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.