Medical and Health Services Manager

A Medical and Health Services Manager (also known as a Healthcare Administrator or Healthcare Executive) is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the business and logistical operations of a healthcare facility or specific department. Their primary goal is to ensure the organization runs efficiently so that medical professionals can focus on delivering high-quality patient care. 

Core Roles & Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight: Managing the day-to-day business activities of a hospital, clinic, or medical group, including streamlining workflows and improving the quality of services.
• Financial Management: Preparing and monitoring budgets, overseeing patient billing, setting fees for services, and ensuring the facility remains financially sustainable.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the facility adheres to all federal, state, and local laws, including privacy regulations like HIPAA and safety standards set by organizations like the Joint Commission.
• Human Resources: Recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising both clinical and administrative staff, as well as managing employee work schedules.
• Strategic Planning: Setting long-term goals and objectives for the organization, such as expanding medical programs or implementing new healthcare technologies.
• Records & Data Management: Overseeing the security and organization of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and using data analytics to improve facility performance and patient outcomes.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Representing the facility at governing board or investor meetings and coordinating communication between medical staff and department heads. 

Specialized Management Roles

Depending on the size of the company, a manager might oversee an entire facility or a specialized area: 

• Nursing Home Administrators: Manage all aspects of a long-term care facility, including admissions and building maintenance.
• Clinical Managers: Oversee specific departments, such as surgery, physical therapy, or nursing.
• Health Information Managers: Focus on the security and accuracy of patient data and information systems. 

Essential Skills

• Analytical Skills: Reviewing healthcare metrics and data to identify areas for efficiency and improvement.
• Leadership: Motivating diverse teams of medical and support staff to achieve organizational goals.
• Communication: Clearly conveying policies to staff and representing the facility to insurance agents, investors, and the public.
• Technical Proficiency: Staying current with evolving healthcare technology, particularly EHR and billing software.