MEDICAL ASSISTANT I/REFERRAL FRONT DESK in El Paso, Texas at Centro San Vicente

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the clinic’s Nurse, MA/Referral front desk manages patient referrals and makes appointments for patients who have been seen at the clinic. The primary role of this position is to prepare referrals, turn them into the patients, managers spreadsheet, tracks referral, assist manager and QA manager to improve referral process. Medical assistant/referral front desk schedules patient referral appointments and notify the patient. MA/referral front desk will also perform all duties related to customer service.

Essential Functions:

• Handles all referral requests by Providers for patients needing appointments to agencies outside the clinic.
• Completes referral information and provide the patient with the appropriate paperwork for that referral, prior to the patient leaving the clinic.
• Documents referrals and information in the EMR.
• Obtains necessary pre-authorization for referrals as mandated by managed care contracts such as Medicaid, Medicare, Humana and Texas Community.
• Maintains a current phone list with pertinent information of all referral agencies.
• Makes appointments for all patients as ordered by the Providers.
• Maintains accurate list of referrals for each provider and tracks results to appropriate Provider in a timely manner.
• Follows up referrals to outside providers and documents each and ensures notification to Providers of patient’s missed appointments.
• Scans required documents into the appropriate folder.
• Process department mail to include logging out returned referrals.
• Will participate in the process for accrediting entities and the performance improvement.
• Treats all patient information confidential.
• Returns all physical medical records and patient information to the Medical Records department at the end of the shift.
• Establishes effective interpersonal relationships with physicians, nurse practitioners, MA’s and other members of the healthcare team at CSV. Communicates in a manner that conveys mutual understanding and respect.
• Assists in training of new employees as appropriate.
• Manages referral log and keeps tracking of them.
• Assists managers and QA manager to improve referral process.
• Performs patient intake, including vital signs, purpose of visit, in accordance with the clinic’s routine procedure.
• Assists the Provider with examinations; with translations when needed, secures written consents and makes referrals.
• Performs other MA functions such as patient’s vital signs, blood and lab work, patient’s medical history, referrals and immunization information.
• Documents all procedures done, ensures that the patients understand all orders before leaving, makes call to patients if abnormal results or other information was dictated by provider.
• Works well with others when asked to help, stocks exam room with necessary supplies and makes sure dirty room is clear of urine specimen and other collections before leaving the room.
• Ensures that electronic charts are completed by documenting any procedures done, immunization information and referrals.
• Handles patient inquires and responds to their questions and concerns.
• Greets all patients and visitors and directs them appropriately.
• Receives and responds to all patient telephone calls.
• Alerts supervisor of materials needed for daily functioning of the unit.
• Participates in Performance Improvement and documentation of patient visits, reschedules, cancellations and DNS for the provider.
• Critically evaluates existing methods and develops better ways of doing things.
• Maintains patient’s confidentiality according to HIPAA policies.
• Obtains necessary reports needed by Provider.
• Assists patients in making informed decisions.
• Provides accurate information to co-workers, patients and Providers in a polite manner.
• Communicates and demonstrates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent customer service.
• Optimistic warmth
• Intelligence
• Work ethic
• Empathy
• Self-awareness
• Integrity
• Ability to work in a team environment

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Successful completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Medical Assistant required.
• CPR certification required.
• RMA or CMA preferred.
• Knowledge in a minimum of 3 clinical areas required (pediatrics, women’s health, family medicine, etc.)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.