognosis.
When patients are dealing with chronic or acute medical conditions, it can be difficult to focus on things like insurance issues, paperwork, finding specialists, locating physical therapy centers, or navigating the healthcare system in general. Even for people who aren’t afflicted, many of these administrative tasks can be difficult. Many processes can be streamlined and some of these time-consuming tasks can be handled a patient care coordinator. People can then concentrate on healing rather than paperwork.
A patient care coordinator will typically spend a lot of time with hospitalized patients and their families, in addition to managing medical needs and administrative responsibilities. This person’s role may change depending on the needs of the people he or she assists. Some people just need a shoulder to cry on or a sympathetic ear to help them get through a difficult time. Unfortunately, doctors and nurses rarely have the time to provide such individualized care to their patients. As a result, a patient care coordinator can also assist in clarifying a diagnosis, a doctor’s treatment plan, and answering other basic questions.
When a patient is discharged from the hospital, a patient care coordinator may be able to arrange for home healthcare services. In addition, any specialized equipment, such as medical supplies or walking aids, as well as transportation services, can be arranged. However, some people cannot afford the treatment or equipment that a doctor recommends. When a person has insufficient health insurance or is unable to afford high deductibles and other out-of-pocket medical expenses, the coordinator may be able to assist in obtaining financial aid to cover some of these out-of-pocket medical expenses and allow for continued treatment and rehabilitation.