Patient Care Coodinator

Reston, Virginia – Clinical Support role with Virginia Cancer Specialists, affiliated with McKesson Specialty Health and US Oncology.

About the role

Under direct supervision, serves as the patient’s medical liaison among the practice, hospital, support services, and payors. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Learns how to appropriately apply department procedures and policies. Escalates issues to supervisor for guidance. Performs a wide variety of tasks with a certain degree of creativity and latitude.

Responsibilities

• Prior to a patient’s first appointment, contacts or meets with patient to obtain basic chart information (diagnosis, referring physician, personal data, insurance, etc.).
• Asks patient questions regarding medical style to match with Network physician style (or bedside manner). Inquires about patients’ family, medical, and social services needs.
• On behalf of the patient, coordinates physician referrals, schedules oncology-related medical appointments within and outside the practice, resolves insurance billing and coding issues, and contacts agencies. Ensures accurate documentation is in the medical chart.
• Responsible for insurance verification and eligibility, assessment of patient financial requirements, and educating patients on insurance benefits and co-payments. Obtains pre-authorization of services and maintains accurate patient demographics. May assist patients with obtaining financial resources.
• Provides educational materials to patient and family. Updates, orders, and maintains patient education materials including brochures, videos, and teaching materials.
• Refers patient or family members to agencies and services such as housing, transportation, pharmaceutical needs, beauty supplies (wigs), prosthesis, and counseling. Networks within the community to learn about and maintain an agency and services resource list.
• Researches and responds to routine inquiries in a timely and professional manner. Requests assistance from more senior coworkers and supervisor to resolve non-routine issues.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred.
• At least two (2) years of directly related experience such as medical coding or billing, patient advocate, or social services.
• Must demonstrate the ability to verbally articulate information and questions effectively.
• Must be personable.
• Proficiency with computer systems, medical billing systems, and Microsoft Office Outlook & Word.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit or stand and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a clinical environment with frequent interaction with staff, patients, and the public.
• May require minimal travel by automobile to other US Oncology Network buildings.