Medical Secretary-FT/Burlington

Bristol Hospital Group•Bristol, CT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Secretary provides cross-coverage clerical and clinical support to physician practices, including patient reception, patient flow and care. The role maintains electronic patient records and office and medical supplies, explains policies and procedures, routes patient information, answers and assesses calls, and coordinates with Centralized Appointment Scheduling to help maximize patient levels. Clinical support is provided as assigned and under the direction of medical providers. The position may float to other areas as business needs require. Administrative work includes welcoming patients and visitors, processing registrations and demographic and insurance information, operating office equipment, assisting the Office Manager, and keeping reception and work areas orderly. The Medical Secretary manages appointments and registration, obtains required pre-certifications and specialist authorizations, collects and processes patient payments, and documents authorization information. In a clinical capacity, the role gathers patient histories and baseline data, performs routine measurements and tests, collects specimens, reviews records and test results, supports patient care under provider direction, maintains clinical areas and equipment, and follows applicable protocols and policies. The position is based in a medical office with direct patient contact and possible exposure to body fluids and blood-borne pathogens. It requires frequent telephone and in-person customer contact, patient assistance with movement, daily bending, stooping, walking and sitting, and one to four hours per day using a computer. Candidates must be able to communicate clearly, read and document information, perform simple calculations, and triage patients according to need and time requirements.

Requirements

High school graduate.
Demonstrated proficiency in electrocardiographic testing.
Ability to take vital signs and knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology.
Familiarity with medical equipment commonly used in a medical practice.
Excellent communication skills and ability to provide medical providers with a comprehensive, accurate initial assessment.
Ability to triage patients according to need and time requirements.
Ability to understand routine and technical information, write clearly, and perform simple calculations for medication doses, physical exams and tests.
Ability to bend, stoop, walk and sit; remain on one's feet most of the day; and assist patients in and out of treatment rooms, chairs and exam tables.
Ability to use a computer for data entry and analysis for one to four hours per day, and sufficient hearing, vision and speech to perform essential job functions.
General orientation at hire and annual Fire/Safety/Infection Control training, along with other programs mandated by the hospital.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience as a medical secretary, patient access representative, customer service representative, or in another healthcare-related role.

Responsibilities

Perform cross-coverage clerical and clinical support for physician practices, including patient reception, flow and care.
Answer calls, process patients, and accurately review and enter demographic and insurance information.
Operate office equipment, assist the Office Manager with projects, maintain an orderly reception area and workspace, and follow company and financial policies and procedures.
Greet patients and visitors promptly and answer incoming calls within three rings.
Update patient information, verify insurance, scan insurance cards and photo IDs, obtain pre-certifications, complete patient callbacks as directed, and schedule follow-up appointments according to protocol.
Collect co-pays, self-pay and past-due balances; post and close the daily batch; and submit the completed or balanced journal and payments to the Office Manager.
Obtain specialist authorizations within 24 hours of the visit, document authorization data, identify and document carved-out insurance benefits, and provide information to insurers to support medical necessity.
Schedule diagnostic tests, procedures and surgeries as designated by the manager.
Collect patient health histories and baseline data; perform routine assessments and tests, including vital signs, visual tests, EKGs and pulmonary function tests; and collect urine and blood samples according to protocol.
Review patient records for completeness, prepare entries for provider review, monitor laboratory and test results, and ensure requested results are available to providers.
Provide on-site patient care under medical provider direction, including assistance with suturing, wound care and debridement.
Complete patient callbacks under medical direction and applicable protocols.
Restock and prepare exam rooms, clean rooms, sterilize instruments as necessary, and arrange proper disposal of laboratory and medical waste and supplies.
Perform quality controls and maintain records for laboratory equipment and refrigerators.
Maintain knowledge of CLIA requirements and protect patient information when sharing it with outside sources.
Float to other areas when required by business needs.