Medical Assistant - Interventional Radiology

Mission Statement

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

 

Shift / Hours:  Monday - Friday / 7:30 - 4pm

Summary

 The primary purpose of the Medical Assistant position is to act as a lead assistant in preparing patients for Interventional Radiology appointments and assisting with Interventional Radiology procedures.  Medical Assistants perform direct patient care in a dynamic, high volume environment.  There is involvement in all technical aspects of Interventional Radiology procedures to ensure continuity of care and maximum efficiency of the area. Maintains adequate knowledge of basic procedural supplies specific to Interventional Radiology.  Work includes sterile preparation of trays, catheter insertion sites, and preparation of instruments for sterilization.  Able to utilize institutional information systems to obtain patient information, print patient schedules, order diagnostic tests, collect and document patient medical history information for MD/Mid-Level/Clinical Nurse review.  Effectively provide assistance to the Interventional Radiology multidisciplinary team with invasive procedures, room turnover, inventory management, and stocking.  Knowledgeable of basic CPT coding and billing guidelines.

 
Key Functions
 

1.         Pre-Procedure Clinical Skills/Patient Coordination

·       Consistently and competently obtains vital signs, limited patient histories, and medication review based on established Interventional Radiology standard operating procedures

·       Efficiently, consistently, and accurately  prepares all necessary documents/packets for  IR Pre-procedure evaluations

·       Verifies written orders and properly schedules lab utilizing the appropriate scheduling system

·       Effectively, accurately, and efficiently retrieves and identifies required lab values for Interventional procedures

·       Effectively and accurately identifies variances in lab values in accordance with Section protocols/standards and communicates information to appropriate personnel

·       Assists the IR Physician Assistant team to triage requisitions according to identified protocols.

·       Accurately and efficiently assists the IR Nursing team collect and document patient information prior to the procedure.

·       Assists IR multidisciplinary teams  confirm patients’ scheduled appointments and required procedure preparation instructions.

·       Appropriately uses RIS to accurately track and document patient information.

·       Provides assistance to nurses, faculty and Physician Assistants as required

·       Ensures  patient preparation areas and examination rooms are clean and stocked at all times.

·       Flexes shift and staffs according to unit operational needs.

 

2.         Technical Skills and Patient Care Skills

·       Maintains a high level of competency

·       Reviews patient medical records, lab values, and documentation to ensure continuity of care.  Reports all patient related concerns/variance to the IR Faculty and/or designee.

·       Accurately documents patient information on the medical record.

·       Accurately identifies basic anatomy as it relates to Interventional Radiology procedures.

·       Identifies risks and adverse reactions related to indicated procedures.

·       Communicate collected patient information and communicate to Proceduralist prior to all procedures. 

·       Verifies patient allergies according to Interventional Radiology established protocols.

·       Accurately enters and edits patient demographics for procedures and reports all variances immediately via a PCRF. 

·       Completes all required documents pre-procedure and intra-procedure with minimal error.

·       Maintains sterile environment and aseptic technique for all procedures.

·       Consistently demonstrates appropriate Infection Control practices according to institutional policy.

·       Demonstrates competency to set-up and assist with Ultrasound procedures with minimal supervision.

·       Demonstrates competency to provide assistance with fluoroscopic procedures under the direct supervision of a Registered Radiology Technologist/Special Procedures Technologist.

·       Assists to maximize room utilization.

·       Adheres to universal protocol, site marking, specimen handling, and procedural protocols at all times. 

·       Reports variances to immediate supervisor or via incident reports.

·       Flexes shift and staffs according to unit operational needs.

 

3.         Inventory Management/CPT Coding

·       Demonstrates proficiency utilizing the institutional E&M Code calculator to identify the appropriate CPT coding for pre-procedure evaluations to maximize revenue charge capture.

·       Reviews and enters correct supplies and CPT codes specifically related to Interventional Radiology procedures to ensure maximum reimbursement. 

·       Applies modifiers as appropriate.

·       Assists with stocking procedure rooms with the appropriate procedural supplies and linen.

·       Ensures that all stock is rotated appropriately.

·       Reports any medical supply variance to the IR Supervisor/ANM and/or IR  Technologist/Nurse Manager.

·       Verifies expiration dates on all supplies prior to opening.

 

4.         Communication Skills

·       Demonstrates clear communication skills and provides accurate, complete information to patients, peers, faculty and other clinical staff.

·       Maintains professionalism when interacting with others

·       Exhibits and maintains a high level of customer service when communicating with referring services, patients, faculty, colleagues, and clinical staff to foster a positive team environment.

·       Accurately uses institutional/departmental communication services for paging.  Handles phone calls in a prompt and professional manner, demonstrating institutional Core Values.

 

5.         QA/Compliance, Polices, and Procedures

·       Complies with institutional, divisional and departmental quality control/compliance

·       Reports equipment errors and malfunctions to DI Service Line and IR Management

·       Wears appropriate attire and name badge daily as part of dress code 

·       Knowledgeable and adheres to all Joint Commission and patient safety polices

·       Regularly attends departmental meetings as required

 

6.         Other duties as assigned.