Job Description

Medical Practice Assistant- PRN

Primary Purpose

Accountable for providing patient-centered care and operational support to the medical team to ensure an optimal patient experience. Coordinates activities across clinical areas and facilitates smooth patient flow. Assists with patient data collection, performs select screenings, and completes medical office functions relevant to the area/assignment.

Minimum Specifications

Education

• None

Experience

• Must have three years of customer service experience, preferably in a medical/healthcare/health insurance setting.
• Patient registration experience preferred.
• Prefer completion of coursework towards an accredited medical technology or medical assistant certification.
• Medical Office Assistant experience or training is a plus.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

• May have an equivalent combination of education and experience to substitute for the experience requirements.

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be able to work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver patient/customer services that exceed patient expectations as evidenced by patient satisfaction scores.
• Must be able to demonstrate competency required as applicable to the specialty area.
• Must have demonstrated communication skills to include above-average verbal skills (heavy public contact) and written skills. Bilingual skills preferred.
• Must have familiarity with diagnostic ICD-9-CM coding and HCPCS-CPT4 procedure codes.
• Must have working knowledge of medical terminology.
• Must be able to demonstrate basic clerical skills and working knowledge of standard office equipment.
• Must be detail-oriented and have sharp analytical skills to resolve registration issues as related to multiple groups, including third-party payors, physicians, patients, and the system.
• Must be able to solve problems within the guidelines of established policies and procedures.
• Must be able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, and rapid change.

Responsibilities

• Proficiently performs patient service activities in coordination with the clinical team, including but not limited to:
• Ensures patient and family comfort, safety, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.
• Adapts work methods to specifically accommodate the population-specific care needs (physical, psychosocial, cultural, age/developmental) of each patient.
• Greets patients and families, making them feel welcome and wanted.
• Assists patients and families with directions, inquiries, and information as requested. Ensures needs are addressed satisfactorily.
• Keeps patients and families informed about waiting times and any other factors that may affect the visit.
• Stays cognizant of clinical/area needs to facilitate patient care and flow.
• Assess patient experience at the end of each visit to determine if patient needs were met.
• Coordinates clinic/area activities and facilitates business processes in accordance with standards.
• Performs pre-visit activities to gather patient information from internal and external service or entities, ensuring it is available to the clinic team for the visit.
• Checks the patient into the clinic. Correctly identify the patient prior to performing tasks. Reviews and updates patient accounts to ensure registration and coverage is current and complete.
• Confirms or verifies coverage as needed. Identifies and refers patients for financial counseling as appropriate.
• Performs upfront cash collections; receives, verifies, and posts money transactions following Parkland cash management policies and procedures. All monies must be accounted for through the patient accounting system and/or the point-of-sale system. Verifies and completes daily reconciliations that ensure cash transactions are handled accurately and that deposits are made daily.
• Assists with internal and external appointments, referrals, and information retrieval. Schedules appointments in accordance with the clinical team's directives and the patient's preferences and availability.
• Performs charge capture and charge reconciliation to ensure encounters are complete and closed in a timely manner.
• Documents (paper or electronic) completely, accurately, legibly, and timely.
• Ensures the required documentation is obtained for registration and patient visits. Provides an explanation for all requested forms to ensure patient understanding.
• Performs data entry/documentation of patient care intake information.
• Assists with the maintenance of clinic supplies and equipment.
• Assists with stocking and inventory of supplies, as appropriate.
• Keeps appropriate persons informed of the status of supplies and equipment.
• Completes requisition documentation for supplies, equipment, and services, as applicable.
• Practices patient safety measures and, in association with site leadership:
• Complies with proper hand hygiene (hand washing/hand sanitizer gel/foam use).
• Applies or practices proper infection control methods.
• Identifies, corrects, and/or reports safety hazards at the time of discovery.
• Identifies and/or facilitates maintenance of equipment, initiates work order requests, and removes equipment from the patient care area, as appropriate.
• Informs Environmental Services when additional cleaning activities are needed.
• Participates in performance improvement and quality initiatives.
• Participates in the unit performance improvement initiatives.
• Meets expected performance quality measures as outlined for area(s) or responsibility.

Job Accountabilities

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure.
• Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans.
• Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.