Can healthcare professionals work remotely?

I’ll joke sometimes that everyone should work from home, even surgeons. The truth is that it wasn’t all that long ago when surgery was performed in the home — typically that of the patient — which might explain why so many ended up dying from the surgery or from an infection they got during the surgery.

So, it seems unlikely that we’re going to see a return to home-based surgeries, but are there other healthcare-related jobs which are often performed by employees who work remotely? To answer that question, we reached out to 15 hiring experts to give us some examples of healthcare jobs which are ideally suited to remote employees:

• Recommendations for Remote Healthcare Jobs
• Telemedicine and Content Creation Opportunities
• Diverse Remote Healthcare Career Paths
• Consultant and IT Specialist Remote Roles
• Remote Nursing and Data Analysis Jobs
• Telehealth and Informatics Specialist Positions
• Transcription and Coordination Remote Roles
• Marketing and Administrative Healthcare Jobs
• Telehealth and Health Information Technician Roles
• Medical Writing and Recruitment from Home
• Billing, Therapy, and Telehealth Nursing Jobs
• Coding, Nursing, and Health IT Remote Careers
• Director, Researcher, and Recruiter Remote Roles
• Call Center, Insurance, and Coding Opportunities
• Physician, Transcriptionist, and Nurse Remote Jobs

Recommendations for Remote Healthcare Jobs

I currently work in a traditional in-person role in healthcare as a physician assistant, but I have explored remote options both for myself and for the other professionals I work with through my website, PA Career Hub. Here are the top three remote healthcare positions I’d recommend for professionals to consider: 

1) Telehealth provider.

If you still want to be on the patient-facing side of healthcare, or come from primarily a medical background as a nurse, PA, psychiatrist, or physician, then roles in telehealth are likely going to be the best option if you want a remote role. In these positions, you’ll help to advise and diagnose patient issues, and may even provide treatment depending on the situation, or refer the patient to an in-person provider as needed. These roles aren’t only available with healthcare institutions, either. Health and wellness apps and services also need medical experts who can provide advice and insights to their users, so that’s another place to check for potential remote work.

2) Medical transcriptionist/medical writer.

These roles combine medical expertise with writing skills. Transcriptionists convert voice recordings from providers into written texts, while medical writers produce research papers, educational content, and other documents for healthcare companies. Healthcare organizations may have remote roles in these areas, and this work is also often done on a freelance or contract basis, which can be a good option for professionals seeking both location and schedule flexibility.

3) Health Information Technician, Medical Coder, etc.

There is a lot of data that needs to be organized, analyzed, and communicated to insurers, other healthcare providers, or patients. The people who handle this data can often do so remotely. This is one of the main areas where you’ll find full-time remote roles, both through healthcare organizations and with employers like health insurance providers.

Carlos da Silva, Physician Assistant, PA Career Hub

Telemedicine and Content Creation Opportunities

I wish someone had told me the same during my medical school days—the thing I realize now. As a psychiatrist, I have observed that there’s so much more to tedious night shifts for healthcare workers, and we can easily avail ourselves of better opportunities remotely. Personally, I prefer becoming a telemedicine physician or a telepsychiatrist. These roles not only offer flexibility in scheduling and location but also allow me to reach a broader patient population while maintaining a better work-life balance. 

You can also become a medical writer and write articles, research papers, or educational materials on topics related to mental health, or edit manuscripts and grant proposals, etc., all from the comfort of your home.

Lastly, if you have good communication and teaching skills, you can try your luck teaching medical students online.

Vladimira Ivanova, Psychologist, The Diamond Rehab

Diverse Remote Healthcare Career Paths

Working remotely in the healthcare sector offers unique opportunities to contribute to the industry while enjoying the flexibility of remote work, including:

Firstly, one excellent path to venture into remote healthcare work is by becoming a health writer. As someone who studies and speaks to people in the health space, your expertise can be channeled into creating informative and engaging content on various health topics. This could involve writing articles, blog posts, or even contributing to medical journals or online health platforms. Your insights can help educate and empower individuals seeking reliable health information, while also showcasing your expertise in the field.

Another promising avenue is assisting health practices and professionals with their marketing strategies. Whether it’s through content creation, social media management, or SEO optimization, you can help healthcare providers and practices enhance their online presence and attract more clients through smart marketing strategies, all done remotely.

Lastly, a role as a telemedicine consultant or coordinator presents another compelling opportunity for remote work in healthcare. In this capacity, you could facilitate the integration of telemedicine services into healthcare practices, helping them streamline patient care delivery through virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

In conclusion, remote work in healthcare offers diverse avenues for motivated individuals to contribute their expertise while enjoying the flexibility of working from anywhere. Whether it’s through health writing, assisting with marketing strategies, or facilitating telemedicine services, there are ample opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry remotely.

Dr. Adelena Izold, Naturopathic Doctor, Acupuncture Atlanta

Consultant and IT Specialist Remote Roles

Here are three roles that I believe are excellent for those seeking remote opportunities in the healthcare industry:

Remote Dental Consultant:

As a dentist, I believe that the role of a remote dental consultant is an excellent opportunity for those seeking to work in dentistry remotely. In this position, professionals provide expert advice and consultations to dental practices, offering insights on treatment plans, case reviews, and best practices in dental care. Using virtual communication tools, they collaborate with dental teams to enhance patient care, share knowledge, and contribute to improving dental services, all from the convenience of a remote location.

Healthcare IT Specialist or Remote Health Informatics Analyst:

In my opinion, Healthcare IT specialists are crucial for maintaining and optimizing healthcare information systems. This role, focusing on secure data flow and troubleshooting technical issues, can be performed remotely. As technology advances, remote work becomes more feasible, making it an attractive option for those with a technical inclination in healthcare.

Medical Transcriptionist or Remote Medical Scribe:

As a doctor, I appreciate the work of medical transcriptionists who convert voice-recorded medical reports into written texts. This job can be done remotely, allowing professionals to transcribe dictated medical notes from healthcare providers. With technological advancements, transcriptionists can access audio files securely and work from the comfort of their homes.

Jennifer Silver, Dentist and Clinic Owner, Macleod Trail Dental

Remote Nursing and Data Analysis Jobs

Telehealth Nurse/Doctor: With emerging telemedicine platforms, telehealth nurses and doctors can offer consultations and basic care remotely. Registered nurses and licensed doctors with strong communication and clinical skills excel in this role, which allows for a flexible schedule and eliminates the need for daily commutes.

Remote Healthcare Data Analyst: This role utilizes data analysis skills to examine healthcare trends and identify areas for improvement. If you have a quantitative background and a passion for healthcare, you can contribute to better patient outcomes while enjoying the freedom of a remote work environment.

Content Writer: Telehealth requires the utilization of many resources, which is where skilled content writers come in. Effective copy, informative but easy-to-digest text, and well-researched content are handy for remote healthcare setups, and content writers thrive in creating such without the need to step into a physical office.

Jamie Frew, CEO, Carepatron

Telehealth and Informatics Specialist Positions

As someone deeply interested in the intersection of healthcare and remote work, I’ve observed several roles that stand out as excellent opportunities. 

First, there’s the role of a Telehealth Nurse, who provides patient care and consultation through digital platforms. This position is ideal for nurses seeking flexibility while continuing to offer personalized patient care and advice. 

Second, is the role of a Medical Coder, which involves reviewing patient information and assigning standardized codes to diagnoses and procedures for billing and insurance purposes. This job requires attention to detail and knowledge of medical terminology but can be done entirely remotely. 

Finally, a Health Informatics Specialist is another role well-suited for remote work. These professionals analyze health data and systems to improve patient care and healthcare operations. 

They often work on developing and managing healthcare databases, implementing electronic health records (EHR) systems, and ensuring data security, making it a perfect fit for those with a background in both healthcare and information technology.

Ananvita Bhattacharya, Owner, WellnessZing

Transcription and Coordination Remote Roles

Remote work in healthcare offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals seeking flexibility and the chance to contribute to the industry from anywhere. As a doctor running a plastic surgery office in the United States, I can attest that there are several roles perfectly suited for remote work within healthcare.

1. Medical transcriptionists play a crucial role in transcribing dictated recordings made by healthcare professionals into written documents. This job requires a strong understanding of medical terminology and excellent typing skills, making it ideal for remote work.

2. Telemedicine coordinators facilitate virtual patient consultations, scheduling appointments, and managing electronic health records remotely. With the rise of telehealth services, this role has become increasingly in demand and offers great potential for remote work.

3. Medical billing and coding specialists ensure accurate billing and insurance claims processing, a task that can be effectively done from a remote location with the right technology and training.

From my experiences, I encourage individuals interested in working remotely in healthcare to consider roles that allow them to leverage their skills and knowledge, even if it means starting with tasks like marketing or website management for a doctor’s office. These roles provide valuable experience and insight into the healthcare industry, opening doors to future opportunities within the field.

Dr. Sam Fuller, Founder, Sam Fuller Plastic Surgery

Marketing and Administrative Healthcare Jobs

Healthcare marketing stands out as a fantastic remote role. Then there’s the administrative side of things—think roles in data entry, medical billing, or even managing patient records. And don’t forget roles in patient services, such as scheduling and appointment setting.

Diane Howard, RN and Founder, Esthetic Finesse

Telehealth and Health Information Technician Roles

Telehealth

There’s a growing demand for remote patient care, often called telehealth or telemedicine. Opportunities exist for Phone Triage Nurses at various healthcare institutions, including health insurance firms offering telehealth services to clients. This also applies to medical professionals like Physician Assistants, Physical Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Psychologists who can provide virtual care or advice. Pharmacists are also available remotely to assist patients with prescription understanding and cost-effective solutions. Additionally, in the nutrition field, many Registered Dietitians find remote work as Health and Wellness Coaches or assisting hospital patients in developing nutrition plans tailored to their medical conditions and needs.

Medical Writer

Working remotely as a medical writer involves creating written materials and training guides about specific medical findings and breakthroughs. You could be employed by various healthcare organizations, such as pharmaceutical companies or medical device producers, and your role will involve a lot of research. Essential skills for this job are high research capabilities and a general understanding of medical terms and medications to ensure accurate information delivery. The average salary for a medical writer is around $115,000 per year.

Health Information Technician

In this role, you’ll be remotely tasked with managing medical records at healthcare facilities. These records include sensitive patient information, like diagnoses, treatments, and insurance details. As a Health Information Technician, your key responsibility is to safeguard patient data. You’ll use computer applications to analyze the data, aiming to enhance patient care and reduce treatment costs. The average annual salary for this job is about $46,000. Required skills include familiarity with medical terminology and procedures, plus strong analytical abilities to comprehend data and apply it for process improvements.

Renato Fernandes, Clinical Nutritionist, Saude Pulso

Medical Writing and Recruitment from Home

If you’re looking for remote jobs in healthcare, one option is medical writing. As a medical writer, you might write research articles, medical education materials, regulatory documents, or other types of healthcare-related content. Most employers require you to have a degree in medicine or the life sciences, along with strong writing skills.

Another good remote healthcare career is working as a medical transcriptionist. This job requires you to transcribe audio recordings of medical reports dictated by healthcare professionals. There are no specific degree requirements to become a medical transcriptionist, but you should be familiar with medical terminology.

If you have previous experience working in healthcare and are looking to take your career in a different direction, consider applying for healthcare recruiter roles. Prior experience in the medical field isn’t technically required, but it will help you source, screen, and hire the right healthcare professionals for the right roles.

Eva Chan, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Senior Content Specialist, Resume Genius

Billing, Therapy, and Telehealth Nursing Jobs

These next three roles demonstrate how advancements in technology have made it possible to deliver healthcare services remotely, allowing professionals to work from anywhere while still making a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.

Billing Specialist: Remote billing specialists handle medical billing and coding tasks. They review and submit claims, verify insurance information, and ensure accurate billing documentation. With the use of electronic health record systems and remote communication tools, billing specialists can efficiently perform their duties from a remote location.

Therapist: Many therapists, such as mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, or social workers, can provide counseling services remotely. Through teletherapy platforms, therapists can conduct virtual sessions, offer support, and provide guidance to clients from the comfort of their own homes. Remote therapy has become increasingly popular, offering flexibility and accessibility to individuals seeking mental health support.

Telehealth Nurse: Telehealth nurses provide remote patient care and support through virtual platforms. They assess patients’ symptoms, provide medical advice, and offer guidance on treatment options. They can work in remote healthcare delivery, especially in triaging patients, providing education, and coordinating care. With advancements in telemedicine technology, telehealth nurses can remotely connect with patients and provide quality healthcare services.

Rubens Basso, Chief Technology Officer, FieldRoutes

Coding, Nursing, and Health IT Remote Careers

From my experience, I’ve seen several jobs emerge as excellent options for remote workers in this field. The top three that I recommend are medical coder, telehealth nurse, and health information technician.

Medical coders review patient records and assign diagnostic and procedure codes. This is typically done remotely by accessing electronic records. Coders must be detail-oriented, have medical knowledge, and stay updated on coding guidelines. The work schedule is flexible, and medical coding is a growing remote career with competitive pay.

Telehealth nurses provide care and education to patients using video and audio technology. This allows nurses to connect with patients remotely. Strong communication skills and nursing expertise are required. Telehealth nurses enjoy work-life balance and the ability to serve patients from home. With telemedicine expanding, this is a promising remote nursing role.

Health information technicians organize and analyze health data. Tasks like auditing records for accuracy and compiling data for research can be done offsite. Technical skills and healthcare knowledge are needed. Health IT professionals like the steady remote work schedule and the opportunity to support healthcare delivery from afar.

As you can see, healthcare offers a variety when it comes to remote work. Roles like these allow professionals to apply their skills in a flexible environment. With proper training, they can gain fulfilling remote employment in this industry.

Kuban Baryktabasov, CEO & Co-founder, NAO

Director, Researcher, and Recruiter Remote Roles

Medical Director

This is a well-paid, remote position with a national average salary of about $223,737 per year. Medical directors are doctors who take on leadership roles in the medical field. Their responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and best practices for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They also oversee training for both new and existing staff members and manage the department’s budget. Essential skills for medical directors include strong interpersonal, management, organizational, and research abilities.

Clinical Researcher

As a clinical researcher, earning a national average salary of approximately $95,768 per year, your main responsibilities involve conducting clinical trials in strict compliance with various rules and regulations. These trials seek to answer questions about medicines, such as their effectiveness and safety, vaccines, medical devices, and human behavior. Researchers must adhere to ethical standards and good clinical practices throughout the trial processes, including recruiting, screening, and working with human subjects. They also play a crucial role in gathering and presenting information to healthcare professionals and the public in a responsible and efficient manner.

Health Recruiter

In the healthcare sector, you can work as a recruiter either with staffing agencies or directly at healthcare facilities. If you’re with a staffing agency, the job is often commission-based and can be very profitable if you’re good at identifying top talent. Working in HR at a healthcare facility, on the other hand, typically offers a steady salary and solid benefits. Whichever path you choose, your role will significantly influence both the organization and the job seekers you assist. The national average salary for this position is around $97,315 per year.

Antoinette Jackson, Creative Director & Founder, SuperBee

Call Center, Insurance, and Coding Opportunities

Call center rep, insurance agent, and medical coder.

With recent technological advancements, the good news for individuals in the remote work market, especially medical personnel who feel cheated out of the opportunity to work a more flexible schedule and/or from home, is that remote employment options have continued to expand to include newer fields and industries, and the healthcare sector is not left out.

Some of the jobs I think to be a great fit for individuals interested in working remotely in the healthcare sector include call center representatives, insurance agents, and medical coders. However, to work remotely as a call center representative, one would need to be a healthcare professional because a vital part of the job description requires that one is able to gather information about the patient in preparation for their appointment with a doctor. To work as an insurance agent and medical coder, one would require extensive knowledge of insurance and legal policies.

Andrew Johnson, General Manager, National Drug Helpline

Physician, Transcriptionist, and Nurse Remote Jobs

Three jobs that I think are great for remote workers who want to work in healthcare are telemedicine physician, medical transcriptionist, and virtual nurse.

1. Telemedicine Physician

Telemedicine physicians use video conferencing and other telecommunications technologies to provide medical services remotely. This allows patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes and eliminates the need for them to physically travel to a doctor’s office or hospital. Telemedicine physicians can provide a variety of medical services, from routine check-ups to consultations for specific conditions.

2. Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists listen to recorded dictations from healthcare professionals and transcribe them into written documents. This job can be done remotely, as long as the transcriptionist has access to the necessary equipment and software. Medical transcriptionists play an important role in the healthcare industry by ensuring accurate and detailed documentation of patient records.

3. Virtual Nurse

Virtual nurses provide healthcare services remotely, such as answering patient questions and providing education about medications or treatment plans. They may also monitor patients’ vital signs through remote technology and communicate with healthcare professionals to coordinate care.

Amira Irfan, Founder and CEO, A Self Guru