A patient representative is often the first face patients see when they enter a healthcare facility. Representatives help guide patients through the complex world of healthcare. Patient representatives are responsible for gathering background information from patients and informing them about the health resources available at the facility. They explain healthcare costs and may help patients determine how to pay for charges. Before patients leave, patient representatives help ensure they understand how their treatment will work, for example teaching patients to use equipment at home. They also collect and report data on patient encounters, handle patient inquiries, and train volunteers and staff. Working in healthcare facilities involves daily face-to-face interactions with patients. Exposure to illnesses and bodily fluids can be a frequent occurrence, so following protocols to minimize health risks is a necessary part of the job. Patient representatives work schedules vary depending on the employer and patient load, from part-time hours to full time-plus. Typically, patient representatives need a bachelor’s degree, though some positions require only an associate’s degree.
What they do:
Assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.
On the job, you would:
Coordinate communication between patients, family members, medical staff, administrative staff, or regulatory agencies.
Interview patients or their representatives to identify problems relating to care.
Refer patients to appropriate health care services or resources.
Business
customer service
administrative services
Health
medicine and dentistry
therapy and counseling
Math and Science
sociology and anthropology
psychology
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Social
looking for ways to help people
understanding people's reactions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
use rules to solve problems
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
Produced by 
License
