Medical & Health Services Managers

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In the complex and constantly changing business of providing health care, medical and health services managers keep health care facilities running efficiently so patients get the high quality care they depend on. These managers may direct medical and health services for an entire facility such as clinics, nursing home, hospitals or a group medical practice, or in a specific department like pediatrics or surgery in one of those facilities. To ensure their organization complies with regulations, and provides great care, managers must stay on top of developments in healthcare laws and technology. Medical and health services managers handle finances for their organization; balancing budgets, overseeing patient billing and setting fees. They also recruit and manage employees, communicate with medical staff, and coordinate with department heads. These professionals must keep records of services their facility provides and track how successful services are. They also are often the person most responsible for the security of patient records and data. As key executives, they represent their facility on governing boards or may report to investors for privately-held facilities. Most managers work full-time hours, and may need to work on evenings and weekends, or be available to go to work should an emergency arise. While most medical and health services managers have a bachelor's degree, some positions require a master's degree.