CLERICAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT - GASTROENTEROLOGY

Overview: The Clerical MA is responsible for appropriately scheduling patient appointments and adequately verifying/updating and entering patient demographic and insurance information in a manner that minimizes errors/rework and maximizes revenue for services provided. Individual is responsible for clinical assistance to physicians. Observes strict patient confidentiality and adheres to policies and procedures. The Clerical MA demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation. Responsibilities:

Schedules office appointments, referrals/ authorizations and outpatient diagnostic testing for patients.
Assures proper filing of test results, hospital information and other pertinent information in patient chart. 
Obtains/verifies/updates patient demographic information and obtains/verifies insurance eligibility and benefits, entering necessary updates to system for billing purposes.
Processes/tracks medical �release of information requests� consistent with HIPAA and other requirements. 
Distributes charts to providers in a manner that minimizes patient wait times. 
Process, enter and collect for patient out-of-pocket costs, including prior outstanding balances, at time of visit. 
Balances daily cash and prepares/delivers bank deposit. 
May provide Initial patient assessment, takes vitals, patient history, assist with office procedures.
 Responsible for prescription refills and triaging patient calls and responding as appropriate.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma and/or equivalent required.
A successful completion of a competency-based Medical Assistant (MA) training program required.
In lieu of a MA program, a minimum of two (2) years direct patient care and/or medical office support experience will be accepted.
BLS certification required (within 6 months of hire).
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Knowledge of coordination of benefits and how to properly determine primary status, as well as the ability to verify/interpret insurance benefits.
Knowledge of proper �release of information� standards.
Knowledge of proper cash receipts handling procedures.
Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to practically apply medical terminology.
Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Computer-based office practice management experience required.
Ability to type 40 words per minute.
Ability to remain calm and courteous in stressful/difficult situations.
Ability to maintain confidential information.


WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
Constant handling, feeling, talking, hearing, tasting, smelling, and near vision.
Frequent lifting up to 10 lbs.
Frequent standing, walking, twisting, reaching, depth perception, and field of vision.
Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
Occasional sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, crawling, and far vision.