Health Care Administration Responsibilities

The administrative and office duties in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and private practices are performed by a health care administration. Health care administrators oversee the management of the business aspects of the organization, including human resources, marketing, accounting and policy review. Health care administration includes all levels of work from clerical to executive positions.

Clerical

The clerical and customer service duties in a health care environment are performed by a host of entry-level professionals. Health care administration responsibilities include medical coding, billing and insurance specialists, clerks and computer technicians as well as registration and intake workers. Many health care administrators begin their careers in back and front office positions while they pursue their education. Others advance into administrative responsibilities by working directly with patients as certified nurses aides, medical technicians and nurses.

Information Technology

Information technology (IT) administrators play a vital role in the modern health care facility. They run the computer operations that manage the huge record-keeping programs integral to most health care organizations. IT administrators preview new software as it's developed and make recommendations to the executives managing the facility. They typically train staff in using new technical equipment and oversee the technicians who troubleshoot and maintain the hardware and software platforms in use. Responsibilities of the health care IT team include making sure that patient information, employment statistics, operational applications and financial platforms are up to date and performing properly.

Managers

Immediately over the frontline clerical staff are the health care administration managers and supervisors who oversee medical records, billing and coding procedures, current technology practices and patient privacy requirements. Administration managers are responsible for training, department budgets and fiscal oversight, team building and employee hiring and retention. Managers often are responsible for departmental communications through an Intranet or company newsletter. They keep employees updated on operational changes and policy procedures. They provide regular reviews that highlight the staffing, customer service issues and budget appropriations.

Specialists

Larger health care organizations employ a cadre of specialists whose primary duties are focused on various medical specialties. Specialists often hold certifications, such as registered health information administrators (RHIA), and typically oversee the staff that maintains accurate records on insurance claims, legal actions and treatment records. Health care administrators can focus on medical specialties, such as oncology, geriatric care or mental health, and work in those offices or departments that serve that population.

Executive Level

With experience and advanced degrees, health care administrators move into positions such as department head, chief financial officer or vice president. Health care administration executives take on responsibilities of managing facility assets, inventory costs, medical advancements and technology. They receive reports from department heads and often report directly to the chief executive officer or board of directors. They develop working relationships with the board, physician groups and nursing representatives. They often represent the facility to community organizations and participate in industry associations.

Resources

• American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management