JOB SUMMARY Under the general supervision of the Clinic Practice Manager, this position serves as a Certified/Registered Medical Assistant (CMA/RMA) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) when the provider is in the office, ensuring clients receive optimal and efficient care delivered with a professional and positive attitude. When the provider is not in the office, the position functions as a Referral Specialist, managing patient referrals and preauthorizations in a timely and accurate manner to maintain seamless coordination of care within our facility and with external specialists.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Triage patients and prepare them for medical examinations. Record patient history and reason for visit in the EMR; regularly update EMR with current medications, allergies, treatments, and other relevant information. Assess and record patient vital signs; perform phlebotomy or other lab testing and administer medications as ordered by the provider.
Educate and counsel patients on disease processes, treatments, medications, and required testing. Assist providers with procedures and perform nurse visits for walk-in patients (stitch removal, immunizations, wound care, labs, etc.). Clean and sterilize medical instruments and equipment; stock treatment rooms and supplies as needed.
Communicate professionally with patients via phone, EMR messaging, or in person, exercising diplomacy, tact, and confidentiality in accordance with HCHD policies and HIPAA. Serve as Referral Specialist when the provider is not in the office: Communicate with providers, insurance companies, and patients regarding referrals and preauthorizations. Request and follow up on insurance approvals and preauthorizations for procedures until responses are received.
Appeal insurance denials when necessary. Schedule patients for procedures ordered by clinic providers at other locations. Maintain and distribute access credentials for insurance and authorization portals.
Provide coverage for other nurses during PTO or sick leave. Provide coverage for the reception area, including answering calls, scheduling appointments, and managing electronic documents and faxes. Maintain effective communication with patients regarding referrals, preauthorizations, or other concerns; exercise problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, referring issues to the Clinic Manager as needed.
Assist patients to and from vehicles when necessary. Ensure compliance with the Texas Vaccines for Children program requirements. Attend scheduled staff meetings and adhere to all HCHD policies for safety, security, and compliance.
Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations and patient care. Other
Effective oral and written communication skills are essential with an emphasis on teamwork and interaction in a manner that has a positive impact on co-workers. Must be able to complete a skills checklist on hire and annually each year thereafter. Adheres to all policies and procedures, including standards for safety, attendance, punctuality, and personal appearance.
Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information. Documents work processes as required by HCHD policies. Performs other duties as assigned as supervisor or designee.
ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE HCHD PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.