Health Services Manager Duties and Responsibilites

Back to Health Services Manager Job Description

Primary Duty

Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating medical and health services. They can oversee an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or manage a medical practice for a group of physicians.

A Medical and Health Services Manager's main role is to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare services. They develop and implement policies, manage budgets, analyze financial data, and work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to improve patient care. Additionally, they may also be involved in hiring and training staff, addressing any legal or regulatory issues, and staying up-to-date with advancements in healthcare technology and practices.

To become a Medical and Health Services Manager, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or a related field. Some employers may also require a master's degree. It is important to have strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Relevant work experience in the healthcare industry, such as working in a clinical setting or as a healthcare professional, can also be beneficial.

What Can I Do with a Healthcare Management Degree?

To pursue a career as a health services manager, it is generally required to have a master's degree. However, in certain cases, a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for entry-level management roles or positions within smaller healthcare facilities or departments.

Administrative Functions

A health services manager, also referred to as a healthcare administrator or healthcare executive, is a skilled professional who is accountable for effectively supervising the daily operations and administration of healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and medical practices.

What does a health care administrator do?

Health care managers and administrators are responsible for overseeing various business operations within the medical profession. They are often referred to as medical services managers or health care executives, and their main responsibility is to manage the administrative tasks of health care facilities such as hospitals, medical laboratories, and physician practices.

The duties of a health care manager include organizing and coordinating the daily activities of the facility, developing and implementing policies and procedures, managing budget and finances, and overseeing the hiring and training of staff. They also play a crucial role in maintaining compliance with regulations and ensuring the smooth operation of the facility.

In summary, health care managers and administrators handle the business side of the medical profession by overseeing administrative tasks and ensuring the efficient operation of health care facilities.

How many hours a week do medical and health services managers work?

Medical and health services managers primarily work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and group medical practices. They typically work full time, with some working more than the standard hours. In order to enter this profession, a bachelor's degree is generally required, although education requirements may differ.

Major Role

The predicted growth in the healthcare industry is expected to create 139,600 new health services manager positions. It is worth noting that 59 percent of these positions are occupied by women, indicating a trend of more women being hired for leadership roles in this field.

So, what exactly does a health services manager do?

Role in Project Management

Skillful healthcare project management is crucial for the efficient operation of healthcare centers and the delivery of high-quality care to patients.

These managers play a key role in helping healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other employees, to meet their objectives and stay focused on their work.

It is important to recognize the significance of project management in the healthcare industry.

How much does a healthcare project manager make?

The average pay for a Healthcare Project Manager in the United States is $107,451 per year. This role is known for being demanding yet rewarding, offering both a competitive salary and job satisfaction. By demonstrating dedication, conducting thorough research, and gaining practical experience, individuals can aspire to become successful healthcare project managers.

Being a healthcare project manager entails various responsibilities. To effectively carry out their duties, these professionals must possess excellent organizational and leadership skills. They are responsible for overseeing project planning, implementation, and execution, ensuring that all tasks are completed within set timelines and budget constraints.

In addition, healthcare project managers liaise with various stakeholders, such as healthcare providers, staff members, and external contractors, to coordinate project activities and foster collaboration. They also play a crucial role in monitoring the project's progress, identifying risks, and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.

Overall, the role of a healthcare project manager requires individuals to possess a strong blend of technical expertise, communication skills, and a deep understanding of healthcare operations. Through continuous learning and dedication to their craft, professionals can thrive in this challenging yet fulfilling profession.

Why do medical centers hire project managers?

Medical centers often employ project managers to enhance their capabilities and introduce new services or features that benefit more patients in maintaining their health. These project managers have extensive knowledge of the medical industry and expertise in executing projects while adhering to safety and sanitation regulations.

Healthcare project management involves overseeing projects that aim to improve healthcare services and outcomes. Effective project management in healthcare requires a combination of technical skills, such as planning and budgeting, and interpersonal skills, such as communication and teamwork. To succeed in healthcare project management, professionals should stay up to date with industry trends and best practices, while also being adaptable and able to navigate complex healthcare systems.

Role in Decision-making Process

Healthcare decision making is a systematic process that involves a series of steps that should be followed in a specific order. This process is universally applicable and has stood the test of time, remaining relevant both in the past and in the future.

Do health services managers need a license?

A health services manager's workday typically includes spending time in an office and attending one-on-one or group meetings. Unless they work in nursing homes or assisted care facilities, most health services managers...

A health services manager's job is to oversee the functioning of healthcare facilities, ensuring that they operate efficiently and effectively. They may also be responsible for managing the budgets and finances of these facilities, as well as hiring and managing staff members.

Additionally, health services managers may analyze data and trends to make strategic decisions that can improve the quality of patient care and outcomes. They often work closely with healthcare professionals, administrators, and insurance companies to coordinate and optimize healthcare services.

How can health care managers and supervisors improve their decision-making?

The article provides concrete examples of how theories can be applied in various contexts and also includes a glossary of relevant terms.

This resource is valuable for both experienced and inexperienced health care managers and supervisors, as it can enhance their decision-making skills.

Publication type: Review

Source: Decision making for health care managers and supervisors ... - PubMed

Performance Metrics

Performance management and performance measurement are two distinct concepts in the field of evaluating organizational performance. Performance measurement involves the use of quantitative metrics and indicators to gather data and monitor progress towards achieving strategic goals and objectives. This practice is commonly employed by organizations, regardless of whether it is done in a formal or informal manner.

Performance management, on the other hand, encompasses a broader set of activities that include not only measuring performance, but also involves setting goals, providing feedback, and implementing strategies to improve overall performance. It focuses on aligning individual and organizational efforts towards achieving desired outcomes.

While performance measurement is a key aspect of performance management, it is just one component of the larger process. Organizations that effectively implement performance management methodologies are able to drive better results and continuously enhance their performance.

What are hospital quality metrics?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), commercial payers, and accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission, have made it mandatory for health systems to report quality measures.

Hospital quality metrics are a set of standards established by CMS to measure healthcare processes, patient outcomes, and organizational structures.

Are healthcare metrics meeting new standards?

The recent changes in the healthcare industry have prompted healthcare companies to explore new healthcare metrics, also known as key performance indicators (KPIs), to assess their compliance with these new standards.

It is important to remember that KPIs are performance measurements that provide insights into the performance of an organization or department.

You can find more details on these metrics and how they can be measured on the ClearPoint Strategy blog.

How do I Choose Quality and risk management metrics?

When selecting quality and risk management metrics, it is important to consider the specific needs of your organization, the reporting requirements of your payers (including CMS' quality programs), and the standards set by your accrediting body, such as The Joint Commission.

In order to create an effective healthcare quality management dashboard, it is essential to identify the most important metrics. These metrics should be chosen based on the aforementioned factors and should align with your organization's goals and objectives.

Analyze your organization's needs, take into account the reporting requirements of your payers, and consider the standards set by your accrediting body to select the most relevant and meaningful metrics for your healthcare quality management dashboard.