Medical practice coordinator training: Experience report by course instructor Sandra Oppikofer - as MPK team leader in the practice or clinical work under the supervision of a doctor

Sandra Oppikofer

Who are you and what do you do for a living?

My name is Sandra Oppikofer. I am a course instructor and lecturer at FREI'S Schools Lucerne in the modules Practice Management and Personnel Management.

Who is the target group for the Medical Practice Coordinator training?

The target group for the Medical Practice Coordinator (MPK) course is primarily medical practice assistants (MPA) from doctors' surgeries, medical centers or hospitals. However, we also welcome other professional groups from the healthcare sector, such as dental assistants and veterinary practice assistants.

What are the admission requirements for the Medical Practice Coordinator course?

The admission requirements for the medical practice coordinator training or individual modules thereof is a federal certificate of competence as a medical practice assistant (MPA) or an equivalent qualification in a secondary level 2 healthcare profession. In addition to the module qualifications, a qualification as a vocational trainer, three years of professional experience and authorization to take X-rays are required to take the federal examination. In addition to MPAs, medical secretaries H+ or medical and special secretaries with at least three years of professional experience in the medical field are also eligible.

What are the different specializations in MPK training?

There are two possible specializations for the Medical Practice Coordinator course with a federal certificate:

• Clinical direction - clinical activity under the supervision of the doctor to accompany chronically ill persons, e.g. in diabetes counseling by recording the general condition and promoting the patient's self-competence
• Practice management direction - team management in the sense of a team leader in a group practice and practice activity

Both specializations allow you to work for health insurance companies or insurance companies and also in case management.

What content is taught in the medical practice coordinator training program?

The content of the Medical Practice Coordinator training course is as follows:

• Chronic Care Management (I + II)
• Quality management
• Practice management - practice management direction
• Personnel management - practical direction
• Accounting - practical direction
• Counseling of long-term diabetes patients - clinical direction
• Wound treatment - clinical direction
• Advice for long-term patients (respiratory diseases, heart disease, rheumatism and dementia) - clinical direction

How long does the training to become a medical practice coordinator take and how much does it cost?

Training to become a medical practice coordinator takes around two years. The medical practice coordinator training costs around CHF 11,000. Those who take the federal examination receive 50% of the course costs subsidized by the federal government. Participation in the professional examination for the federal certificate is sufficient - it does not have to be passed.

How does the Odamed MPK professional examination work? What is tested?

The Odamed MPK professional examination includes online examinations in the subjects of quality management, chronic care management 1 and chronic care management 2, as well as a written case study. The work submitted in advance is presented at the Federal Examination for Medical Practice Coordinators and a specialist discussion is held on it.

What are the advantages of FREI'S schools for this medical training?

FREI'S schools focus in particular on medical practice assistants in the medical practice coordinator training course, i.e. MPAs are at the center of this course. As a lecturer and teacher on the Medical Practice Coordinator training course, it is particularly important to me to establish a high level of practical relevance in the lessons in order to make it easier for students to transfer their knowledge into practice. As an innovative school, we also focus on modern forms of teaching such as blended learning. This form of teaching enables blended learning and combines self-study through preparatory assignments with classroom teaching. The switch to online teaching is also kept flexible. FREI'S schools have a familiar and personal approach with short communication channels.

What does the Medical Practice Coordinator salary usually look like?

There are two factors to consider when determining the salary of a medical practice coordinator. The first is professional experience and the second is age. The salary details are published on the website of the Swiss Association of Medical Practice Assistants - graded according to age. I strongly assume that an additional salary of 400 to 500 francs is paid for a management role as an MPK. Of course, this depends on the employer.

Where do medical practice coordinator graduates find jobs? Is the training done before the job search or is it part of the employment?

As a graduate, you can find medical practice coordinator jobs on praxisstellen.ch or on the websites of medical practices, hospitals or medical centers. Networking also offers further opportunities for job searches, as medical practices are very well networked with each other. I recommend that medical practice coordinators start their job search during their training. This allows them to apply what they have learned in their new role in everyday practice. Many people lack the courage to look for a job without a degree. Through my years of experience in a practice management role, I know that such people are particularly interesting applicants, as they are willing to learn and can develop well in their own practice with their new role.

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