Performs clinic support in both the clinical and administrative areas. In the clinical area, the practice assistant, under the direction and supervision of a licensed Nurse or Provider, and in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of practice, participates in the delivery of patient care. In the administrative area, the practice assistant gathers patient information for registration, schedules appointments, verifies demographic and financial information, and assists in the facilitation of patient flow throughout the ambulatory setting.
Delivers care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner that is sensitive to and demonstrates respect for patients. Duties include:
Clinical Support:
Under the direction of the licensed Nurse or Provider, performs a variety of appropriately delegated patient care interventions for patients and their families. Collaborates with the licensed Nurse/clinic manager, as a member of the interdisciplinary team throughout the shift to determine appropriate work assignment and priorities, as well as communicates status of delegated task completion and outcome of patient data findings. Maintains timely ongoing verbal communication. Monitors patient flow including waiting room activity and communicating wait time updates to patients. Informs nursing staff, technical staff and/or supervisor of arrival of patients.
Conducts pre-visit chart review and preparations for upcoming visits, including: Identification and documentation of patient care needs based on clinic guidelines and protocols (e.g. live interpreter needs, Hoyer-lift). Enters order for labs and tests to be completed at upcoming visit per clinic guidelines and protocols. Greets patient in waiting room and escorts to exam room. Uses recognized and accurate medical terminology and abbreviations for all documentation, avoiding the use of unapproved abbreviations, per Hospital policy.
Assists with intake process in the following areas as determined by departmental needs: Checks two patients identifiers, accurately collects and documents in the medical records vital signs, chief complaint/reason for visit, and medical/family/social history. Enters allergies and smoking status, documents current medications and prescriptions that need to be renewed, obtains immunization records/history, and enters findings into patient medical record. Instructs patient on how to prepare for the provider (assisting as necessary). Anticipates/sets up special equipment and/or supplies needed for visit.
Arranges refills information for provider approval, downloads glucometer and other device data for provider review, and alerts the provider when patient is ready and communicates abnormalities in findings (e.g. elevated temperature). Complies with department documentation standards to ensure a complete and accurate patient record. Updates patient pharmacy information, collects, labels, sends and may deliver specimens with appropriate laboratory slips and/or requisitions. Identifies emergency/crisis situations and initiates appropriate response actions within the scope of his/her role, including immediate communication of such events to the licensed Nurse/Physician.
Clerical Support:
Performs all duties associated with an Ambulatory Services Representative, including but not limited to registration, scheduling, and collecting co-payments. Gathers and/or assists patients with registration information at every visit. Ensures accurate data entry and updates data into the computer system. Data includes demographic, billing data and patient payment information. Verifies third-party insurance coverage for patients, including day of service and whether prior approval for service is necessary for proper reimbursement of services rendered.
Obtains this approval whenever it is necessary, and enters into the hospital billing system appropriately. Follows internal collection and cash control policies by informing patients of their financial obligations, collecting payment (deposits, co-payments) at time of service and controlling cash. Directs patients with financial concerns to staff who can assist them in the completion of applications forms.
Creates and/or obtains medical records for patients and distributes a copy to the appropriate person. Assigns medical record numbers to new patients in order to ensure current information on the patient record system. Collaborates with Medical Records department for suspected duplicate records. Maintains clinic files and patient records; screens patient’s chart prior to appointment, checks for lab work, x-ray, and other pertinent results, and verifies information as required.
General Duties:
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care to the groups of patients regularly served. Orientation of new staff; serves as a resource to float pool staff. Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
Minimum Requirements:
Work requires a High School diploma or GED plus at least one of the following:
- Successful completion of a medical assistant program or
- Successful completion of the second medical-surgical clinical rotation or
Equivalent combination of education and healthcare-related work experience. Requires at least two years of previous work experience. Experience in clinical setting is preferred.
- Must pass clinical competency testing.
- Ability to effectively speak, read, and write English.
- Ability to perform basic math and quantitative measurements, e.g. obtains height and weight, measures urine output, etc.
- Excellent customer service skills and ability to communicate in a courteous, pleasant and professional manner with patients, general public, staff members, outside agencies, and all other internal and external contacts.
- Organizational skills to set priorities and efficiently complete assigned work.
- Ability to accurately interpret and utilize basic medical terminology and abbreviations.
- Ability to work independently and to make decisions based on department policies and established procedures.
- Basic computer proficiency inclusive of ability to access, enter, and interpret computerized data/information.
- Must be able to maintain strict protocols of all confidential or sensitive information.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
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