SUMMARY OF POSITION

Provides medical interpretation services between health care providers and patients and patient families with limited English proficiency. Demonstrates knowledge of the culture of the patient and family, the health care environment, and provides a cultural framework for understanding the message being interpreted.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESULTS

Provision of Medical Interpreter/Translation Services

Assists in the delivery of competent, accurate, medical care and treatment by performing medical interpreting and translation services to all patients and patient families including but not limited to:

Clarifies the role of a Medical Interpreter to patients and families. Serves as a resource regarding the culture and practices of Vibrant Health Clinics.

• Uses training and knowledge to ensure complete provider understanding of varying cultural beliefs and practices, as well as best practices regarding the use of interpreters.
• Works closely with providers and care teams to provide high-quality and culturally competent interpreting services.
• Provides English/Spanish interpreting during patient appointments at Vibrant Health Clinics. Accurately transmits what has been said one language into another in order to support the communication between the health care provider and the patient and family. Adjusts language and dialect to fit needs of families.
• Provides interpreter assistance to help families overcome barriers to care for patients referred for specialty appointments external to Vibrant Health Clinics.
• Carries out Vibrant Health’s mission to provide access to respectful, empowering, culturally sensitive and appropriate high-quality health care for the community, regardless of socio-economic obstacles.
• Accepts and uses supervision, direction and consultation to maximize available resources in the completion of work duties.
• All job responsibilities will be carried out under the direction of the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed to maintain and improve effective functioning of the department and to advance the mission of the organization

Abides by the Medical Interpreter Code of Ethics:

• Maintains confidentiality of patient and family “Protected Health Information” (PHI) and “Nonpublic Personal Information” (NPI); abides by HIPAA regulations.
• Maintains non-judgmental attitude; refrains from interjecting personal opinions or counseling patients.
• Respects patient self-determination- shall not influence the opinion of the patient/family.
• Discloses any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Maintains professional distance.
• Refrains from engaging in interpretations that relate to issues outside the provision of health care services, unless qualified to do so.
• Refrains from accepting assignments beyond professional skills, language fluency, or level of training.
• Positions self appropriately to respect patient privacy during the physical examination.

• 
  Translates written patient-specific health care information or care instruction into the language of the patient or family as appropriate and as needed.
• Seeks to increase and maintain interpreter skills and knowledge through continuing studies and training. Participates in continuing education programs as available; keeps abreast of evolving languages and medical terminology.
• Develops relationships with external agencies for on-site and telephonic interpretation services for diverse populations.

Data Coordination

In collaboration with healthcare teams, ensures patient care is coordinated and comprehensive by providing patient outreach, care coordination, education and follow-up services.

• Monitors all outgoing referrals, and conducts weekly referral tracking and follow-up, ensuring proper documentation is maintained throughout the referral process. Requests consult notes and conducts scheduling follow-up with various referral specialists.
• Provides assistance to help families overcome barriers to care (language, transportation, etc.) for patients referred for specialty appointments outside of Vibrant Health.
• Generates weekly reports tracking the success rate of outgoing referrals and identifying potential problems or barriers to care.
• Monitors outgoing and incoming lab results, working with care teams to retrieve any missing or incomplete results.
• Communicates with KanCare Managed Care Organizations regarding patient appointment compliance, durable medical equipment requests, and other plan resources.

Medical Records Administration and Technical/Support Services

As part of a team-based health care delivery model, assumes responsibility for electronic medical records quality control services including but not limited to:

Assists in monitoring patient demographics by ensuring the appropriate information is entered into the patient management system. Reviews patient documents for accuracy of data.

• Scans and appropriately routes patient documents in the patient management system.
• Reviews and distributes faxes received. Retrieves medical records from Children’s Mercy Hospital through “My Patient Connections”, and from the Health Information Exchange when needed.
• Requests records from outside organizations as needed, including all newborn records prior to the patient’s first visit. Obtains newborn screen results from the State.
• Completes requests for medical records in a timely manner and tracks responses.
• Inactivates patients from the clinic electronic health record when the Medical Office Receptionists indicate that they are no longer active patients.
• Checks medical records voice mails before clinic sessions and throughout the day; documents messages for clinical and nonclinical calls and follow-ups on all messages appropriately and according to PCMH standards.
• Submits requests for outside interpreters for other languages.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Certification as a Medical Interpreter (CMI) or Health Interpreter (CHI) required. At least 6-12 months clinic/practice experience required. Bilingual fluency in written and oral English/Spanish required. Proficiency in use of personal computers and Microsoft Office Suite (Word & Excel) required.