Patient Care Assistant

Patient Care Assistant

POSITION: Patient Care Assistant

SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm

RESPONSIBLE TO: Patient Care Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY: Handle and process all patient incoming inquiries.  Organize and process incoming mail and faxes.  Coordinate surgery with surgery center as needed. 

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma required
• Advanced Degree or Certification preferred

  QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Two plus years of work experience in a physician practice required
• Proficient using email and word processing software
• Knowledge of practice management and electronic health record software
• Ability to perform multiple and diverse tasks simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and cheerful attitude

  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  Surgery Scheduling Duties

• Receives instructions from Patient Care Coordinator about which surgery or test is recommended or required
• Explains estimates to the patient and collects payments for surgery

• Maintains communication among the Patient Care Coordinator, patient and hospital at all times

• Discusses pre-operative instructions with the patient, as directed by physician

• Schedules operating room time, according to physician scheduling protocols; faxes H&P to hospital admitting department

• Schedules all appropriate pre-operative tests and blood work

• Coordinates all business and clinical paperwork prior to surgery, using physician-approved forms and checklists; has paperwork ready for surgeon prior to the day of surgery

  General Patient Care

• Responsible for all incoming physician calls (ie: doctor to doctor, vendor, personal, etc)

• Responsible for all incoming patient telephone calls; ensures action taken is document appropriately in the patient chart

• Responsible for all incoming inquiries, both written and verbal, from patients and health insurance carriers

• Directs written and telephone inquiries to Patient Care Coordinator in a timely manner when unable to assist the person requesting information

• Processes correspondence related to the physician’s practice (ie: disability forms, FLMA forms, contributing cause letters, etc.)

• As needed, prepares paper charts for patient evaluation appointments scheduled by the Professional Services Department

• Assists the Patient Care Coordinator with routine follow up calls to patients regarding surgery, new appointments, etc.

• Maintains patient confidentiality; complies with HIPAA and compliance guidelines established by the practice

  General Administration

• The Patient Care Assistant may on occasion need to fulfill the specific duties and functions of the Patient Care Coordinator.  This may include travel with the physician to clinic and assisting patients as needed.
• Maintains detailed knowledge of practice management, electronic health record and other computer software as it relates to job functions

• Attends continuing education courses as requested

• Completes all other duties as assigned by the Patient Care Coordinator

• Work hours coincide with Orlando Orthopaedic Center’s operating hours (8am to 5pm)

  Supervisory Responsibilities

  This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

  Typical Physical Demands

  Work may require sitting for long periods of time, and also stooping, bending and stretching for files and supplies.  Position requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, operate a computer, telephone, calculator, copier, and such other office equipment as necessary.  Position also requires viewing computer screens and typing for long periods of time, and working in an environment which may be stressful.  Position could require occasional travel.

  Typical Working Conditions

  Normal office environment