Patient Counselor

Overview: Oversee the day-to-day operation for the surgical oncology division.
Assist with the patient flow of the Breast Evaluation Clinic and High-Risk Clinic.
Liaison between patient and doctor.
Open and coordinate daily clinic schedule.
Enter radiology orders, obtain pre-surgical testing, vital signs, pre-authorization from insurance company.
Responsibilities: Assist in training new Medical Assistant staff.
Coordinate patient care from time of referral to Surgical Oncology visit and surgery if necessary.
Assist in managing tumor board conferences and patient scheduling after the conferences.
Educate patients on the proper techniques of a self-breast exam as well as, self-breast exam training to patients, medical students and residents.
Communicate with various departments and referral agencies to facilitate accurate and appropriate care of patients.
Obtain vital signs, reconciles allergy lists, medication lists, and smoking status of patients.
Order and call in medication through the electronic medical records.
Chaperons when appropriate and assists minor surgeries.
Maintains clean, well-equipped examination rooms, cleans, and sterilizes instruments.
Stocks examination rooms, triage area, and work station with medical supplies for designated team.
Performs phone triage, completes team tasks, paperwork and faxes.
Scan upcoming appointments for additional medical record information necessary.
Obtain medical records from other physician offices, hospitals, labs, emergency rooms, and radiology testing prior to patient visit.
Participate in all staff meetings, education lectures and quality improvement activities.
Assist diagnosed cancer patients navigate the healthcare system through their treatment.
Communicate and educate area groups, institutions, churches, etc.
to increase awareness of program.
Assist with maintaining and updating the database of patient information and the Breast Evaluation Program calendar to ensure appropriate follow up.
Collaborate with Department of Surgery staff regarding issues related to patient care.
Schedule surgeries and post-operative appointments.
Compile necessary reports and forms prior to surgery.
Patient appointment scheduling including all follow-appointments.
Maintain and update demographic patient information (patients that are not on the E H R).
During clinic hours, assist with patient triage and office surgical procedures to include notating “nurse notes” into the patient’s chart.
Serves as the patient advocate and ensure the optimal patient experience.
Responsive to patient needs solving patient problems and issues.
Knowledge of Medicaid procedures and explains to patients to ensure they begin the process to obtain coverage.
Filing, faxing and copying as requested.
Prepare correspondence/forms/letters etc.
as requested by patients and faculty.
HIPAA – Conforms to all applicable HIPAA compliance and safety guidelines.
Respond to questions from patients, family members, faculty/residents, other health care providers in a timely and professional manner.
Patient phone calls should be answered on the same day they are logged in, before leaving for the day.
If patient is not home at the first attempt, a notation should be made in the medical record.
All patient conversations must be documented in the electronic medical record.
Complete all “tasks” assigned to individual team (as well as covering for other clinical staff who may be temporarily absent).
This includes responding to patient messages, prescription refills, lab results, referrals, home health agencies, medication prior authorizations, patient forms and follow up from physicians.
All tasks must be reviewed, addressed and marked appropriately before the close of each business day.
Follow EVMS protocols related to infection control, environmental safety and patient confidentiality.
Complete annual recertification for Blood Borne Pathogens, HIPAA Compliance Training, Respiratory FIT and IT Policy.
Maintain licensed certification.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Associates degree plus three (3) years of relevant experience working in a hospital or physician's office is required.
Medical Assistant certification or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) required.
Customer service-oriented individual is required.
Preferred surgical/oncology experience.
Must have knowledge of third party billing procedures and surgery scheduling.
Medical Assistants must be certified.
LPN’s must be licensed in Virginia.
Communication skills, both oral and written, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with multi-cultural staff and patients.
Willingness to cross train for related clinic duties.
Experience and sensitivity working with low-income populations, substance users, HIV (AIDS) infected persons, and/or psychologically impaired Familiarity with desktop computing tools, multi-line phone systems Ability to make professional medical decisions under the supervision of the physicians and licensed nurses.
Possess professional interaction skills with physicians, outside offices, pharmacies, referring agencies, hospital personnel and support staff.
Location : Location: US-VA-Norfolk