- Professional
- Oficina en Washington
Job Title: Patient Care Coordinator-Lead/Medical Assistant- Lead (Lead MA)
Department: Patient Services – Clinical Services
Supervisor: Health Center Manager
Location: Onsite in Washington, DC
Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly
Synopsis: The Patient Care Coordinator-Lead/Medical Assistant-Lead (Lead MA) plays a critical role in delivering high-quality patient care by collaborating with providers, nurses, and other clinical staff. This position ensures patient adherence to health maintenance and
treatment guidelines while promoting efficiency, quality care, and patient satisfaction. The Lead MA oversees day-to-day operations of the clinical staff, mentors Patient Care Coordinator/Medical Assistant employees, and ensures smooth patient flow.
Additionally, this role requires expertise in preauthorization, insurance billing, and professional communication.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Medical Assistant in a clinical setting.
Preferred Education and Experience
- At least one (1) year of leadership experience.
- Experience in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or non-profit organizations.
- Familiarity with Vaccines for Children (VFC) programs.
- Experience working with HIV-positive patients and underserved populations.
- Knowledge of insurance eligibility, prior authorizations, billing, coding, and Sliding Fee Scale policies.
Required Skills/Abilities/Certifications/Licenses
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
- CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Preferred Skills/Abilities/Certifications/Licenses
- Phlebotomy Certification.
- Experience in adult, geriatric, prenatal, and pediatric phlebotomy/venipuncture.
- Ability to train, mentor, and coach other Medical Assistants.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Administrative
- Ensure patient charts are complete before clinic sessions, flagging pending health maintenance and treatment issues.
- Follow up on missing referral documentation, consultations, laboratory work, and diagnostic imaging through phone or other integrated platforms (i.e. CRISP).
- Coordinate internal and external referrals, specialty care, and diagnostic appointments, including obtaining insurance prior authorizations.
- Maintain knowledge of billing procedures and laboratory testing operations.
- Oversee pharmacy medications and Vaccines for Children (VFC) stock, ensuring proper inventory, storage, and handling.
- Enter and track immunizations and injections in the eCW system, ensuring accurate documentation.
- Provide patient education on family planning resources and birth control methods, addressing questions within the Medical Assistant scope.
- Conduct competency assessments for new hires and existing staff, reporting on performance and attendance.
- Perform weekly chart audits to ensure compliance with meaningful use requirements and provide feedback to staff.
- Promote teamwork, effective communication, and professional work culture within the health center.
- Create staff schedules for site manager review and approval ensuring adequate clinic support.
- Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
- Manage monthly inventory tracking of medical and
- office supplies.
Clinical
- Support seamless communication between Patient Access Representatives and Patient Care Coordinators regarding scheduling and workflow adjustments.
- Assist providers during procedures, obtain informed consent, and provide pre/post-care instructions.
- Administer vaccines, non-intravenous injections, and perform venipunctures as directed by licensed providers.
- Operate and maintain medical equipment used in the clinical setting.
- Perform on-site laboratory services such as urinalysis, glucose tests, hemoglobin A1C tests, EKGs, and rapid diagnostic tests.
- Instruct patients on specimen collection for laboratory testing.
- Properly dispose of biological waste and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Oversee autoclave maintenance, sterilization procedures, and infection control compliance.
- Supervise clinic opening and closing procedures.
Other Responsibilities
- Provide coverage for MA/PCC I and MA/PCC II as needed.
- Participate in staff events, planning committees, and process improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrate commitment to patient experience, professional communication, and adaptability.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and handling a high volume of calls.
- Exposure to moderate noise levels in an office or clinic setting.
- Potential exposure to hazardous pathogens, requiring adherence to safety protocols.
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.
Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities
- Onsite contact for MA/PCC I and MA/PCC II roles in the absence of the Health Center Manager.
- Mentor Patient Care Coordinators, collaborate with laboratory personnel to ensure efficient workflow of patients needing lab services.
- Provide real-time feedback, mentorship and coaching to team members.
- Lead staff engagement initiatives and talent retention efforts.
- Participate in hiring decisions for the Patient Services Department.
- Ensure all laboratory quality assurance and quality control documentation is completed and reviewed.
- Monitor staff performance, provide corrective action for effective systems and workflows that support efficiency resulting in enhanced patient and staff experience, foster a positive work environment.