Intake coordinators work in many different environments. Patients are greeted and necessary information is collected, such as personal, physician, and insurance information. In addition, an intake coordinator will work with the patient to schedule assessments and make arrangements for future medical care.
In order to work as an intake coordinator, you usually need at least an associate’s degree. Medical office management, health administration, or a related field can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree. Those seeking certification as an intake coordinator or manager can do so through a professional association that represents health care office coordinators or managers. Some people prefer to get a bachelor’s degree to help them get management jobs.
Throughout the medical profession, coordinators can work in a variety of offices and environments. Hospitals and physician’s offices both have job openings. Working in mental health facilities and outpatient treatment centers are two other options.
An intake coordinator’s main responsibilities include greeting and assisting patients. To make patients feel at ease, they need a friendly and outgoing personality. Coordinators deal with customers both in person and over the phone, so they must have excellent communication skills and the ability to actively listen while gathering information for important paperwork.
Personal and health-related data are usually the first pieces of information gathered. This includes details like the patient’s name, address, and birth date. Patients are also asked to fill out paperwork such as health questionnaires intake employees in order to gather information that the physician will use during the appointment. Insurance information and previous physician information are usually collected as well.
Computer systems are used coordinators to keep track of patient information. Because it serves as a record of all personal information, patient visits, and billing information, accurate data entry is critical. In order to perform the duties of the position, coordinators will be required to learn software specific to the medical field.
In order to schedule visits and follow-up appointments, patients frequently communicate with intake coordinators. Patients will frequently work with coordinators to verify insurance information and clarify coverage for specific medical treatments and procedures. Intake employees will call and reschedule patient appointments if necessary, such as when a physician needs to leave the office unexpectedly.
Another of the many responsibilities an intake coordinator has on a daily basis is following up with patients. Follow-ups on test results are an example of this. An intake coordinator may also contact patients to provide contact information for referrals and to confirm medication call-ins and refills.