Outreach Coordinator - Lab

Phelps Health

About The Position

Phelps Health is a 2000-employee-strong hospital and healthcare system serving the heart of small-town Missouri. No matter where you start with us, we’re committed to taking our team to the top. If you’re ready for the challenge of providing life-saving care or supporting those who do, read on to find your fit in the Phelps Health family. General Summary The Laboratory Outreach Coordinator manages and supports the daily operations and growth of the laboratory outreach program. This position develops and maintains relationships with physician offices, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare providers to facilitate laboratory testing services. The coordinator serves as the primary liaison between external clients and internal laboratory operations, ensuring high-quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and efficient workflows. The role also supports outreach program development through client engagement, operational coordination, and continuous process improvement.

Requirements

Associates degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Healthcare Administration/Management, Business Administration, or a related field required, Bachelors degree preferred.
Minimum 1–3 years of experience in clinical laboratory operations or healthcare services required.
Valid driver’s license required if travel to outreach client locations is necessary.
Close mental and visual attention required for sustained periods of time.
Frequently works under stressful conditions due to time constraints and critical condition of some outpatients.
Must be able to transport self to various physicians’ offices and long term care facilities.
Must be able to transport and carry light loads (up to 20 lbs.).
Must be able to transport and install computer equipment (modems, printers, etc.) as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience in laboratory outreach, physician office support, laboratory operations, or healthcare customer service preferred.
Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
Experience with Epic or other laboratory information systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as the primary point of contact for outreach clients including physician practices, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare providers.
Develops and maintains positive working relationships with outreach clients to support laboratory service utilization and satisfaction.
Acts as a liaison between laboratory staff, physicians, clinics, and external clients to facilitate communication and resolve service issues.
Supports development and expansion of the laboratory outreach program through identification of service opportunities and outreach engagement.
Assists in the implementation and maintenance of laboratory service agreements with physician offices and residential facilities.
Collaborates with laboratory leadership to improve outreach services, workflows, and client support processes.
Ensures outreach services comply with CLIA regulations, CMS requirements, and applicable accrediting body standards.
Reviews laboratory orders using Epic reporting tools to verify medical necessity, payer compliance, and proper documentation.
Identifies potential compliance issues related to laboratory ordering and billing practices and escalates concerns to laboratory leadership.
Works collaboratively with Registration, Patient Financial Services, Laboratory staff, and courier services to ensure efficient specimen processing and reporting.
Assists with the development and implementation of workflow improvements and operational changes affecting outreach services.
Communicates procedural updates to laboratory staff through written communication, training, and staff meetings.
Provides leadership and guidance to laboratory assistants supporting outreach services.
Assists with training and onboarding of new staff related to outreach workflows and compliance requirements.
Promotes a culture of accountability, teamwork, patient safety, and continuous improvement.
Performs specimen collection, including venous and capillary punctures, on adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients when needed.
Ensures proper specimen handling and adherence to laboratory safety and infection control standards.
Supports departmental goals related to patient satisfaction, productivity, and service quality.
Participates in initiatives to improve patient experience, employee engagement, and operational efficiency.