Patient Services Technician

About the role

Patient Services Technician under the direction of the area supervisor performs daily patient service activities of the Patient Services Center (PSC) or In-office Patient Services Technician (PST) accurately and on time. The person in this position interacts with the client, patients, and other PathGroup personnel in a professional and courteous manner and performs with confidence, both the forensic and clinical specimen collection and processing duties following established practices and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Greets customers appropriately and treats all customers in a courteous manner.
• Ensures all field phlebotomy and PSC specimens are collected accurately and on time.
• Collects specimens according to established procedures.
• Properly explains in a clear but courteous manner the process of the venipuncture (blood drawing) and/or other specimen collection (e.g., urine or fecal) as required.
• Reduces patient anxiety by providing a calm environment for patients before, during, and after the collection process.
• Disposes of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
• Disposes of contaminated sharps in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
• Completes requisitions accurately in PathConnect and/or other Pathgroup computer applications.
• Enters patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer with attention to detail to maintain a high level of accuracy.
• Communicates with clients to confirm handwritten orders, verify test(s) ordered, and obtain accurate billing information (e.g., diagnosis codes, UPIN information).
• Researches test/client information utilizing lab computer system.
• Matches laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
• Labels, centrifuges, splits, and freezes specimens as required by test order.
• Packages specimens for transport and stores specimen samples according to required temperature, places samples in appropriate collection container/tube, accurately labels, and follows different procedures as outlined by specific protocols deemed necessary for transport to maintain specimen integrity.
• Demonstrates proficiency of proper collection methods and proper processing of all specimens.
• Maintains required records and documentation, including daily records and all appropriate PSC/IOPST Patient Services Technician logs.
• Assists with compilation of monthly statistics and data.
• Performs basic clerical duties, including filing, faxing, and preparing mail.
• Performs electronic data entry.
• Approves time in attendance software by noon on the Monday following the end of the pay period.
• Submits accurate expense and travel logs Monday for the week prior or as directed by management.
• Adheres to departmental and company code of grooming and dress code and lab coat policies, appearing neat and clean at all times.
• Utilizes time appropriately and is capable of maintaining fluctuating patient flow.
• Displays courteous and professional behavior to clients, patients, and co-workers.
• Communicates with co-workers and clients in a way that promotes a harmonious and cooperative working environment.
• Answers the telephone in a friendly and helpful manner, incorporating the company name, self-identification, and a helpful statement.
• Performs duties in an independent manner and communicates pertinent information/issues to supervisor, manager, or group leader for resolution.
• Contributes to a positive work climate and to the team effort of the department and company.
• Ensures facilities are neat, clean, and in good repair; takes appropriate action to advise Group Leader or Supervisor of required repairs and maintenance.
• Assists with periodic inventory counts and reports shortages and problems to group leader or supervisor as they occur.
• Utilizes proper PPE to ensure patient and personal safety and exercises all laboratory safety precautions as stated in procedure manuals.
• Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with the industry's best security practices and regulatory guidelines to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information and other sensitive company data.
• Must be familiar with and abide by the Corporate Compliance Program and all Corporate policies, including the Privacy and Security policies.