Patient Service Coordinator/MA

A Patient Service Coordinator/Medical Assistant is needed to work as a team member with the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Patient Service Coordinator responsibilities: 50%

• Offer friendly, courteous, and confidential assistance to every patient to ensure that the patient has a positive experience while at the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology clinic.
• Maintain accurate information on each patient to facilitate the patient encounter.
• Use automated systems to expedite patient scheduling, pre-registration, check-in, and check-out.
• Schedule patients for follow-up appointments.
• Relay information to patients regarding preparation for laboratory tests and examinations.
• Coordinate visits within the department or between several departments.
• Telephone and interview patients and/or family members to obtain accurate pre-registration information and to confirm appointments.
• Print and mail directions, maps, fee schedules, and department-specific information to patients.
• Send medical questionnaire forms to patients to obtain missing information.
• Verify and enter pre-registration and insurance information into the computer system and prepare daily printed schedules for designated areas.
• Obtain and/or verify patient's demographic data by phone or in person.
• Confirm appointments by telephone and/or mail.
• Register patients for clinical appointments using computerized database. Inform patients of costs of care being provided, and guide them to appropriate resources for further information, guidance, or assistance.
• Answer phones and provide routine information to callers.
• Collect time of service payments, issues receipts, and prepare cash settlement records.
• Input diagnostic and procedure codes to TAP system for computer billing.
• Discuss patient charges, if appropriate, with patients and/or patients' families.
• Work with available institutional support to evaluate eligibility for alternative sources of financing such as Medicaid, Patient Care Funds, loans, or other payment sources. Refer the patient to the appropriate office and ensure the application for funds has been made.
• Prepare the patient's statement of charges and review with the patient.
• Assist with basic insurance and third-party queries and explain payment policies.
• Mail lab and patient result letters, file, create and maintain paper and electronic patient charts, provide accurate and timely messages to MDs, fulfill HIPAA compliant incoming and outgoing medical records requests, manage incoming and outgoing faxes, and provide accurate appointment entry/check in/ check out.

Certified Medical Assistant: 50%

The Certified Medical Assistant (MA) has duties and responsibilities related to patient care in the ambulatory clinic environment. The individual displays responsible behaviors, communicates effectively with others, and functions as a member of the healthcare team. The CMA functions under the direct supervision and authority of the physician when performing clinical tasks during patient care. The CMA reports to the clinic operations manager, who is responsible for administrative supervision, staff development, and orientation of the MA to the areas policies and procedures. The CMA must demonstrate competency in all skills related to the performance of patient care. The CMA maintains an inventory of examination/procedure room supplies, assists in the organization of efficient patient flow, and organizes the clinic environment to assure patient safety. The CMA demonstrates problem-solving skills as they relate to patient care activities, provides guidance for, and acts as a role model for Medical Assistants in the clinical area.

Clinical: Participates in the care of the patient, under the supervision of the physician and in collaboration with the healthcare team.

• Collects patient information and assessment data. Obtains and records patients' vital signs: temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, weight, and height. Report assessment findings to the practitioner, and record on appropriate documentation forms in a timely manner. Obtains additional data from the patient and significant other based on initial data collection. Performs chart review prior to clinic visit to obtain historical data.
• Monitors patient status, recognizing and reporting abnormal findings or changes in condition.
• Organizes patient care activities based on assessment findings.
• Confirms and clarifies written orders prior to implementation of delegated tasks.
• Maintains and uses principles of aseptic techniques and infection control when performing clinical duties and tasks.
• Under clinical supervision, performs delegated procedures common to the specialty area in a safe, effective, and efficient manner according to Clinical Practice Policy and Procedures.
• Assists practitioner in identifying patient procedures/treatments/examinations, (preparation, positioning, supplies, equipment). Proactively problem-solves and identifies solutions to barriers to safety.
• Appropriately obtains and manages specimens, including labeling, form completion, transport to laboratories, and log maintenance. Performs quality control for waived testing. Acts as a trainer for new employees and externs orientation, and coordinates activities related to proficiency for these employees.
• Recognizes emergencies and implements emergency procedures according to clinic guidelines. Administers first aid, CPR, and maintains emergency equipment and supplies.
• Provides appropriate patient education, health information materials, and community resource lists as directed, and maintains educational supplies. Identifies patients' need for additional information and refers to appropriate healthcare resources.
• Perform injections, including but not limited to, flu, Hepatitis A, B, and C
• Take pre-visit vitals, including but not limited to, weight, blood pressure, temperature

Unit Operations: In close partnership with the health care team, ensures smooth and efficient patient flow and clinical operation.

• Assists patients to the exam room and prepares patients for examination. Assists patients in wheelchairs and stretchers with transfers to and from exam tables, procedure tables, and scales utilizing proper body mechanics and safety measures. Identifies patients with special needs.
• Directs patients with medical complaints who call or arrive at the clinic to the patient’s physician and/or emergency room for assistance.
• Orders, stocks, and maintains exam rooms and clinic areas with standard levels of supplies, medications, linens, nourishments, forms, and equipment. Recognizes patient care trends affecting unit supplies and notifies the clinic manager.
• Operates clinical equipment according to equipment procedures, including safety and quality control checks. Checks the clinic area and rooms for malfunctioning equipment and general maintenance problems on a regular basis. Reports findings to the appropriate person or arranges for repairs as required.
• Ensures that soiled linen, needle containers, and potentially infectious waste are appropriately disposed of and removed from the clinic and exam area according to the infection control guidelines.
• Performs related and delegated tasks, which include requests for prescription refills, taking and relaying messages, directing patient flow, and running errands.
• Works with the healthcare team to ensure smooth and efficient patient flow and clinical operation. Problem solves obstacles to the throughput process and notifies the manager and patients of wait time.
• Assist with front desk duties, including but not limited to filing, scanning, purging records, clearing the fax machine, and distributing documents appropriately, printing EPR notes
• Conduct telemedicine triage process for patients with video visits scheduled.

Responsibility in the Medical Assistant Role:

• Identifies self-learning needs related to the job description and seeks out appropriate resources to meet learning needs.
• Participates in staff meetings by providing constructive input and facilitating problem-solving.
• Identifies opportunities for performance improvement and provides input for the development of solutions.
• Identifies and uses a variety of resources to validate patient care decisions.

Age-Specific Care

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care or service based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the age of the patients served in her/his assigned service area. The required skills and knowledge may be gained through education, training or experience.

• High School Diploma or Graduation Equivalent.
• Completion of a Medical Assistant Certificate Program.
• Certification/Registration as a Medical Assistant (e.g. CMA, AAMA, RMA, AMT, NAHP) required. If not currently certified/registered, must become certified/registered within 180 days (6 months) of date of hire.

• One year of work experience in customer service.
• Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR certification,
• Must maintain MA and CPR certification/registration during employment.

• Intermediate typing and computer skills.
• Additional education may be substituted for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Experience in the Johns Hopkins system.
• A minimum of two years in a similar service-oriented industry.
• Medical terminology.
• Working knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Office, and the internet.
• Knowledge of medical insurance coverage.
  

Classified Title: Patient Service Coordinator/Medical Assi 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Patient Service Coordinator/MA   
Role/Level/Range: ATO 40/E/02/OD  
Starting Salary Range: $16.20-$28.80 HRLY (Targeted $44,000.00 Annually; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC 
Department name: SOM Medicine Gastroenterology   
Personnel area: School of Medicine