Sr. Medical Practice Assistant

Location: Main Hospital Building - 1st Floor

About the Role

Serves as a lead worker to Medical Practice Assistants, providing patient-centered care and operational support to the medical team to ensure an optimal patient experience. Coordinates activities in the clinical areas and facilitates a smooth patient flow. Assists with patient data collection, performs select screenings, and completes medical office functions relevant to the area/assignment.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a lead worker for Medical Practice Assistants to include training, scheduling, monitoring, and completing Performance Indicator Reports, and other reports to maximize productivity and compliance within the department.
• Serves as acting supervisor for staff as needed, on weekends, rotating holidays, or anytime a shift needs coverage in the absence of a regularly scheduled supervisor.
• Acts as primary preceptor and provides general and topic-specific training to employees when changes in guidelines occur.
• Provides re-education to department staff based on the results of reviews to correct potential weaknesses and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Ensures documentation exists to evidence training has occurred.
• Collaborates and assists with the coordination of operational activities to support clinical operations.
• Serves as an expert resource for patient intake/inquiries and the assessment of patient needs related to clinical support services.
• Performs all related Medical Practice Assistant duties and patient service activities in coordination with the clinical team, and in an expert manner.
• Assists with oversight in the day-to-day coordination of clinic/area activities and facilitates clinical support processes according to standards, and has the ability to support all service needs.
• Proficiently performs delegated technical functions, including but not limited to:
  • Obtains and/or records initial patient data, including reason for visit, height, weight, allergies, etc., as trained, and reports data to the appropriate healthcare team member.
• Practices patient safety measures in association with site leadership:
  • Complies with proper hand hygiene (hand washing/hand sanitizer gel/foam use).
  • Applies or practices proper infection control methods.
  • Identifies, corrects, and/or reports safety hazards at the time of discovery.
  • Identifies and/or facilitates maintenance of equipment, initiates work orders, and removes equipment from the patient care area, as appropriate.
  • Informs Environmental Services when additional cleaning activities are needed.
• Participates in performance improvement and quality initiatives:
  • Participates in the unit performance improvement initiatives.
  • Meets expected performance quality measures as outlined for area(s) of responsibility.
  • Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
  • Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field of Medical Practices by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
  • Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the Medical Practice.
  • Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans.
  • Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.
• Based on operational need, you may be required to perform the role in an alternate Parkland location.

Requirements

• Must have five years of customer service experience, preferably in a medical/healthcare/health insurance setting.
• Must have two years of experience in a Medical Practice environment.
• Patient registration experience preferred.
• Prefer completion of coursework towards an accredited medical terminology program.
• Medical Office Assistant experience or training is a plus.
• Virtual Care Only: Must have 2 years of experience in virtual care or telehealth support.
• School-Based Health - Youth and Family Services Only (Cost Center 40270): Must have a valid Texas Class C Driver's License.
• Must demonstrate ability to type 20 words per minute with a maximum of 3 errors.
• Must be able to successfully pass a Spelling Test with a minimum score of 85%.

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be able to work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver patient/customer services that exceed patient expectations as evidenced by patient satisfaction scores.
• Must be able to demonstrate competency required as applicable to the specialty area.
• Must have demonstrated communication skills to include above-average verbal skills (heavy public contact) and written skills. Bilingual skills preferred.
• Must have a working knowledge of diagnostic ICD-9-CM coding and HCPCS-CPT4 procedure codes.
• Must have a thorough working knowledge of medical terminology.
• Must have basic knowledge of medical software.
• Must demonstrate a positive demeanor, good verbal and written communication skills, and be professional in both appearance and approach.
• Must be able to demonstrate intermediate-level clerical skills and a working knowledge of standard office equipment.
• Must be detail-oriented and have sharp analytical skills to resolve registration issues as related to multiple groups, including third-party payors, physicians, patients, and the system.
• Must be able to solve problems within the guidelines of established policies and procedures.
• Must be able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, and rapid change.
• Virtual Care Only:
  • Confident with technology, specifically electronic medical records, video encounters, and computer applications.
  • Must be able to work collaboratively and optimally with patients with serious health conditions and barriers to care.