How to Be Health Services Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 19, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The lack of health services management can have a devastating effect on a population. Without a health services manager to coordinate healthcare providers, the overall quality of care and access to necessary services may suffer. In addition, the cost of medical care can increase due to errors in billing, inadequate tracking of resources, and inefficient use of personnel. As a result, patients may experience delays in diagnosis and treatment, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased costs for the entire healthcare system.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. Health services managers need to have at least a bachelors degree in health administration, health services management, public health, or a related field.
Gain Experience. Most employers prefer to hire experienced health services managers. Individuals looking to become health services managers may want to consider working in an entry-level position such as a medical records clerk or an administrative assistant in a healthcare facility.
Become Certified. Obtaining certification as a health services manager can help individuals stand out from other applicants. The Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) offers the Certified Medical Manager (CMM) credential for health services managers who pass an exam.
Continue Education. Health services managers should stay up to date with new developments in the healthcare industry by taking classes or attending seminars. This will help them keep their skills and knowledge current.
Get Licensed. Depending on the state, health services managers may need to be licensed or registered to practice in their area. Licensing requirements vary by state, so individuals should check with their state regulatory board for specific requirements.

The lack of an ideal and competent Health Services Manager can lead to many negative outcomes. Poor communication between staff and management can lead to decreased morale, resulting in a lack of motivation and a decrease in productivity. a lack of effective planning and coordination of resources can lead to gaps in service, resulting in delays in patient care and an overall decrease in quality.

Poor management practices can also lead to an increase in medical errors, resulting in increased costs for healthcare providers and a decrease in patient safety. Finally, inadequate training of staff can lead to a lack of knowledge and expertise, leading to poorer patient outcomes. It is therefore essential that organizations have an ideal and competent Health Services Manager in place to ensure that staff have the necessary resources and support to provide the highest quality of care.

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Job Description

Plan, organize, and direct health services in a healthcare organization.
Monitor the quality of care and compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures related to the delivery of health services.
Monitor staff performance and ensure that staff are trained and competent to perform their duties.
Oversee the development of budgets, assess financial performance, and ensure that resources are used efficiently.
Develop relationships with physicians, payers, and other stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery.
Coordinate activities with other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.
Monitor patient outcomes and develop strategies for improvement.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Supervise administrative staff and provide guidance and direction to ensure efficient operations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Leadership: The ability to lead and motivate staff, direct program activities, and ensure the highest quality of service.
Financial Management: The ability to manage and control financial resources within a budget and ensure cost-effectiveness.
Strategic Planning: The ability to develop and implement short-term and long-term strategies for the organization.
Risk Management: The ability to identify, assess, and manage risk associated with health services.
Regulatory Compliance: The ability to ensure that the organizations operations comply with applicable regulations and standards.
Quality Assurance: The ability to ensure that services are delivered in accordance with established standards and meet customer needs.
Communication: The ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including staff, patients, board members, and other community members.
Relationship Building: The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, patients, community members, and other stakeholders.
Problem Solving: The ability to identify and address challenges and effectively manage difficult situations.
Innovative Thinking: The ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

Good health services management requires a variety of skills to be successful. Communication is an essential skill for any health services manager, as it enables them to effectively collaborate with staff, patients, and other stakeholders. The ability to plan and organize is also critical, as it allows the manager to set goals and objectives, create budgets and schedules, and ensure projects are completed on time.

problem-solving skills are also important, as they enable the manager to identify potential challenges and develop creative solutions to those challenges. Finally, a health services manager must have a strong understanding of the healthcare industry and possess the ability to think strategically in order to maximize the benefits of their organization. Collectively, these skills are necessary for any successful health services manager and play an important role in delivering quality healthcare services to patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What led you to pursue a career in health services management?
What experience do you have in managing healthcare organizations?
How do you handle challenging situations that arise within the health services organization?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in your role as a health services manager.
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments and trends in the healthcare industry?
What strategies do you use to maintain positive relationships with staff, patients and other stakeholders?
What challenges have you faced in managing budgets and resources for a healthcare organization?
What is your approach to creating and implementing policies and procedures?
How have you successfully led initiatives to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes?
What measures do you take to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing healthcare services delivery?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Records (EHR). A software tool used to store and manage patient medical information, such as prescriptions, diagnoses, lab results, and x-rays. (eg: Epic Systems)
Hospital Management System (HMS). A software system designed to manage patient admissions, billing, and operational functions. (eg: Cerner)
Patient Scheduling System. A software tool used to organize and manage patient appointments. (eg: Phreesia)
Telemedicine Platform. A software platform that enables healthcare providers to deliver healthcare remotely via video conferencing, telephone, or other electronic means. (eg: Teladoc)
Population Health Management Software. A software tool used to identify patterns and trends in patient health data to improve care delivery. (eg: CareEvolution)
Quality Assurance Tool. A software tool used to monitor and measure the quality of healthcare services provided by a healthcare organization. (eg: Qualtrics)
Analytics Tool. A software tool used to analyze and visualize healthcare data for better decision-making. (eg: Tableau)

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
National Association of Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)
National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB)
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA)
Association of Health Care Professionals (AHCPro)
American Hospital Association (AHA)
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)
National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)

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Common Important Terms

Patient Care. The overall care provided to a patient or group of patients, which may include medical, mental, and social services.
Health Care Policy. A set of laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern the delivery of health care services.
Health Care Quality. The overall assessment of the effectiveness, efficiency, and accessibility of health care services.
Quality Improvement. A systematic approach to improving the quality of care and services provided through the identification and implementation of effective and efficient practices.
Risk Management. The process of identifying and managing potential risks associated with the delivery of health care services.
Clinical Documentation. The process of recording patient information in an electronic health record (EHR) or other health-related document.
Health Information Technology. The use of technology to collect, store, retrieve, and analyze health information to improve care and services.
Health Insurance. A form of financial protection against the cost of medical care.
Health Care Financing. The process of financing the delivery of health care services through private insurance, public programs, or out-of-pocket payments.
Health Care Administration. The management of health care facilities, personnel, resources, and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Health Services Manager?

A Health Services Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the delivery of healthcare services within a healthcare organization. They ensure that services are provided in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with established standards.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Health Services Manager?

Generally, one must hold a bachelor's degree in healthcare management, public health, or a related field. Additionally, many employers require certification in healthcare management or related specialties.

What is the average salary for a Health Services Manager?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Health Services Managers was $100,980 in May 2019.

What are some of the tasks that a Health Services Manager performs?

Health Services Managers are responsible for coordinating and directing the delivery of healthcare services, including medical, administrative, financial, and regulatory activities. They may also oversee staffing, budgeting, quality assurance, and other aspects of operations.

What is the job outlook for Health Services Managers?

The job outlook for Health Services Managers is very positive, with a projected growth rate of 17% from 2018-2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.