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Patient Relations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Patient Relations Liaison

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Irvine, CA | Full-Time | $25-$30/hr | Mandarin Proficiency Strongly Preferred The Role We're hiring a Patient Relations Liaison to own the resolution of escalated patient complaints and billing ...

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Patient Relations information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$61.4K

$92.8K

How much do patient relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for patient relations in California is $61,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient relations professional?

Patient Relations refers to the department or role within a healthcare facility that focuses on managing communication and resolving concerns between patients, their families, and the healthcare staff. Professionals in Patient Relations help address patient complaints, provide information about hospital policies, and ensure that patients have a positive experience during their care. They serve as a bridge between patients and the medical team, working to improve satisfaction and address issues quickly and compassionately.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a patient relations professional?

To thrive as a Patient Relations professional, you need a background in healthcare administration or customer service, strong problem-solving skills, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with hospital information systems, patient management software, and sometimes certification such as Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP) is important. Outstanding communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and active listening skills help build trust and resolve patient concerns effectively. These skills ensure positive patient experiences, improved satisfaction, and enhanced reputation for healthcare organizations.

What are common challenges faced by patient relations professionals, and how can they be managed?

Patient Relations professionals often encounter challenges such as managing difficult conversations, addressing patient complaints, and coordinating between patients and medical staff. These challenges can be effectively managed by developing strong communication skills, practicing empathy, and staying well-versed in hospital policies and procedures. Building positive relationships with both patients and staff helps to resolve issues quickly and ensures a supportive healthcare environment for everyone involved.

What is the difference between Patient Relations vs Patient Advocate?

AspectPatient RelationsPatient Advocate
CredentialsTypically requires healthcare or customer service experience, sometimes a relevant certificationOften requires healthcare knowledge, certifications, or advocacy training
Work EnvironmentHospital, clinic, or healthcare facility; customer service settingHealthcare settings, community outreach, or legal environments
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare organizationsPatient rights organizations, hospitals, legal or community groups
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding patient support roles, customer service in healthcareAdvocacy, patient rights, healthcare navigation

While both roles focus on patient support, Patient Relations primarily handles communication and service issues within healthcare facilities. Patient Advocates actively assist patients in navigating their rights and healthcare options. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus, with Patient Relations more customer service-oriented and Patient Advocates more advocacy-driven.

What degree is needed to be a patient relations?

A patient relations specialist typically needs at least a high school diploma or equivalent; however, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, communications, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, empathy, and customer service experience, and some roles may require certification or training in healthcare regulations or patient advocacy.

What skills are needed for patient relations?

Patient relations professionals need strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and healthcare staff. Empathy, active listening, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of healthcare procedures are essential, along with proficiency in computer systems and customer service. Certifications in healthcare or patient advocacy can also enhance effectiveness in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Relations jobs in California?

The most popular types of Patient Relations jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Patient Relations jobs in California?

For Patient Relations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Patient Relations jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Patient Relations jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Patient Relations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Patient Relations job openings:

Infographic showing various Patient Relations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,362 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Patient Relations Representative

MARSHALL B KETCHUM UNIVERSITY

Anaheim, CA โ€ข On-site

$19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Patient Relations Representative is the central point of contact for the University Eye Center (Anaheim Hills). The Patient Relations Representative will greet patients and visitors, verify insurance eligibility, make appointments, assist walk-ins, check- in patients presenting for services and problem solve patient issues. This role is responsible for accurately collecting and entering patient information into the practice management system. The Patient Relations Representative will ensure appropriate payment is collected and the correct billing and diagnosis codes are accurately entered into the computer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIยญยญBILITIES
  • Ability to use a computer to assist patients, co-workers, and doctors with the following:
  • Schedule patient appointments
  • Obtain insurance authorizations and verify insurance eligibility when scheduling appointments
  • Greet patients entering the reception area and check them in for appointments
  • Check patients out at the cashier area with a smile
  • Create new patient files
  • Enter and update patient demographic data in system at check-in
  • Scan all intake forms into patientsโ€™ electronic medical records
  • Page Interns when patients are ready to be seen, and page faculty doctors when their assistance is needed
  • Print fee sheets for next day appointments and attach any necessary paperwork to each sheet as needed to update existing patient files or create new patient files
  • Obtain insurance authorizations and verify insurance eligibility for all next day appointments
  • Help maintain an electronic appointment reminder system
  • Scan patientsโ€™ insurance card(s) into patientsโ€™ electronic medical records
  • Collect fees from patients in the form of cash, credit, and checks
  • Provide correct change to cash paying patients when necessary
  • Reconcile all payments taken at checkout against what was recorded in the system
  • Copy forms as needed by doctors and interns
  • Assemble patient intake packets
  • Create next day schedule with patient counts and staff shifts/lunches
  • Obtain fee waivers and sliding fee scale forms for patients from supervisor
  • Assist the Doctors and Interns with various requests that are usually performed at the front desk
  • Assist with processing paperwork and payments from several off-site exam locations when necessary
  • Assist patients with concerns or complaints, referring them to Patient Relations Supervisor when necessary
  • Assist with mass mailings for patient recruitment
  • Complete any and all tasks necessary to close and secure the reception and cashier areas at the end of the shift, and to prepare for the next day
  • Call and/or create documents for patient recall
  • All other Patient Relations duties as assigned
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The rยญequirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Prior experience in a customer service capacity
  • Computer and mathematical skills are essential
  • Flexibility to work some evenings and Saturdays
  • Spanish is helpful
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
  • Required: High School degree or general education degree (GED); AND six months related experience and/or training

SEE YOURSELF HERE

Located on a beautiful, seven-acre campus in Fullerton, California, MBKU is an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution. MBKU is home to the Southern California College of Optometry, the School of PA Studies, College of Pharmacy and the Doctor of Medical Science Program (DMSc) . MBKU owns and operates three health care centers at their clinical teaching facility, Ketchum Health, providing a vision center and PA medical clinic practice in Orange County and second vision center in Los Angeles.

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1904

In 1904, Marshall B. Ketchum, MD, opened the Los Angeles School of Ophthalmology and Optometry in Los Angeles. Dr. Ketchum was a visionary entrepreneur and prominent leader in the optometric profession. He made very significant and long-standing contributions in his field of care, in California and throughout theย nation.

In the early โ€˜70s the College moved to its current home in Fullerton, CA and was renamed Southern California College of Optometry. But even the pioneering Dr. Ketchum could not have envisioned his school would grow to become Marshall B. Ketchum University, an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution encompassing multiple disciplines.

BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF HEALTH CARE EDUCATION

Marshall B. Ketchum University offers career opportunities that will put you at the forefront of health care education. You will be provided with learning and advancement opportunities, as well as a culture that recognizes the importance of fun, employee appreciation and a work-life balance.

Our mission is to educate caring, inspired health care professionals who are prepared to deliver collaborative, patient-centric health care in an interprofessional environment. By joining our family, you can help us reimagine the future and inspire future health care leaders.

INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE LEADERS

At Marshall B. Ketchum University, we have led the way in interprofessional healthcare, building on a century of experience as an optometry school. In 2012, the first Physician Assistant program in Orange County was added, followed by the College of Pharmacy program in 2014. Most recently in 2024, we expanded our offerings with the addition of the fully-online Doctor of Medical Science(DMSc) program.ย  Side-by-side in group discussions, community service, and clinical experience, our OD, PA, PharmD and DMSc students learn what it means to deliver patient-centered health care as a collaborative team of professionals.

BENEFITS

MBKU provides an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance, free vision exams, short and long term disability, generous paid time off plans, a university-sponsored retirement plan. See our website underย Employmentย for more details regarding benefits of working for MBKU (www.ketchum.edu).

MBKU is an equal opportunity employer; requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

MBKU is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, it is University policy to prevent the unlawful discrimination against students, applicants for admission, employees, applicants for employment and patients requesting treatment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The University also prohibits sexual harassment and harassment on any of the above bases (please refer to the Title IX page for more information).