Technology has advanced at breakneck speed, and many industries have implemented remote working options for employees. A concept that caught on during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become a convenient option for most people. Features like videoconferencing have further enabled the healthcare industry to expand, creating opportunities for remote work. This also provides healthcare access to people residing in remote locations who prefer communicating with providers via a digital medium.
Also known as telehealth or telemedicine, online medical jobs are positions that medical professionals can access remotely. These positions aren’t limited to practitioners and nurses only – they also employ other non-clinical healthcare positions like insurance agents, technical writers, and administrators.
If you want to contribute to the medical field but want to have the flexibility of working from home, an online medical gig can be a great option to consider. Here are some options that can work out well:
Traveling Physician
A consulting physician who offers medical services to patients can find plenty of part-time remote work online. Travel physicians often take short-term placement positions at medical clinics and hospitals and can opt for remote work to earn extra income.
Furthermore, they can also use their expertise to teach online or produce medical content online. This is especially true for professionals with strong clinical knowledge and writing skills, who can work as medical writers to create content for various publications. From working as editorial advisers to ensure content is medically accurate to working as content writers and editors, medical writers are in high demand in the content creation industry. This job can be done remotely, and telecommunication can be used to meet with editors, other writers, and publishers.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are professionals with strong knowledge of various types of medications. While most pharmacist jobs are on-site, some companies hire remote pharmacists to review and enter prescriptions online. If you have previous experience working as a pharmacist, you may be able to land a remote gig based on your expertise.
Clinical Researcher
Clinical researchers investigate medical interventions using scientific methods. They then use this to gauge the effectiveness of specific therapies or medications. Most clinical researchers work in research facilities and laboratories, but some use technological concepts to create reports, design studies, and collaborate with other clinical researchers online. Since this job doesn’t require you to be at an office every day, it is an excellent option for remote work.
Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcribers are responsible for producing written documents based on a doctor’s dictations. Hospitals and healthcare institutions require these transcripts to ensure patients’ medical records remain complete and up to date. These notes also go into the patient’s permanent health records.
Medical transcribers are also responsible for converting audio recordings of doctors’ consultations into written text and formatting them in accordance with industry guidelines. Since transcribing audio into written documents makes up most of the work, this is a job that can be done easily from home. Correspondence often occurs over the phone or through emails, eliminating the need for traveling outside the home.
Call Center Representative
In healthcare, nurses often make up the majority of call center representatives. As the first point of contact, medical call center representatives consult with patients by phone or video conference to help schedule appointments and gather information about the patient to prepare for the doctor’s appointment. Since this role involves work over the phone or computer, it can be performed remotely.
Medical Coder
Medical coders handle medical claims to help insurance companies reimburse medical facilities. They must have a robust understanding and knowledge of legal and insurance policies to handle their work. Their responsibilities include reviewing billing data and managing claims to ensure accuracy in the process. This job role primarily involves working with computer software, so it’s a good option for remote work.
Nurse Educator
With more universities and colleges offering online education courses, there are good opportunities for nurse educators to teach online. Nurse educators are responsible for preparing new nurses who are skilled and well educated to deliver top-notch patient care. The responsibilities of nurse educators include giving lectures, preparing lessons, organizing residencies, mentoring students, and assessing their aptitude.
Insurance Agent
Insurance agents help customers choose insurance policies for their specific needs. Health insurance agents sell plans that cover medical expenses. They converse with customers to understand their coverage needs, then recommend the ideal plan and explain policy changes. Insurance agents also help customers settle claims, customize plans, maintain records, and handle interviews of potential customers.
Most of the work involves working on the computer or over the phone, so this job is well-suited for people looking for remote work.
Legal Nurse Consultant
While nurses offer medical and clinical guidance to patients, legal nurse consultants provide medical consultations on legal cases. They are responsible for reviewing and analyzing legal information and giving advice to lawyers working in nursing and healthcare malpractice cases. This job does not require working directly with patients, so it’s an ideal opportunity for professionals to work from wherever they please.
Case Manager
Case managers organize, facilitate, and evaluate healthcare options and coordinate patient care by facilitating communication among patients, healthcare providers, and facilities. They also work to provide care options that align with the patient’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Generally, case managers advocate for the patient’s needs and prioritize affordable services and providers. As long as the professional can communicate effectively, build good relationships, and show empathy over the phone, it’s a job that can be done from home.
Final Thoughts
Just as with any other remote job, there are advantages and disadvantages. Being physically distant from patients or coworkers can sometimes be challenging. Still, there are numerous benefits, such as being able to diagnose and treat patients without commuting to the clinic or hospital.
Moreover, working in the medical sector can be highly stressful, and being able to work remotely can offer better work-life balance and flexibility in your personal life. It also allows you to set your own work schedule and manage your patient roster.
Patients also prefer to be assisted from the comfort of their home, and with the growing demand for telehealth, online medical jobs can mean better benefits and higher pay.
