Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

01Basic Requirements

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Experience. None. Education. High school diploma, General Education Development equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education. Licensure/Certification/Registration. None. Foreign Education.

To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

02Grade Determinations

GS-06, Medical Support Assistant (Advanced).In addition to the basic requirements, you must meet the following grade requirements. You must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 level.

Examples of specialized experience include; but are not limited to: scheduling, canceling, re-scheduling patient appointments and/or consults; entering no-show information; monitoring appointment requests from multiple electronic sources; participating in huddles with other MSAs and/or clinic staff to determine the daily needs of the clinic, monitoring both inpatient and outpatient appointments in areas of responsibility; verifying and updating demographics and insurance information when patients check-in for appointments.

Coordinates administrative functions relating to emergency and non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospitals and determines appointment type based on the patient's eligibility status.

AND, Candidates must demonstrate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities below: Advanced knowledge of the technical health care process (including, but not limited to, scheduling across interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and/or care in the community models and patient health care portals) as it relates to access to care.

Advanced knowledge of policies and procedures associated with interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and/or care in the community operational activities that affect patient flow, and patient support care administrative functions to include, but not limited to appointment cycles, outside patient referrals, follow-up care, overbooking, provider availability, etc. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians.

Ability to collaborate and communicate with a wide range of medical clinicians across multiple disciplines (e.g., medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, clinical pharmacists, and nursing staff) to accomplish team goal setting to ensure medical care to patients is met. Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations.

Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, electronically, by phone, in person, and in writing, with internal and external customers. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels, as well as resolving patient concerns. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-6.

03Physical Requirements

Typically, the Advanced Medical Support Assistant must be able to operate a computer terminal and be able to manage multiple activities at one time. Work is generally sedentary; however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items. Work Environment: The work may be stressful due to the accelerated pace for several hours at a time during peak clinic hours or on days that have a large volume of clinic activity.

The and responsibilities include but are not limited tot he following: Schedules and controls daily workflow to avoid lengthy waiting periods and ensure maximum efficiency of clinics within Radiology Service, while allowing sufficient time for the performance of examinations. Confirms patient appointments by phone within 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment to reduce missed opportunities and ensure pre-procedure instructions are followed.

• Coordinates specialized examinations requiring advance preparation notices with the radiologist, considering availability of the necessary equipment and technologists.
• Ensures proper clinical information, screening forms and orders are entered for each exam and registers patient for exams.
• Communicates pre-procedure preparations to the patient under the direction of the Radiologist.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Responsible for the effective daily operations of Radiology Service ensuring clinic schedules are utilized efficiently. Responsible for compiling daily pending orders data to maintain quality assurance and follow-up on patient no-shows. Personal contacts are made daily with patients, patient families, radiologists, physicians, residents, ward clerks, employees of the Business Office and any visitors at the hospital.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61439F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.