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What Does a Health Care Advisor Do?

C. Webb
C. Webb

Health care advisors are charged with advising customers with health care needs. Whether the advisor can answer the question or suggests a resource for the customer to contact, he of she provides calm, comforting advice to those who call or e-mail. These advisors typically act as role models and use a customer-led approach in their exchanges.

A primary responsibility of a health care advisor is customer service. Professionalism and compassion are necessary for success in the field. The goal is to leave customers with the feeling they called the right place for help. In addition, the customer should feel comfortable contacting the advisor the next time a problem or concern arises. Customer service skills will promote goodwill and help ensure that customers return.

A primary role of a health care advisor is to provide customer service to patients.
A primary role of a health care advisor is to provide customer service to patients.

Maintaining knowledge of all available services and products is also the job of a health care advisor. Those who work for a company will understand how to advise customers with regard to the products it sells. If a customer calls and says that he has a rash on his hand with no other symptoms, for instance, the advisor may recommend the company's anti-itch cream, with advice to see a health care provider if the cream does not work or symptoms worsen.

A health care advisor may refer a patient to a pharmacist.
A health care advisor may refer a patient to a pharmacist.

Advisors working at places like hospitals are typically licensed nurses. Regional laws may require anyone working as a health care advisor to hold a health care license. In such settings, advisors may be required to keep client records. Tracking customer health care concerns and the advice given may also be part of what a health care advisor is expected to do.

Health care advisors can make recommendations for programs that can help a person improve their health.
Health care advisors can make recommendations for programs that can help a person improve their health.

A solid working relationship with clients and health care providers is an essential duty in this position. The advisor will refer customers to health care providers, pharmacists, and others who provide medical care. If a customer calls who has had hand surgery, completed physical therapy, and is now ready for occupational help, for instance, the advisor may recommend several occupational therapists in the customer's area. Phone numbers, addresses, and office hours for each recommendation are also provided to make it easier for the customer to make the contact.

Health care advisors may work with people to reach weight goals.
Health care advisors may work with people to reach weight goals.

Confidentiality is an important component of a health care advisor's career. He or she will know details of a customer's symptoms, medical history, and concerns. Advisors use this information to provide the best advice possible when the customer contacts them.

A nursing degree or certificate is recommended for an advisor career. In addition, several years' experience working in the health care field provides the foundation for getting the job. Whether selling products or advising patients, it is important to be a good listener and communicator.

Discussion Comments

anon999449

Why would a lawyer have this position?

Sporkasia
Having a personal health care advisor makes me feel better. I think I am better able to keep on top of my health issues because I have a teammate watching my back.

At the practice where I receive health care, each patient has a nurse or therapist assigned to her in addition to a personal doctor. While the doctors do a good job of relating to patients, I am able to spend more time with my advisor and I am able to contact her outside of office hours when I have questions and concerns. I think this is a great benefit provided by the practice.

Animandel
Being a person's sole health care advisor is a huge responsibility, and if you have a health care advisor who does not feel this way about his or her job, then you should quickly find someone who does.

Within a medical facility or at a company that provides health care advice for employees, the advisor position is often filled by a nurse, as alluded to in the article. Of course, this position requires a great deal of knowledge about health issues. This is knowledge that a nurse spends years obtaining in school and through hands-on encounters with patients.

It bothers me that some people call themselves health care advisors when they have no practical experience to hold such a position. Listening to questions and then reciting answers you found online is not acceptable practice for someone calling himself a health care advisor as far as I am concerned.

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    • A primary role of a health care advisor is to provide customer service to patients.
      By: uwimages
      A primary role of a health care advisor is to provide customer service to patients.
    • A health care advisor may refer a patient to a pharmacist.
      By: Deklofenak
      A health care advisor may refer a patient to a pharmacist.
    • Health care advisors can make recommendations for programs that can help a person improve their health.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Health care advisors can make recommendations for programs that can help a person improve their health.
    • Health care advisors may work with people to reach weight goals.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Health care advisors may work with people to reach weight goals.
    • Health care advisors are typically licensed nurses.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Health care advisors are typically licensed nurses.
    • Health care advisors can recommend proper dietary guidelines to help heal from surgery.
      By: photokanok_1984
      Health care advisors can recommend proper dietary guidelines to help heal from surgery.