MEDICAL ASSISTANT-PATIENT NAVIGATOR

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

1. YOU MUST HAVE PRIOR MEDICAL ASSISTANT EXPERIENCE IF APPLYING FOR THIS MEDICAL ASSISTANT/PATIENT NAVIGATOR POSITION. if you do not have prior experience, please apply using the Medical Assistant job posting (the one without Patient Navigator in the job title).  
2. All applicants must be willing to work from any of our three clinics located in Anahuac, Dayton & Mont Belvieu. You may be primarily aligned to one location, but required to work from another, dependent on business needs. 

SUMMARY 

The patient navigator supports the mission of Chambers Community Health Centers, Inc. (CCHC) by providing care in a clinic environment. The patient navigator works collaboratively with all internal and external customers in compliance with each of the CCHC core values. The patient navigator may be directly or indirectly assigned to a clinician (MD, DO, PA or NP) and provides care under the supervision of that physician and/or mid-level provider, when not being utilized as a patient navigator. The patient navigator participates as part of the care team by managing referrals, assisting with communication of results, soliciting consultation notes/follow-up and outside test/exam results. The patient navigator functions as a member of the health care team and assists with the coordination of patient care, supports patients and families in self-management, self-efficacy and behavioral change. Care team members are expected to assess and manage the healthcare needs of the population and to communicate effectively with all patients, especially vulnerable populations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Prior to provider’s examination, obtain and enter in EHR the following: Height and Weight, Complete set of vital signs (BP, HR, RR, Temp and O2sat – Adult or BP, HR, RR, Temp, O2sat and FOC ( greater than 2 years) - Child), Document chief complaint or reason for visit, Update allergies (food and drug), Reconcile medication(s), Update medical history (surgical and family), Update social history (drugs, alcohol, and tobacco/vape), Complete PHQ9 for adult; PHQA for adolescent
• Administer medications (PO, IM, SQ, ID) as directed by provider and observe patient for reactions per protocol
• Administer all outstanding/past due immunizations at time of visit or have patient/parent complete immunization declination form, document and scan into chart or document valid reason against immunization such as (current illness, immunocompromised, recent transplant, etc.)
• Perform EKG as directed
• Communicate test (lab, x-ray, etc.) results to patient within 1-2 business days after reviewed and released by provider
• Instruct patient and family members regarding treatments, educational materials and/or follow-up care
• Receive, manage and return phone calls, telephone encounters or faxes, within 1-2 business days
• Address and submit medication prior authorizations, track and provide additional supporting documentation until denial or determination confirmed
• Scan into EHR patient information such as results (lab, x-ray, MRI, etc.) and other health information from outside sources and document results as directed by policy/procedure
• Ensure required clinic forms and consents are completed during visit
• Complete documentation of all care provided during visit, same day
• Ensure patient paperwork needs (unemployment, workers comp, FMLA, STD, etc) is complete, scanned into EHR and returned to patient within 1-2 business days
• Maintain the general appearance, cleanliness of exam rooms, procedure room (after use), common and personal workspace, between each patient and at the end of each day
• Replenish supplies and linens in room on a weekly basis and as needed
• Ensure stocked supplies in exam rooms are up to date and not expired
• Dispose of contaminated and disposable items according to policy/procedure (i.e. biohazard, sharps, etc.)
• Responsible for proper handling and storage of all medications; reporting waste and expired medications to Site Supervisor
• Adhere to QA compliance and documentation standards (Repeat blood pressure manually for elevated readings and document appropriately, Depression screening (PHQ2 and PHQ9) at least annually for all patients over 18 years, Provide education for patients that meet the following specific criteria.
• Ensure Patient Visit Planning (PVP) alerts are appropriately addressed at each visit and that all “past due” alerts are resolved
• Ensure all patients needing outside records or whom provider has ordered a referral, stop at referral checkout prior to leaving after visit
• Manage provider referrals through initiation, pending and addressed/closed
• Schedules or arranges for scheduling of outside test/exams and specialty office visits
• Facilitates the receipt of outside exam/test results and/or consult notes and ensures they are uploaded to patient chart when appropriate
• Reviews care gap reports and works with/supports patients to ensure closure of gaps
• Adheres to all Chambers Community Health Centers appearance standards and always maintains a professional appearance while working and/or representing the health centers at events
• Maintains friendly, efficient, positive customer service attitude toward customers, clients, and co-workers. Is responsive to customer needs
• Uses Service Excellence model when interacting with patients, clients and guests
• Demonstrates commitment to professional growth and competence by adherence to Health Center annual training commitments.
• Participates in self-development by completing all mandatory in-services and educational trainings assigned prior to the date due
• Adheres to all established systems and training programs to provide a safe environment. Complies with all OSHA regulations and other local, state and federal regulations
• Maintains compliance with Chambers Community Health Centers standards of operation
• Always adheres to Chambers Community Health Centers Business Conduct Policy. Maintains all records and reports to ensure compliance with all local, state and federal regulations and codes.
• Maintains compliance with all requirements of Federal, State and local regulations and guidelines including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended.

OTHER DUTIES

Other duties, as assigned, may include but are not limited to the following:

• Light housekeeping duties such as emptying trash or shred bin when needed
• Sterilizing instruments, labeling and recording data
• Inventory of clinic supplies
• Inventory of vaccine supplies
• Inventory of medication supplies
• Inventory of medication samples
• Sort and distribute fax documents
• Fill in for absent employees at location when necessary
• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned by manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Must be able to work independently with limited supervision.  Demonstrates interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal. Requires strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail. Must have prior Medical Assistant experience as well.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to contagious organisms and other infectious or communicable disease. 

Use of Equipment

• Computer
• Telephone
• Printer/Copier/Fax
• Vital Machine
• Audiometer
• EKG machine
• Autoclave
• Scales

Lifting Requirements

Medium - Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighting up to 25 pounds