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Medical Service Manager - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe Medical Service Manager, also known as the health service manager, plans, directs, coordinates and supervises the delivery of health care. Since healthcare is a business it requires good management to assure that it runs smoothly. The medical service manager may be a specialist or a generalist. A specialist is in charge of specific clinical departments or services. A generalist manages or helps to manage an entire facility or system.
The structure and financing of healthcare is changing rapidly and becoming increasingly complicated. Today, the medical service manger must be prepared to handle integrated healthcare delivery systems, technological innovations, an increasing complex system of regulatory requirements, restructuring of work, and an ever increasing emphasis on preventative care. More than ever the manager will be required to improve efficiency in health care facilities and other types of healthcare provided.
The duties of manager will vary depending upon the size and type of healthcare facility. It is common for larger facilities to have one or more assistant medical managers to aid the top manager in specific areas. In a facility there may be assistant managers that direct activities in individual clinical areas such as nursing, surgery, therapy, or medical records and health information. The top medical service manager in this setting oversees all of these areas and the general running of the facility. In smaller facilities the top manager directly handles more of the details of daily operations. In nursing homes the medical service manager will oversee personnel, finance, facility operations and admissions.
Clinical medical service managers have more specific responsibilities than do generalists. These managers have training or experience in a specific clinical area. Managers of physical therapy, for instance, are trained or experienced physical therapists. These clinical managers establish and implement policies, procedures, and objectives for their department. This manager evaluates personnel and work as well as developing reports and budgets and coordinating activities with other managers.
The function of the Medical Service Manager in a private group practice is very similar to that of the manger in the hospital or clinical setting. A small group of 10 – 15 physicians might employ one manager to oversee personnel matters, billing and collectors, budgeting, and patient flow. A large practice, however, may have a chief manager and several assistants.
Most Medical Service Managers work long hours, especially in hospitals and clinics that are opened twenty-four hours, where they may be called upon at any hour to handle a problem. Managers in group practices tend to work more regular hours.
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Career RequirementsMasters Degree in hospital or healthcare administration or management is usually required for larger facilities while a Bachelors degree may be acceptable in smaller practices and some private clinics.
Some highly experienced employees may be prompted from within to hold positions as medical service managers. In addition medical service managers may be experienced managers in other career fields.
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Job OutlookAs the health services industry continues to expand and diversify, the need for medical service managers will continue to grow at a pace above the average for all jobs. Hospitals will continue to employ the most managers, but there will be an increase in opportunities in private group practice, home health care, and outpatient care centers.
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Career TrackMedical service managers may move into more senior management levels in hospital or healthcare facilities. Some medical service managers may also move into marketing or developing software or equipment used in managing healthcare facilities. Developing training programs or offering specific courses for aspiring medical managers is another career option.
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CompensationThe median annual income for the medical service manager is around $61,500. The lowest, or entry level, positions pay around $37,000, and the highest earn around $110,000. Experience and training determines the salary range for most medical service manager positions.
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