Patient Placement Rep

Palomar Health; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Palomar Health in Escondido, California, is seeking a Patient Placement Coordinator to process inpatient transfer requests and coordinate entry points across hospital units. You will work with physicians and nursing staff to identify optimal patient placement using bed boards and criteria to determine inpatient versus observation status.

The role requires medical terminology knowledge, strong English communication, and 3 months of patient placement experience, with opportunities to grow within

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Medical Terminology course completed within one year of hire.
• 3 months patient placement experience.
• 1 year related patient placement experience preferred.
• English language proficiency sufficient for job duties.

Responsibilities

• Process patient placement requests for inpatient transfers and entry points (e.g., ED, physician offices, PACU).
• Receive requests and identify best available placement using electronic bed board.
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing units, and departments to assess placement capability.
• Review admissions for appropriateness with documented criteria for inpatient vs. observation status.
• Monitor performance metrics for patient placement and throughput; ensure quality standards are met.

Skills

Patient placement

Medical terminology

Communication

English language proficiency

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

MS Windows

Excel

Access

Word

PowerPoint

Email

Internet

Job description

Department: Clinical Ops Improvement Union: CHEU Shift: 12-hour Shift - Variable (United States of America) Hours Per Pay Period: 48 Job Description: Pay range: $23.00 - $31.58 Posting Date: 9/2/2026 Internal Closing Date: 9/9/26

Responsible for processing patient placement requests for all in-patient transfers and all points of entry into the hospitals, e.g., Emergency Department, Physician’s Offices, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), etc. Receive requests for incoming patients and works with the accepting physician and nursing unit staff to identify the best available placement of the patients utilizing the electronic bed board. Obtain all information pertinent to assessing placement capability at a Palomar Health facility. In collaboration with Patient Financial Services and Clinical Resource Management, reviews incoming admission for appropriateness, utilizing documented criteria to determine whether patient meets requirement for in-patient or observation status. Work with the Patient Placement Supervisor if complications arise and leverage their expertise in clinically complex situations. Responsible for monitoring and meeting established performance metrics for patient placement and throughput. Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop-down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.

Job Requirements

Minimum Education: High School Diploma and/or combination of education and experience

Successful completion of a Medical Terminology course from an accredited program within one year of hire

Preferred Education: Basic college or technical medical coursework

Minimum Experience: 3 months patient placement experience and related medical terminology

Preferred Experience: 1 year related patient placement experience

Required License: Not Applicable

Preferred License: Not Applicable

Required Certification: Not Applicable

Preferred Certification: Not Applicable

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Palomar Health invites you to be part of our healthcare team, where we offer extraordinary opportunities for both clinical and non-clinical positions. As a leading healthcare system, we are committed to providing world-class care to our community. When you join our team, you'll have access to our exceptional training programs designed to help you excel in your role and grow your career.