What does a compliance coordinator do?
Depending on the particular compliance coordinator job description and which area of compliance they focus on, compliance coordinators (also called compliance officers or compliance specialists at similar or higher levels) are responsible for ensuring that healthcare institutions, medical offices, medical practitioners and clinical and office staff adhere to laws, rules, regulations and policies set forth by governing bodies or by healthcare institutions.
Compliance coordinators audit filing, data reporting and record-keeping systems, monitor contract compliance, train clinical and office staff on compliance issues, audit patient charts, monitor changes in local, state and federal laws and regulations, and develop, implement and manage compliance programs.
Medical compliance coordinators are responsible for ensuring that all staff members follow the policies, practices and procedures of the institution and may work with a quality assurance, ethics, compliance or internal audit committee to perform compliance audits and internal risk assessments, monitor progress, and recommend improvements and changes. Click here to find out how to become a compliance coordinator.
What kind of training does a compliance coordinator need?
Compliance coordinator training generally includes obtaining a bachelor degree in healthcare administration, business administration, auditing, or in a field related to the area of compliance they will be managing. Most employers require a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university, and some employers also require that applicants are licensed Registered Nurses (RNs).
A compliance coordinator job description will most likely include that the candidate be highly computer literate. Those who aspire to be a compliance coordinator may want to consider obtaining certification in computer applications or programs to increase marketability. Completion of project management certification courses or programs or courses in healthcare compliance may also be helpful.
What are the prospects for a career as a compliance coordinator?
All careers in healthcare are expected to increase by 22% between 2006 and 2016, which will make healthcare the fastest growing industry in the U.S. (1) Opportunities for compliance coordinator jobs will expand along with other healthcare careers; therefore, this field is expected to experience similar rates of growth.
How much do compliance coordinators make?
Compliance coordinator salary varies depending on geographical location, education, experience and the type of compliance coordination position they hold. For example, the median base salary for compliance coordinators working in home care is $33,600 to $48,700 across the United States, with the highest 10% earning in excess of $57,300. (2)
Compliance coordinator careers are most rewarding for meticulously detail-oriented people who are interested in pursuing an administrative career in the field of healthcare. This is also an excellent career path for people who already work in healthcare administration and wish to enhance their earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
