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

• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Relates customer concerns and needs to medical personnel and tracks them in appropriate databases to ensure satisfactory outcome
• May function as a Documentation Assistant (scribe) in accordance with the policy
• Performs other duties as required.
• Information gathering for intake and discharge
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Preparing patients for examination
• Assisting the Provider or the RN during the exam
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Removing and changing dressings

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.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)
• 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

• Current Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification – to maintain throughout the duration of employment in the position (as applicable in state of practice)
• Six (6) or more months of related experience in an acute hospital, rehabilitation hospital, or skilled nursing unit preferred