Medical Assistant I

At NorthBay Health, the Medical Assistant I / Patient Services Representative provides comprehensive front- and back-office support within NorthBay Health ambulatory practices. 

The MA I performs general front office duties of moderate scope and complexity including reception, registration, appointment scheduling, insurance verification and medical records management functions. Exercises judgment within defined guidelines and functions as part of a clerical, and customer service team in support of Ambulatory Division medical practices. As a Medical Assistant I, this role is also responsible for providing direct patient care in support of a provider in an ambulatory care setting under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician. Distribution of staff and patients may require reassignment to other nursing areas.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

          Registration and Charge Entry

1. Gathers, updates and verifies a comprehensive package of registration and insurance/payer information and ensures accurate entry into the EMR. 

2. Provides information to patients regarding the selection process of a care provider, assists in determining insurance eligibility, co-payments, share of costs and other financial responsibilities for services rendered. Obtains signatures on required forms.

3. Verifies and documents eligibility for all payers at the time of service.

4. Reviews benefit plan/s with patient to determine specific allowances and/or restrictions based on services requested.

5. Researches and answers inquiries related to claims, eligibility and referrals.

6. Collects co-payments, deposits and fees, reconciling all payments at the end of their shift. 

7. Ensures the accuracy of demographic and insurance information in accordance with the policies, procedures and service expectations of each department.

8. Maintains professional standards by actively participating in committees, inservices and QI activities and standards development.

9. Acts as a resource to new and existing staff in areas of subject matter expertise.

10. Presents a professional demeanor in appearance and attitude.

11. Serves as a job expert in assigned areas.

12. Provides orientation to new staff as assigned.

13. Floats to other areas, as requested.

14. Performs other duties, as assigned.

    Appointment Scheduling and Reception:        

15. Obtains complete demographic information for new patients ensuring accurate entry into the EMR. Confirms and accurately updates demographic information for existing patients.

16. May confirm eligibility and PCP assignment status (Primary Care) for patients prior to scheduling appointment.

17. Demonstrates effective listening and problem-solving skills to determine appropriate call routing.

18. Schedules appointments on the phone or in person in accordance with approved protocols and current scheduling policies, procedures and algorithms

19. Assists with referral coordination/scheduling (Specialty Care).

20. Monitors provider schedules to ensure appointments are booked for correct type and correct time allocation.

21. Proactively manages provider schedules for optimal patient access and no-show reduction.

22. Places confirmation or rescheduling calls in accordance with scripted guidelines and current policy and procedures.

23. Assists in physician schedule maintenance functions including coordination of physician absences with open appointment times. 

24. Gathers data for provider access audits; provide appointment access for KPI’s.

25. Greets and welcomes patients and assists them with initial questions regarding appointments, payments, schedules, etc.  

    Medical Records

26. Adheres to System policies related confidentiality of medical record information, transcription and copie