Medical Assistant/Referrals Coordinator

SUMMARY:

The Medical Assistant/Referrals Coordinator is part of a patient-centered care team. Under the supervision of the Medical Records Supervisor, responsibilities include providing specialty referrals, follow-up, data entry and tracking. Performs back-up Medical Assistant duties as needed.

This position is represented by SEIU-UHW. Salaries and benefits are set by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and an employee in this position must remain a member in good standing of SEIU-UHW, as defined in the CBA.

JOB DUTIES:

• Receives referral requests from providers, processed and communicates with providers as needed to clarify.
• Requests urgent appointments as needed.
• Verifies current insurance information.
• Contacts HMO's, PPO's, Medi-Cal/Medicare or other special funding sources to obtain authorizations to ensure reimbursement of services.
• Follows up on all referrals and maintains accurate tracking in NextGen and i2i.
• Coordinates efforts with Health Information Technician to make sure medical report information is received and placed in the chart.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Medical Assistant

• Utilizes an Electronic Health Record system to document patient registration, chief complaint, vital signs, review of systems, medication and health history, community health measures, including tobacco use and patient tracking.
• Performs patient discharge activities, including but not limited to completion of referral forms, instructions regarding filling prescriptions, making appointments, copying forms and other activities as needed.
• Prepares exam rooms before and after patient examinations according to clinic infection control procedures.
• Performs injection of vaccines and basic in-clinic lab tests including but not limited to urine dipstick, hemoglobin A1C, regular hemoglobin, rapid strep, pregnancy test and glucose level tests as ordered by provider.
• Performs phlebotomy when Lab Technician is not available.
• Performs EKG, ear lavage, audiometry testing and other tests as necessary.
• Provides patient education and information as instructed by clinic practitioners and clinic protocols.
• Cleans, sterilizes and stocks reusable instruments, as needed.
• Test medical and laboratory equipment in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Chart prep

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Commitment to the provision of primary care services for the underserved with demonstrated ability and sensitivity in working with a variety of people from low-income populations, with diverse educational, lifestyle, ethnic and cultural origins.
• Strong organizational, administrative, multi-tasking, prioritization and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a positive friendly manner and to be flexible and adaptive to change.
• Ability to effectively present information to others, including other employees, community partners and vendors.
• Ability to seek direction/approval on essential matters, yet work independently with little onsite supervision, using professional judgment and diplomacy.
• Work in a team-oriented environment with a number of professionals with different work styles and support needs.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills.
• Conduct oneself in internal and external settings in a way that reflects positively on LifeLong Medical Care as an organization of professional, confident and sensitive staff.
• Ability to see how one's work intersects with that of other departments of LifeLong Medical Care and that of other partner organizations.
• Make appropriate use of knowledge/ expertise/ connections of other staff.
• Be creative and mature with a "can do", proactive attitude and an ability to continuously "scan" the environment, identifying and taking advantage of opportunities for improvement.

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED and successful completion of an accredited Medical Assistant Program.
• Three years of administrative experience in a medical or human services setting.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and insurance.
• Experience with electronic health records.
• Proficient in Microsoft office Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet and ability to type 50 wpm.

Job Preferences:

• College degree in related field.
• Community or Public Health experience.
• EPIC experience.