Patient Outreach Services Specialist (Phlebotomist) - OB/GYN - Austell

Wellstar Health System•Austell, GA

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Outreach Supervisor or designee, the Patient Outreach Services Specialist performs technical and non-technical duties at Wellstar Laboratory Outreach specimen collection locations. The role combines patient registration and laboratory order entry across Wellstar Epic, Quest, and LabCorp systems with phlebotomy, specimen processing, customer service, and regulatory quality-assurance work. The specialist verifies patient, insurance, and testing information; prepares specimens for transport; supports physicians, office staff, and patients; and carries out equipment checks and documentation in accordance with applicable laboratory requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
A required BLS certification: Basic Life Support, American Red Cross Basic Life Support, or Basic Life Support Instructor.
At least one year of previous computer registration experience, or completion of a Wellstar Lab Outreach externship.
Excellent customer-service skills and verbal and written communication skills.
Efficient and accurate computer skills.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor under stressful conditions.
Efficient multitasking and organizational skills, with the ability to remain composed in difficult situations.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of customer-service experience or completion of a Wellstar Lab Outreach externship.
At least one year of phlebotomy and specimen-processing experience or completion of a Wellstar Lab Outreach externship.

Responsibilities

Review laboratory orders for accurate patient identification, testing, and insurance information; register patients and enter orders in Epic, Quest, or LabCorp systems.
Verify insurance, expected dates, test information, selected laboratory, and required reporting procedures; scan patient identification, insurance cards, and manual orders into Epic.
Coordinate with physicians and office staff to confirm order accuracy and ensure results reach the appropriate personnel.
Record registration activity and complete monthly audits for non-Wellstar laboratory registrations.
Ensure STAT specimens are sent within required time guidelines and schedule STAT pickups.
Print and explain ABNs when required and obtain patient signatures; collect approved SP3 time-of-service payments by credit card, check, or money order.
Identify patients according to Wellstar patient-safety policies and perform venipunctures on patients of all ages, following laboratory procedures for difficult draws.
Process specimens according to established requirements, package them in accordance with DOT guidelines, and prepare them for courier pickup.
Collect and process testing kits, including Progenity, AVISE, Vectra, and Natera, and maintain current knowledge of test, tube, and specimen requirements for Wellstar, Quest, and LabCorp.
Follow collection and processing requirements for specialty testing, including GTT, breath, and bariatric testing; use proper hand hygiene.
Help physicians and office staff place laboratory orders correctly, including future, standing, and clinic-collect orders.
Notify physicians or designees promptly of critical laboratory results as requested; reprint reports and fax results to physicians as requested.
Help investigate and resolve laboratory issues, billing concerns, and questions from patients and office staff; make follow-up calls when specimen recollection is needed.
Assist physicians and office staff in selecting appropriate diagnostic tests or panels and serve as a liaison between office managers and supervisors regarding location concerns.
Maintain organized onsite records and documents for three months and escalate issues appropriately.
Perform daily equipment quality-assurance checks, quarterly safety inspections, and quarterly chemical-inventory inspections; prepare and submit reports of findings.
Complete monthly workload tallies and annual personnel requirements, including laboratory procedure review, continuing-education review, NetLearning CEUs, and employee physical examination.
Remain current on CLIA and CAP requirements, attend mandatory staff meetings, comply with Wellstar policies and standards of work, and perform other duties as assigned.