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What is a patient coordinator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A patient coordinator works in the healthcare industry to assist patients in navigating the healthcare system. They act as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers, helping patients schedule appointments, obtain medical records, and coordinate care. Patient coordinators also assist with insurance, including verifying coverage and submitting claims. They ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care, and that their healthcare needs are met. Overall, a patient coordinator helps patients navigate the world of healthcare.

ScorePatient CoordinatorUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $32,954

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.3

Growth rate -4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 6.16%

Black or African American 11.11%

Hispanic or Latino 25.39%

Unknown 5.27%

White 51.37%

Gender

female 88.75%

male 11.25%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.5

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a patient coordinator?

Pros

  • Constantly learning about different medical conditions and treatments

  • Opportunities for career growth and advancement

  • Ability to work in a variety of healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, private practices)

  • Flexible work schedules depending on the employer

  • Job security due to the increasing demand for healthcare services

Cons

  • Often requires long hours and high levels of stress

  • May require working weekends or holidays depending on the employer

  • High levels of responsibility can lead to burnout if not managed properly

  • Can be frustrating dealing with insurance companies and navigating bureaucracy within the healthcare system

  • May require working in a high-pressure environment where mistakes can have serious consequences

Patient coordinator career paths

Key steps to become a patient coordinator

  1. Explore patient coordinator education requirements

    Most common patient coordinator degrees

    Bachelor's

    39.7 %

    Associate

    23.7 %

    High School Diploma

    15.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific patient coordinator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Patients30.12%
    Customer Service11.12%
    Patient Care5.72%
    Patient Flow5.16%
    Excellent Organizational4.04%
  3. Complete relevant patient coordinator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New patient coordinators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a patient coordinator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real patient coordinator resumes.
  4. Research patient coordinator duties and responsibilities

    • Comply with HIPAA regulations by discreetly and professionally handling all patients private medical information.
    • Gather personal plus insurance information and perform thorough insurance breakdowns for patients.
    • Communicate directly with patients to obtain initial patient information and respond to inquiries.
    • Process and update HIPAA relate paperwork and other require institutional forms as necessary.
  5. Prepare your patient coordinator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your patient coordinator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a patient coordinator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable patient coordinator resume templates

    Build a professional patient coordinator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your patient coordinator resume.
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    Patient Coordinator Resume
    Patient Coordinator Resume
    Patient Coordinator Resume
  6. Apply for patient coordinator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a patient coordinator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first patient coordinator job

Zippi

Are you a patient coordinator?

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Average patient coordinator salary

The average patient coordinator salary in the United States is $32,954 per year or $16 per hour. Patient coordinator salaries range between $25,000 and $41,000 per year.

Average patient coordinator salary
$32,954 Yearly
$15.84 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do patient coordinators rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Patient coordinator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Putting that patient/customet first and directing (directions) that person to their Doctors office and setting or cancelling their appointments, just helping people.

Cons

There's nothing to dislike.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Gaining valued insurance knowledge and expertise.

Cons

Limited opportunity for an advanced position supervisor leading to manager.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

Talking to people work on the computer.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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