Medical Assistant - Genetics Counseling at Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana – Munster, Indiana

Position: Medical Assistant - Clinic

Location: Munster

Specialty: Genetics Counseling

Position Summary

Triage referrals to ensure timely appointments for patients recently diagnosed with cancer. Screen non-cancer-related referrals and facilitate appropriate scheduling or denial of referrals.

• Communicate with referring physicians, nurse navigators, and other members of the care team as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Help maintain strong communication with NWCC and other partners to facilitate connection between their patients and our genetic counseling services. Connect patients to genetic counselors as needed.
• Ensure EMR is up to date based on information gathered during genetic counseling sessions. Enter personal medical history and family history, and re-construct pedigrees to be scanned into the chart. Ensure that all necessary documentation is scanned and consent forms are maintained in the chart.
• Assist with visit prep, including requesting patient records
• Facilitate timely patient care by preparing test results documentation; and conducting patient follow-up when reclassified genetic test results are released
• Assist the genetic counselor in managing patient databases by inputting medical and family history; demographics; referral data; genetic testing results; and generating reports. Perform basic statistic calculations in Excel
• Facilitate the collection of medical records and prior genetic tests to evaluate and intake all relevant information needed to prepare a genetic counseling patient chart
• Assist with updating Epic SmartPhrases and patient education materials to reflect the most recent versions of established guidelines e.g. NCCN
• Collect ClinVar data on all identified variants.
• As needed, assist with insurance prior authorizations. Ensure that all necessary documentation is uploaded to laboratory portal for timely processing of insurance billings.

Education/Experience Requirements

• High School graduate or GED equivalent required
• Successful completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program required OR active current certification as a Registered Medical Assistant or Certified Medical Assistant required
• Six months previous experience as a Medical Assistant preferred
• Must maintain current CPR certification (TB certification may be required for specific offices)
• Basic understanding of medical documentation and terms; ability to spell accurately; able to accurately record information
• Organizational skills with focus on tracking patient care and improving patient flow
• Ability to multi-task efficiently and effectively
• Must be able to act calmly and effectively in a busy or stressful situation
• Completes annual skill validation as well as safety and infection control procedures
• Excellent attitude, interpersonal skills, and communication abilities necessary to interact with patients, family members, physicians, and other hospital associates