Patient Care Coordinator
Company: The Ruscio Institute for Functional Health
Website:www.drruscio.com
Compensation: 25–34/hour (depending on experience)
Employment Type: Full-Time (initial 90-day contractor period)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Fully Remote (U.S.-based)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 9:30 AM–6:30 PM Central Time
Reports to: Practice Manager
Role: Patient Care Coordinator (Functional Medicine & Patient Support)
About the Role
The Patient Care Coordinator ensures an exceptional patient experience from start to finish, serving as the bridge between patients and providers.
This is a highly skilled, patient-facing role that combines functional medicine knowledge, patient education, communication, charting, and care coordination. The Patient Care Coordinator supports patients between visits, helps them understand provider-directed recommendations, reinforces education shared during appointments, and ensures patient questions and updates are communicated to the appropriate provider.
We're seeking an articulate, proactive, and highly capable professional with at least 3 years of direct patient-facing experience in a functional or integrative medicine clinical practice.
About the Ruscio Institute
Founded by Dr. Michael Ruscio, the Ruscio Institute for Functional Health is a research-driven, virtual functional medicine practice specializing in digestive health, thyroid health, and complex chronic health concerns.
Our approach combines clinical experience, ongoing scientific research, and individualized care to help patients make meaningful, sustainable improvements in their health.
Core Responsibilities
1. Patient Support & Communication
- Provide knowledgeable, thoughtful, and timely support to patients between visits.
- Respond confidently to questions regarding provider-directed recommendations, protocols, and next steps within the scope of the role.
- Communicate complex information clearly, professionally, and compassionately.
- Recognize when a question requires provider input and ensure it is communicated appropriately.
2. Patient Education
- Confidently review and explain patient education slides and materials shared by providers.
- Reinforce provider-directed education and recommendations, helping patients understand the purpose of their next steps and what to expect.
- Identify potential barriers to following through with recommendations and help patients navigate those challenges within the scope of the role.
3. Charting & Provider Support
- Complete accurate, timely, and detailed charting, including patient communications, updates, questions, and follow-up needs.
- Prepare and organize relevant information for provider review.
- Support clear communication between patients, providers, and the internal care team.
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality, accuracy, and attention to detail.
4. Patient Experience & Retention
- Help deliver a consistently exceptional patient experience from onboarding through ongoing care.
- Support patient engagement, continuity of care, and appropriate follow-up.
- Anticipate patient needs and identify barriers or concerns that may affect patient satisfaction and retention.
- Take proactive steps to address concerns and help patients feel informed, confident, and supported throughout their care journey.
5. Patient Onboarding Support
- Assist with patient onboarding appointments when the New Patient Coordinator is unavailable or additional support is needed.
- Clearly and professionally communicate the clinic's approach, processes, and expectations.
- Help ensure new patients feel welcomed, informed, and prepared to begin care.
6. Team Collaboration & Initiative
- Work closely with providers, leadership, and team members to support coordinated patient care.
- Work autonomously while communicating proactively and escalating concerns appropriately.
- Take initiative, manage responsibilities effectively, and follow through on commitments.
- Identify opportunities to improve workflows, communication, and the overall patient experience.
Expected Weekly Output
- Respond to routine patient communications within one business day.
- Maintain 100% chart readiness for assigned responsibilities before appointments.
- Independently manage routine patient support needs, provider-directed recommendations, and follow-ups.
- Accurately document, triage, and communicate patient needs.
- Support patient engagement through proactive outreach and consistent follow-through.
- Assist with patient onboarding appointments when additional support is needed.
What Success Looks Like
- Patients consistently feel informed, confident, and supported throughout their care journey.
- Patient communications, charting, and follow-up needs are managed accurately and efficiently.
- Provider-directed recommendations are communicated clearly, with appropriate clinical escalation.
- Patient concerns and potential barriers to care are identified and addressed proactively.
- Providers and team members can rely on consistent follow-through, sound judgment, and independent problem-solving.
Growth Path
This role offers opportunities to deepen your functional medicine knowledge, collaborate with experienced providers, take greater ownership of patient support, and contribute to improving care delivery.
Ideal Candidate
Clinical Experience: At least 3 years of direct patient-facing experience in a functional or integrative medicine clinical practice, working alongside clinical providers. This experience is required.
Functional Medicine Knowledge: Strong understanding of functional medicine principles, common protocols, supplements, and individualized treatment approaches.
Patient Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the warmth, confidence, and professionalism needed to build trust with patients.
Clinical Judgment: Ability to understand and communicate detailed health information accurately within the scope of the role and recognize when provider input is necessary.
Organization & Attention to Detail: Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate documentation.
Independent & Proactive: Resourceful, adaptable, and solutions-oriented, with sound judgment and the ability to work independently.
Team Collaboration: Works effectively with providers, leadership, and team members and takes pride in contributing to a collaborative, patient-centered care team.
Technical Proficiency: Experience with electronic medical records and remote healthcare communication tools. Familiarity with Practice Better, Zendesk, Podium, Slack, or WhatsApp is preferred.
Please note: General healthcare administration, traditional medical office experience, independent health coaching, or personal interest in functional medicine does not independently satisfy the required 3 years of clinical functional medicine experience.
What We Offer
Competitive Compensation: 25–34/hour, depending on experience.
Remote Work: Fully remote, U.S.-based position with a consistent Monday–Friday schedule.
Professional Growth: Opportunities to deepen your functional medicine knowledge, collaborate with experienced providers, and contribute to improving care delivery.
Meaningful Work: Play an important role in helping patients feel informed, understood, and supported as they work toward improving their health.
Collaborative Team Environment: Work alongside knowledgeable, dedicated professionals committed to delivering thoughtful, evidence-informed care and an exceptional patient experience.
Thank you for your interest in joining the Ruscio Institute!
Please note: To ensure all applications receive appropriate consideration, we kindly ask that you submit your application through the designated application link rather than contacting our office directly regarding this position. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to learning more about you!
