The candidate serves as a Medical Support Assistant (MSA) in Radiology/Nuclear Medicine Service. The MSA works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model within the Radiology/Nuclear Medicine Service Line. The candidate will interface with numerous computer applications. The incumbent performs these responsibilities with self-direction in the processing, care, and treatment of Veterans while functioning as a team member in the patient care delivery setting.
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and Education: (1) Experience - Six months experience of clerical, office, customer service, or other administrative work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position; or (2) Education - One year above high school; or (3) Experience/Education - Equivalent combination of experience and education. English Language Proficiency: MSAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. 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). Grade Determinations: For Advanced Medical Support Assistant, GS-6: One year of experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-5. In addition to the Basic Requirements defined above, the incumbent must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. 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. References: For additional information, please refer to VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G45 Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standards, GS-0679, dated August 1, 2019. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary but also requires some standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying of light items.
Duties include but are not limited to: Coordinates with the patient, interdisciplinary team including the radiologist, technologists, and patients' referring service team, nurses, other VA medical centers, and other agencies (e.g., communicates with non-VA medical facilities; notify patients of requirements prior to appointment including labs or x-rays; follow up care on imaging orders) Coordinates patient procedures by verifying pre-procedure workup is complete and meets procedure requirements prior to procedure. This may include evaluating patient information, such as lab results and pre-procedure clinical screening for MRI and/or positron emission imaging (PET) exams to assure readiness for imaging exam/procedure and resolving issues, if needed. Develops/maintains effective and efficient communication with the patient, interdisciplinary team, VA medical centers, and other agencies (e .g., assist with communications during the inpatient to outpatient discharge; communicate with non-VA medical facilities; facilitate/process secure messaging with the patient and team; develop and manage a tracking system for follow up care such as orders for future scheduled admissions). Participates and provides input on problem solving with operational issues in team meetings, performing administrative follow up actions on orders and consults, educating providers about shared patients who are receiving care at multiple VAs or those who receive care in the community. Supports patient safety standards using the correct Veterans Affairs identification of all patients using two forms of identification, name and Social Security Number or DOB. The patient may also present the Veterans Healthcare Identification Card (VHIC) for identification. Schedules Veteran appointments in accordance with service procedures and policies and instructs the patients on standard preparation procedures required prior to testing (dietary instructions, lab tests, etc.). Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm (Monday-Friday) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required