Medical Support Assistant

This is an entry level position. It is expected that the MSA will receive guidance from more experienced staff members. This position is located in the Patient Administration Section (PAS) of the Health Administration Service (HAS) at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. The Ward Medical Support Assistant (MSA) is responsible for a wide range of assignments and provides administrative support to the Section. Two tours of duty are available: 7:30am-4:00pm or 3:30pm-12:00am Duties The Ward MSA works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model and performs receptionist duties, customer service and other duties assigned for the proper and timely treatment of patients admitted to the units within the facility. The Ward MSA may be required to rotate to various inpatient units to include the Community Living Center (CLC) and Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) within the facility to ensure units are covered appropriately with proper staffing. The Ward MSA is responsible for processing all patient movements (admissions, inter-ward transfers, discharges) for patients admitted to the unit. The Ward MSA schedules all tests, procedures, appointments, return to clinic orders requested for the Veteran during their inpatient stay in accordance with established VA guidelines. The Ward MSA coordinates with the operating room for any patient scheduled for surgery. He/she works proactively to ensure the OR schedule is accurate and completed, particularly when assigned to the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC). This may involve working directly with clinical staff for any encounters with errors. The Ward MSA ensures the Bed Management System is always updated and current with the appropriate patient icons determined by clinical staff. The Ward MSA supports patient safety standards using the correct Veterans Affairs identification of all patients through the use of two forms of identification, name and full Social Security Number. The patient may also present the Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) for identification. He/she must use each interaction with the patient to validate and update patient demographic information, either in person during check-in, admission, or over the phone, to decrease the incidence of returned mail due to incorrect addresses and inability to contact patient by phone due to incorrect number. The Ward MSA explains the VA's mandate to collect insurance information to veterans, their families, and other eligible patients. He/she collects, scans, and updates health insurance information serving a major role in the revenue process. The incumbent contributes to the revenue collection process by identifying patients with third party insurance. Promotes veteran registration for and utilization of My HealtheVet (MHV). As a Ward MSA with patients and staff contact, the incumbent sets the tone for perception concerning quality of healthcare services at the VA. A high degree of tact and diplomacy is required when dealing with veterans who have multiple health problems and who may be frustrated with the administrative process associated with diagnosis and treatment. The Ward MSA ensures all necessary health/administrative information received or assigned are scanned into Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) within 24 hours of receipt. The Ward MSA may be asked to train other MSA levels on the process. The Ward MSA must screen/receive phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of requests and provide the information desired using privacy rules and established inpatient processes (Facility opt/in directory). The Ward MSA is also required to answer the patient call bell system promptly. The Ward MSA is required to participate when requested in the daily and weekly meetings where patient care planning and management occur as needed. The Ward MSA will require frequent and direct supervision to manage position responsibilities as well as set priorities and deadlines adjusting the flow and sequencing of the work to meet team and patient needs. Performs other duties as assigned. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule : Full Time Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus) : Not Available Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) : Not Available Pay : Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off : 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave : After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy : After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement : Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance : Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework : Not Available Virtual : This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #

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