What Is A Physician Liaison?

The physician liaison is a relatively new job title in the field of healthcare. The word “physician” usually conjures up the image of a doctor in a white coat with a stethoscope around their neck and a clipboard in their hand. Throw the word “liaison” after “physician,” and you have a completely new look and meaning.

So, what is a physician liaison? Tiller-Hewitt Healthcare Strategies, a consulting firm that offers services to health systems, hospitals, and providers, states that, essentially, the job of a physician liaison involves collaboration and communication to achieve maximum growth and loyalty for a health system. Physician liaisons focus on communication, retention, and development of referrals within a health system, usually between a hospital and its physicians. They train, collaborate, and coach staff on continued referral management, develop and manage a “Hospital 101” course, and coordinate hospital and practice referral data.

Why Hire A Physician Liaison?

Physician liaisons, most importantly, are the root of communication in any health system between the practitioners and the staff to (1) promote hospital services and (2) identify any barriers. Their goal is to maintain an open line of communication with physicians, allowing the hospital system to sustain and expand its patient referral base. Customer service skills are a crucial part of the job, whether you are a salesperson or a consultant. Hospitals or medical facilities seeking a physician liaison look for someone with an advanced college degree, such as an MBA or a Master’s in Healthcare Administration.

In a blog written by Lori Waltz for Healthcaresuccess.com titled 7 Traits of a Highly Successful Physician Liaison, the author states that the 7 most desirable traits one who wishes to enter the field should possess are:

1. Extremely motivated and a self starter.
2. Excellent communication skills.
3. Experiences or educated in a specialty.
4. A relationship builder.
5. Possess a professional appearance.
6. Be friendly and personable.
7. Be highly organized.

Contact Prescription For Liaison Services

The role as a physician liaison can be difficult. The primary goal of the job is to make sure everyone within a healthcare system, such as doctors, nurses, and case managers, are all on the same page, and understand that their functions individually have an effect on the overall status of their healthcare institution. The physician liaison is increasing in importance as more and more practices are healthcare systems seek someone to execute these roles.

Need help delivering your message, driving referrals, driving demand, creating media opportunities and much more? We can help. For more information on how Prescription PR can help build recognition for your medical practice, please call (631) 392-4255. In need of a physician liaison? Click  Here