Patient Representatives: Career & Application Guide

What do patient representatives do?

Assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Coordinate communication between patients, family members, medical staff, administrative staff, or regulatory agencies.
Interview patients or their representatives to identify problems relating to care.
Maintain knowledge of community services and resources available to patients.
Refer patients to appropriate health care services or resources.
Explain policies, procedures, or services to patients using medical or administrative knowledge.
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
Collect and report data on topics, such as patient encounters or inter-institutional problems, making recommendations for change when appropriate.
Investigate and direct patient inquiries or complaints to appropriate medical staff members and follow up to ensure satisfactory resolution.
Analyze patients' abilities to pay to determine charges on a sliding scale.
Identify and share research, recommendations, or other information regarding legal liabilities, risk management, or quality of care.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

Start with patient representatives as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.