What You Need to Know About Patient Representative
Patient Representative Definition Assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.
Life As a Patient Representative
- Develop and distribute newsletters, brochures, or other printed materials to share information with patients or medical staff.
- Investigate and direct patient inquiries or complaints to appropriate medical staff members and follow up to ensure satisfactory resolution.
- Coordinate communication between patients, family members, medical staff, administrative staff, or regulatory agencies.
- Refer patients to appropriate health care services or resources.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
- Identify and share research, recommendations, or other information regarding legal liabilities, risk management, or quality of care.
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Qualities of a Patient Representative
These are the skills Patient Representatives say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Other Patient Representative Job Titles
- Admissions Coordinator
- Patient Advocate
- Social Worker
- Patient Service Representative
- Patient Financial Representative
Job Opportunities for Patient Representatives
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 2,784,500 jobs in the United States for Patient Representative. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 136,300 new jobs for Patient Representative by 2026. There will be an estimated 373,500 positions for Patient Representative per year.
The states with the most job growth for Patient Representative are Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Minnesota, or Massachusetts. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Patient Representative Make?
Patient Representatives make between $22,140 and $55,310 a year.
Patient Representatives who work in District of Columbia, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Patient Representatives make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $33,580 |
Alaska | $39,300 |
Arizona | $34,570 |
Arkansas | $32,350 |
California | $41,850 |
Colorado | $37,390 |
Connecticut | $41,160 |
Delaware | $38,060 |
District of Columbia | $46,880 |
Florida | $33,730 |
Georgia | $35,130 |
Hawaii | $38,670 |
Idaho | $32,390 |
Illinois | $37,840 |
Indiana | $36,200 |
Iowa | $37,400 |
Kansas | $35,330 |
Kentucky | $32,230 |
Louisiana | $32,440 |
Maine | $34,950 |
Maryland | $37,720 |
Massachusetts | $43,620 |
Michigan | $36,650 |
Minnesota | $39,690 |
Mississippi | $28,210 |
Missouri | $35,020 |
Montana | $34,910 |
Nebraska | $35,730 |
Nevada | $33,690 |
New Hampshire | $38,930 |
New Jersey | $40,330 |
New Mexico | $31,380 |
New York | $40,830 |
North Carolina | $34,690 |
North Dakota | $37,910 |
Ohio | $35,980 |
Oklahoma | $32,790 |
Oregon | $37,570 |
Pennsylvania | $37,000 |
Rhode Island | $38,970 |
South Carolina | $32,320 |
South Dakota | $31,150 |
Tennessee | $34,420 |
Texas | $33,770 |
Utah | $33,790 |
Vermont | $37,760 |
Virginia | $35,030 |
Washington | $40,820 |
West Virginia | $31,730 |
Wisconsin | $37,850 |
Wyoming | $36,400 |
What Tools do Patient Representatives Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Patient Representatives:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
- Google Docs
- MEDITECH software
- Scheduling software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Epic Systems
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
How do I Become a Patient Representative?
Individuals working as a Patient Representative have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Patient Representatives Sector
Patient Representatives work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Patient Representative might also be interested in the following careers:
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Are you already one of the many Patient Representative in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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