Genetic Counselor Assistant

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Genetic Counselor assistant is a vital position aiding the genetic counselor in providing the best patient care, education, advocacy, and research collaborations.  This role is a wonderful introduction to clinical and non-clinical genetics and will provide exposure and development of skillsets vital to delivering healthcare in the fast evolving field of genomic medicine.  While this is an administrative and customer service role, the position requires high analytical and problem solving skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Communicates with healthcare providers and patients to provide information regarding clinical and laboratory genetic services at Lurie Children’s Hospital under direction of the genetic counselor.
• Communication can include information regarding genetic test ordering process, insurance authorization process, turn-around time of test results, price of genetic testing, and what to expect during clinical genetics appointment.   
• Maintains databases, network drive folders, and insurance portals.
• Completes genetic testing requisition forms, including entries into Concert Genetics platform. Compile appropriate medical records to be sent with requisition forms for whole exome/genome sequencing under the direction of the genetic counselor
• Completes letter of medical necessity (LMN) templates for genetic tests and assists with insurance inquiries and appeals as directed by genetic counselor.
• Obtain appropriate CPT code for genetic tests needed for LMN templates
• Communicates with insurance plans regarding status of insurance authorizations and submits appropriate paperwork for insurance appeals for genetic testing as directed by the genetic counselor
• Communicates with families regarding status of insurance authorizations for genetic testing as direct by the genetic counselor.
• Assist genetic counselor in coordinating patient tests and evaluations such as coordinating lab and radiology appointments and evaluations with other specialists,
• Perform medical/scientific literature review as requested by genetic counselor.
• Identify and collate education materials on specific genetic disorders for patients as directed by a genetic counselor.
• Assist genetic counselors in production of education materials.
• Assist genetic counselors in planning educational and advocacy events.
• Obtain medical records and from patients, other institutions and providers as directed by genetic counselor.
• Complete medical and family history intake form as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Assist with maintain necessary paperwork for research studies.
• Administrative assistant duties such as copying, faxing, scheduling meetings, etc.
• For the Genetic Testing and Counseling Support Center, specific responsibilities also include:
• Triaging all telephone, group email and in-basket message communications.
• Facilitating urgent test orders, such as those for newborn screen patients and rapid WES.
• Assisting healthcare providers and other laboratories to resolve problems related to genetic testing.
• Educating healthcare providers regarding Lurie Children’s genetic testing and insurance precertification process.
• Facilitating communication between Support Center genetic counselors and their colleagues in SSPC, Financial Clearance team, Hospital Billing, and other stakeholders.
• Pulling and formatting daily in-house test orders review document.
• Assisting in resolving complaints and issues that are directed to the Support Center.
• For the Center for Genomics (molecular genomics laboratory), specific responsibilities also include:
• Use genomic visualization software and literature databases to prepare Excel files for variant interpretation as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Research genetic testing options available at outside reference labs as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Other job functions as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with major in science field