Description : The Discharge Coordinator is responsible for managing and facilitating the end-to-end patient discharge process, ensuring timely completion of documentation, coordination with clinical and support departments, and seamless patient exit formalities. The role requires effective coordination with doctors, nursing staff, billing, pharmacy, and medical records to ensure accuracy, compliance, and patient satisfaction.
Key responsibilities : 1. Discharge process coordination
- Coordinate with treating doctors and nursing staff for timely preparation of discharge summaries
- Ensure completion of all medical documentation required for patient discharge
- Monitor discharge requests and facilitate smooth patient flow from ward to billing and exit
- Ensure adherence to hospital discharge protocols and NABH documentation standards
2. Documentation
- Verify that discharge summaries, prescriptions, investigation reports, and instructions are complete and appropriately signed
- Ensure proper documentation of patient identification details and medical records
- Coordinate with Medical Records Department (MRD) for filing and archiving discharge documentation
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements
3. Coordination
- Liaise with the Billing Department to ensure accurate and timely bill preparation
- Coordinate with TPA / Insurance desk for insured patients where applicable
- Assist patients and attendants in understanding billing and discharge formalities
- Work closely with the following departments to ensure timely discharge completion:
- Nursing stations
- Billing Department
- Pharmacy
- Diagnostics/ Laboratory
- Medical Records Department
- Front Desk/ Patient Services
4. Patient support
- Guide patients and attendants through the discharge process and documentation requirements
- Ensure patients receive all relevant documents, prescriptions, and instructions at the time of discharge
- Address queries and facilitate smooth patient experience during discharge
5. Reporting
- Track discharge timelines and escalate delays to the Discharge In-Charge where required
- Maintain daily records of discharge cases and status
- Assist in preparing periodic discharge reports and departmental documentation
Key skills and competencies
- Strong coordination and communication skills
- Familiarity with hospital discharge procedures
- Understanding of hospital documentation practices
- Ability to handle patient queries with professionalism
- Basic computer and hospital information system (HIMS) knowledge
- Ability to work under pressure in a hospital environment
- Professional and patient-centric approach
- Robust attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple discharge cases simultaneously
- Calm and composed communication with patients and clinical teams
Desired qualification and experience
- Graduate/ Postgraduate preferably in Healthcare Administration or Hospital Management background
- Relevant 2-5 years of experience in hospital discharge desk/ patient services/ hospital operations