Medical Assistant, Triage

Triage MA Overview

Tennessee Oncology is a community-based cancer care specialist dedicated to providing high-quality care and clinical trials to patients. This role supports the mission by handling patient inquiries and coordinating care.

Essential Functions

• Addresses patient calls, portal messages, tasks, and emails regarding a wide range of patient care topics.
• Utilizes TN ONC approved algorithms/pathways to ask appropriate questions and document recommended/actual interventions.
• Recognizes changes in patient status and coordinates care/EMS response as necessary.
• Collaborates with physicians via electronic communication, face-to-face, or by phone to discuss patient care needs.
• Provides clear education to patients and caregivers, including verifying understanding of instructions and plan.
• Counsels patients, family, and/or caregiver about side effects of medication, available referrals, and community resources.
• Notifies patients of normal and stable lab/test results after MD/APP/RN review.
• Promotes patient self-care responsibility and identifies & accommodates patient disabilities & limitations.
• Affords patients access to interpretive services and other needed accommodations.
• Adapts personal communication style to meet diverse customer needs.
• Assists with prior authorization for prescription refills if needed.
• Coordinates triage efforts with various departments to ensure effective/efficient communication.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved MA program.
• 2 years of relevant experience in oncology and/or telephone triage.
• Knowledge of oncology/hematology diseases, treatments, and side effects/reactions of related therapy methods preferred.
• Outpatient Ambulatory experience preferred.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
• Seek out resources independently and work collaboratively.
• Collaborate, set priorities, and organize work to meet deadlines.
• Multitask efficiently.
• Excellent telephone etiquette.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills.
• Ability to navigate multiple computer programs and patient/hospital portals simultaneously.

Physical Requirements

• Standing: X
• Walking: X
• Sitting: X
• Fingering or manual dexterity: X
• Repetitive finger motion: X
• Lifting or exerting force: Up to 50 pounds
• Reaching or stretching: X
• Climbing or balancing: X
• Crouching or stooping: X
• Speaking: X
• Hearing: X
• Seeing (with correction): X