Medical Receptionist/Medical Assistant

Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York•City of Plattsburgh, NY

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Medical Receptionist/Medical Assistant uses basic knowledge and skills obtained through on-the-job training to provide patient-centered medical services and education in support of PPNCNY’s mission. The role gathers patient information, identifies concerns, and shares information with other medical professionals to help meet patient needs. The position combines reception, administrative, insurance and billing support, patient education, medical-assistant duties, and specimen-handling tasks. It supports patient flow and customer service, maintains accurate and confidential records, and performs clinical duties under the supervision of licensed health center staff.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups.
Flexibility to accommodate changing department needs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends.
Basic to intermediate computer knowledge and skills.
Ability to travel to other centers as needed.
Valid driver’s license.
Acceptance and understanding of PPNCNY’s Personnel Policies.
Current BLS/CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a medical office with direct patient care experience.
Certified Nursing Assistant certification.

Responsibilities

Review upcoming appointments for accurate patient information and financial responsibility.
Identify and research other primary insurance coverage using verification resources; complete Patient Insurance Authorization forms or alert the front office when a patient signature is needed to bill or waive primary insurance.
Assess and document patient copay, deductible, and coinsurance responsibility based on eligible coverage and visit type before arrival.
Research and identify insurance eligibility discrepancies in the practice management system.
Contact insurance plans on patients’ behalf to identify benefits for the visit type.
Obtain and prepare patient waiver or non-covered services forms for the front office to complete with patients when required.
Perform administrative and general office duties, including copying, faxing, answering phones, and entering patient data in practice management and electronic health record systems.
Welcome and direct patients and visitors to the appropriate person or department.
Schedule patients according to policies and procedures and health center capacity established by the Medical Management Team.
Follow safety and security policies and safeguard restricted areas, keyless-entry access, and computer passwords.
Provide professional customer service while following confidentiality, privacy, and HIPAA requirements.
Keep patient waiting and front-desk areas organized and neat.
Verify payment methods, enter insurance information, scan insurance cards, assign fee categories, and collect appropriate payments, including past balances.
Facilitate enrollment in the Family Planning Benefit Program, Family Planning Extension Program, and Presumptive Eligibility.
Use problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills to address patient complaints and refer complaints to designated personnel as needed.
Attend scheduled health center staff meetings and all-staff day meetings.
Participate in affiliate efforts to meet revenue-cycle goals.
Collaborate with health center and non-health-center team members to support internal and external customer service and satisfaction.
Follow affiliate goals and policies concerning professionalism, wait times, and the process for addressing client complaints.
Follow PPNCNY policies and procedures for providing patients with medical supplies and services.
Document accurately in medical records.
Retrieve medical records for quality-management audits or as required.
Transfer and receive patient medical records according to policy and procedure, including maintaining archived records.
Collect and document laboratory specimens accurately.
Make patient reminder calls and reschedule cancellations and missed appointments.
Work as part of a team to meet productivity standards set by PPNCNY’s Medical Management Team.
Provide non-judgmental education and care related to health center services under the supervision of licensed staff.
Interview patients when they enter the health center, before their exam.
Support patients receiving surgical services under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or provider.
Prepare and restock exam, intake, and medication rooms daily to support efficient patient flow under the general supervision of licensed staff.
Perform laboratory functions, including collecting blood and urine specimens, pregnancy testing, and measuring blood pressure, hemoglobin, weight, and height, using aseptic technique and universal precautions.
Perform macroscopic examinations of tissue post-abortion and record, report, refer, follow up on, and transport specimens as needed.
Assist in training new employees.
Travel to other centers as needed.