Description:
Position Summary
The Medical Assistant provides and coordinates the delivery of clinical and non-clinical services under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN) or Provider. This position also performs a variety of clerical duties to assist the WCC’s staff.
Primary Responsibilities
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Performs pre-certification duties such as receiving referral on new patients, verifying patient coverage and communicating with primary care provider and insurance company as needed to obtain authorization for initial visit.
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Assists the RN or LPN/LVN during the patient’s intake/discharge process:
- Collecting, recording and reporting data that includes vitals, Temperature, Pulse and Respiration (TPR), Blood Pressure (BP) and blood sugar readings
- Taking wound photography and measurement
- Tracking the observed responses to treatment
- Recording care given as observed responses to treatment, including participation in wound care/Hyperbaric plan
- Reporting unusual observations or changes in patient condition/behavior
- Collecting specimens as requested
- Tracking and reporting test results
- Tracks patient visit information to include entering documentation in database systems or on the paper forms; copying documentation to hospital billing department
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Performs recertification/extension of additional services. This includes:
- Sending clinical information and photographs to appropriate insurance company with request for an extension of visit numbers or time
- Documenting authorization information on log upon receipt of extension; and copying the update to patient finance and attending wound center Medical Doctor (MD)
- Handling insurance recertifications.
- Performs Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy related duties as needed, upon the completion of the required Healogics training.
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Completes unit tasks such as cleaning exams areas, hyperbaric gurneys and chambers, as well as processing sterile instrument, and performing other unit task as required.
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Assists the center’s staff with clerical services handled by Front Office Coordinators as needed such as:
- Answering the phone, greeting patients and visitors, routing calls to appropriate staff, scheduling patient appointments
- Coding and insurance processing; obtaining insurance information from patients, and obtaining insurance verification for services
- Coordinating Patient Ancillary Testing with other hospital departments,
- Assembling new charts, maintaining and filing existing charges, “spot checking” charts for data completeness and signatures
- Entering data into proprietary database and into hospital data systems (patient registration) as directed, and auditing data entry and generating reports as directed
- Maintaining office equipment and supplies, as well as ordering as needed
- Communicates on a regular basis with payors and updates/documents the outcome(s).
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Relates customer concerns and needs to medical personnel and tracks them in appropriate databases to ensure satisfactory outcome
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May function as a Documentation Assistant (scribe) in accordance with the policy
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Information gathering for intake and discharge
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Explaining treatment procedures to patients
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Preparing patients for examination
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Assisting the Provider or the RN during the exam
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Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
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Performing basic laboratory tests.
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Removing and changing dressings.
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Medical Scribe for physicians.
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Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
1. Demonstrated competency in BLS (Basic Life Support)
2. Demonstrated organization, prioritization and time-management skills
3. Strong interpersonal, listening, as well as oral communication skills
4. Customer service skills and follow-up skills
5. Ability to multi-task and to work in a fast-paced environment
6. Ability to work with others and in a team environment
7. Problem solving skills
8. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Supervisory Responsibility
None.
Requirements:
Required Education and Experience
1. High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)
2. Graduate from a Medical Assistant program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Program (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Preferred Education and Experience
1. Current Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification – to maintain throughout the duration of employment in the position (as applicable in state of practice)
2. Six (6) or more months of related experience in an acute hospital, rehabilitation hospital, or skilled nursing unit preferred
