Patient Access Rep/Medical Assistant - Cardiology Clinic - Full Time

Ochsner Health•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

This job performs appointment scheduling and medical assistant functions within a clinic setting. It provides individualized, direct patient care to assigned patients under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider and assists with delivering healthcare services. The role combines patient access and administrative work with clinical support. It includes gathering and entering patient information, explaining insurance benefits, collecting payments, scheduling appointments, performing vital signs and screenings, and preparing patients for examinations. Employees must provide patient-centered service, adapt communication to the needs of the patient population, and comply with applicable policies, laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements. The position is based in a patient care environment with routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, specimens, communicable diseases, and potentially hazardous medications or waste.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Computer skills and dexterity for entering and retrieving patient information.
Proficiency with Windows-style applications and keyboard use.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and professionally to people at varying levels throughout the patient care process.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from patients and customers.
Ability to work collaboratively with other departments.
Ability to exercise sound judgment when handling or escalating difficult situations.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Medical Assistant training program.
Related experience in a clinic or medical office setting.
Certification in Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM), Certification in Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA), certification as a Medical Assistant, or another medical specialty-based certification.

Responsibilities

Provide excellent customer service to patients, guests, and family members.
Ensure required patient forms are completed and that related paperwork and documents are gathered and accurate.
Enter patient and guarantor demographic and financial information; explain insurance benefits and collect co-pays, deductibles, and self-pay portions due.
Perform vital signs and other screenings, obtaining height, weight, allergy and medication history, and other assessments.
Prepare patients for examinations, explain procedures before they are performed, and answer patient questions.
Schedule and reschedule appointments by phone or in person, transfer patients to appropriate departments for scheduling, and update necessary information.
Follow Department of Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Program procedures when working in an occupational health clinic.
Adapt behavior and communication to the patient population, including respecting privacy, introducing oneself appropriately, explaining services or procedures, requesting permission, and adjusting communication style.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards.
Remain knowledgeable about applicable federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements, and ensure compliance.
Report known or suspected unethical or questionable conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or other compliance concerns.