subject: Medical Practice Manager Jobs [print this page] Like every business, healthcare needs strong and effective management to keep it running smoothly. Managers in medical and health services are known as healthcare executives or healthcare administrators. Healthcare administrators are responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and supervising healthcare delivery. Career longevity is greatly supported by the diversity of functions for which practice managers are responsible.
Rapid changes are being seen in structure and financing of healthcare in this day and age. Practice managers will be called on to deal with the integration of healthcare delivery systems, innovations in technology, a regulatory environment with increasing complexities, reformation of the work structure and an enhanced focus on preventive care. For the improvement of the efficiency of existing healthcare facilities and provision of quality care, practice managers will most likely be consulted with.
There is much promise for professionals applying for medical practice manager jobs. Applicants who possess work experience in healthcare and strong business and management skills have greater chances of enjoying successful careers in this particular management profession. There is also longevity in the medical field for those seeking new careers. A group of 10 to 15 physicians may employ 1 medical office manager to oversee matters relevant to personnel, billing and collection, budgeting, core planning, equipment outlays and flow of patients. This group of 10-15 doctors could be considered small. A large practice has a greater demand for practice managers and usually employs several of them. This size practice would be composed of 40 to 50 physicians and will generously offer vacancies for medical practice manager jobs. In these practices, a chief administrator has many assistants with each being responsible for a particular area of expertise.
Some medical practice manager jobs entail overseeing the activities of many facilities and healthcare systems. Such systems may be composed of inpatient and outpatient facilities with a broad range of patient services that are offered. In the year 2008, approximately 283,500 jobs were held by medical and health service managers.
Of this figure, 38% were working in hospitals and 19% were present in physician's offices or in residential care facilities. Much of the remainder was located in Federal Government healthcare and community care facilities, insurance carriers and centers that provided outpatient care. The employment for medical practice manager jobs is projected to be 328,800. This represents an employment growth projection of 16%. Compared to all occupations, this is faster than the average. Competition for positions at top management levels is expected to be keen due to the high pay and prestige that these positions promise. Demonstrating continuous expansion and diversification, the healthcare industry is sure to require practice and healthcare managers to ensure that business operations run smoothly. They will be specifically needed for the improvement of the quality and efficiency of healthcare. They will also be required for keeping a leash on costs because higher levels of accountability will be demanded by insurance companies and Medicare. While practice managers may be called at any moment to handle complications, the salary package and prestige could make for an attractive and fulfilling profession.
