Medical Assistant/Referral Coordinator

Medical Assistant

Default Work Shift: Day (United States of America)

Hours: 40

Salary range: $20.71 - $31.46

Schedule: Full Time

Shift Hours: 8 Hour employee

Department: Infectious Disease Clinic (Rancho Mirage)

Job Objective: Coordinates the care of the patient from escorting patient to exam room, performing vital signs, preparing patient for exam and discharge and ensures the accurate documentation of patient care activity.

Job Description: Education: Required: High school diploma, GED or higher level degree and Medical Assistant course completion if hired after March 1, 2025 Licensure/Certification: Required: American Heart Association BLS Preferred: Medical Assistant Certification Experience: Required: One (1) year of experience in a medical practice/clinic or related healthcare setting Reports To: Manager, Director or Chief Administrative Officer Supervises: N/A Ages of Patients (as assigned): Neonate/Infant, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric Blood Borne Pathogens: High Potential

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities: Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and unexpected situations, Ability to communicate and interpret using medical terminology, Ability to create a welcoming environment for patients and visitors, demonstrating empathy and respect in all interactions, Ability to effectively communicate in a positive and professional manner, Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations in a calm and professional manner, Ability to operate general office equipment (i.e., computer, printer, scanner, telephone, etc.), Ability to organize information or data to facilitate easy retrieval and use, Ability to successfully complete training orientation program(s) and competencies, Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other relevant software applications, Basic knowledge of insurances, including eligibility and benefit coverage, and other relevant information, Critical thinking skills, Knowledge of Epic scheduling, registration and communication tools, Self-starter; driven to take action without needing prompting, Written and verbal communication skills

Essential Responsibilities

• Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and report suspected violations.
• Assists patients to exam/procedure rooms; obtains medical and social history, vital signs, height and weight, allergy information, medication reconciliation information and records data in electronic health record (EHR); records information accurately and timely in EHR.
• Assists providers by ensuring that appropriate preparation, examination and diagnostic testing occur without error and without delay.
• Prepares patient electronic medical record (EMR) charts timely and accurately.
• Gathers reports, labs, studies or other data pertinent to upcoming patient appointments.
• Places order for films, labs and other studies as appropriate, timely and accurately.
• Collaborates with patient scheduling and schedules patients as needed.
• Faxes and copies necessary information to insurance companies, other provider offices and facilities as necessary.
• Responds to patient pharmacy requests in collaboration with providers.
• Answers phones, retrieves voicemail messages and returns calls timely and appropriately.
• Maximizes use of free time between patients by cleaning and stocking rooms, copying documents and filing; assists with medical and office supplies inventory and/or ordering.
• Obtains provider or patient signatures on appropriate documents.
• Accepts responsibilities only within scope of practice.
• Maintains and practices professional boundaries with all patient interactions.
• Manages clinic Electronic Medical Record (EMR) incoming/outgoing referral work queues; facilitates patient appointments or referral to intended clinic accordingly and in a timely manner.
• Establishes and maintains an open and collaborative relationship with clinics and departments to facilitate a seamless referral process.
• Answers all patient questions, requests and telephone/written correspondence timely and appropriately to ensure a positive experience.
• Verifies accurate and complete patient, guarantor and insurance carrier information for billing and follow-up.
• Submits required documentation to support treatment for referral completion; ensures insurance authorization is received timely.
• Manages and organizes all outgoing documents sent to central Health Information Management (HIM) for scanning/indexing: ensures proper patient identification on each document and appropriateness of documents to be scanned.
• Requests and obtains medical record data from referring offices and organizations, as needed.
• Identifies and collects co-pays/deductibles based on insurance eligibility information and/or EMC uninsured cash discount quotes for emergency and outpatient services; provides patient with receipt of payment, if applicable.
• Coordinates with clinical staff to obtain medical records to submit to HMO insurance, if applicable.
• Contacts patients to schedule annual Medicare wellness visits and annual HMO physicals in collaboration with nurse, if applicable.
• Covers front desk duties; answers phones, retrieves voicemail messages and returns calls timely and appropriately, if applicable.
• Performs other duties as assigned.