DMC Hutzel Women's Hospital is nationally recognized for cutting-edge research in high-risk obstetrics, infertility, reproductive genetics, neonatology, maternal fetal medicine, midwifery, gynecology, urogynecology, menopause, permanent birth control and alternatives to hysterectomy. With a rich history of more than 150 years as Michigan's first hospital for women, patients benefit from Hutzel's commitment to research and education. Home to the Perinatology Research Branch of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Hutzel is recognized as a leader in women's health by physicians and researchers across the country.

Summary / Description

NOTE: Refer to Medical Office Assistant Scope of Practice addendum, attached.

Under general supervision, and according to established policies and procedures, performs the duties of a Medical Assistant and Patient Services Assistant for assigned area. Greets visitors, registers patients, contacts various insurance providers and schedules patients according to established guidelines. Assist physician or physician extender with patient examination by preparing exam room, taking vital signs, assisting during exam, etc.

1. Greets visitors, answers telephones and directs calls and visitors to appropriate place or person.
2. Registers patients for outpatient services. Obtains necessary demographic, insurance and related data according to policies and procedures.
3. Contacts various insurance providers to determine benefit levels and patient co-pays, as needed. Collected and posts payments and prepares daily deposits for monies received.
4. Pulls and prepares patient charts prior to appointment. Files notes, prescriptions, face sheets and other documentation in medical record. Copies and releases medical record information, as needed.
5. Assists physician with patient examinations by preparing exam room, helping to move or position patients for procedures, handling instruments, etc.
6. Takes vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure and weight. Documents patient's reason for visit and vital signs in patient's chart.
7. May perform any of the following medical procedures: giving non-intravenous injections, venipuncture, performing EKG's, assisting with stress tests, routine x-rays, PFT's, and other related activities.
8. Obtains referrals and schedules patient's appointments or procedures according to guidelines.
9. Enters, reviews, researches and corrects computerized records of patient billing information. Provides billing company with companies of all payments and rejections.
10. Performs various other support duties such as preparing laboratory slips or statistical data, typing various correspondence, training new personnel, etc.
11. Follows established policies and procedures to meet minimum like safety standards of JCAHO/OSHA. Actively participates in all safety training including but not limited to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and annual safety training.

Skills Required

1. Analytical ability necessary to handle patient problems, review and verify insurance information, research billing problems and compile data for statistical reports.
2. Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with patients, physicians and other personnel.
3. Some mental/visual strain due to posting of payments, reviewing insurance information, etc.
4. Technical knowledge of blood pressure techniques.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED.

Graduation from a school of practical nursing ... OR ...

Completion of one of the following:

PCA/PCT Program

Nurse Assistant Program or equivalent training.

Medical Assistant Program, or six months of experience in a doctor's office or related area performing Medical Assistant duties.

EMT

Phlebotomy training program. Six months direct patient care experience, preferred .

One year of previous experience performing Medical Assistant or Patient Care Associate duties.

One year of previous experience performing medical office clerical (e.g. insurance verification, authorizations, medical billing, EMR usage) duties in a doctor's office or related area.

Medical Assistant certification preferred.

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