Phlebotomist & Patient Registrar - Primary Care Office

ABOUT NCH

NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care.

NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System(TM) and we’re proud to: Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence; Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships; Have endowed chairs; Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials; and partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and ProScan.

Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there's always more at NCH - for you and every person we serve together. Visit nchjobs.org to learn more.

JOB SUMMARY

The Lab Assistant Patient Registrar is responsible for obtaining and accurately entering into the computer system requested laboratory tests along with updated demographics and insurance information with proper coding. The Patient Registrar Lab Assistant performs the pre-analytical duties associated with processing specimens as specified by referral lab protocol, evaluating specimen identification and integrity, organizing and preparing specimens for technical assay and/or sending out to reference laboratories. The Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist Patient Registrar answers incoming phone calls, providing information on specimen collection, preservation, test orders and status to physician office staff. This position also responds to all questions regarding outpatient laboratory testing, including researching and adding on test(s) to previously drawn specimens. The Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist Patient Registrar is responsible for the skillful procurement of blood samples (phlebotomy) for all age groups, using knowledge blood collection devices, order of draw, techniques, age specific needs and human anatomy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties may be assigned.

· Completes all required registration/billing information accurately and timely in host system.

· Proficient in the use of the patient EMR software, scanning process, phone system

· Demonstrates effective professional communication and excellent customer service skills based on positive attitudes and values.

· Perform a variety or routine and complex blood drawing procedures using standard equipment to include vacutainer systems, tourniquets, syringes and butterfly needles.

· Confers with patients to obtain information for laboratory records, explain procedures, allay fears and elicit cooperation.

· Records appropriate collection information on the specimens (including patient name, date and time of collection, and lab assistant’s initials). Including labeling of specimens with the correct barcode labels.

· Responsible for collecting viable and appropriate specimens from the patients being studied, verify tests on the requisition.

· Responsible for obtaining a signature on the Medicare ABN if assigned to patient reception area.

· Utilizes standard procedures for the maintenance of positive patient identification (name and date of birth).

· Maintains inventory supplies, reordering and stocking supplies in assigned area.

· Reviews accuracy of registration correcting errors before end of shift. Accuracy includes but not limited to reviewing patient demographics, test selection, and assuring accuracy of info obtained. Meets or exceeds the departments pre-determined productivity standards.

· As requested, participates in general or special assignments.

· Cross trained in other areas as needed/requested.

· Is flexible with work assignments including locations, shifts or weekdays/weekends. Adapts to shift work per request.

· Proficiently uses multiple computer systems and reference resources including Centricity, NextGen, Orchard, using accurate keyboarding and computer skills to ensure that correct tests are ordered for patient and that specimens receive the proper testing required without being lost or compromised. Performs patient registration and test selection/order entry with a high degree of speed and accuracy utilizing NextGen orders. Determines the correct test to order when an exact match is not found, either independently, by using resources or involving senior laboratory staff members. Utilizes Reference lab websites and customer service resources for investigations. Follows up on incomplete orders.

· Processes specimens and creates manifests per scheduled courier pickup for appropriate referral lab (i.e. NCH, LabCorp or QUEST). Recognizes specimens and tests which must be prioritized due to specimen integrity or emergent nature of testing. Knows which tests can be added to samples in referral lab, with focus on stability or analytes.

· Evaluates specimen integrity for samples collected by medical staff, knowing whether a specimen is acceptable for the test requested or finding out by using resources Understands procedures and policies for specimen rejection, demonstrating good customer service skills when advising patients, nurses and medical staff of news they do not want to hear. Uses established specimen recollection procedures, documenting information as required. Recognizes deviation from procedures and unsatisfactory specimens, reporting to supervisor for variance reporting. Investigates incidents and discusses immediate problem resolution with nursing staff advising supervisor of trends.

· Along with other lab assistants, answers 100% of phone calls coming into the draw center in a courteous, professional and skillful manner. Is able to respond to over 50% of the requests personally, escalating the call as appropriate. Using good communication skills, responds to inquiries from medical staff and nurses, providing accurate information and instructions regarding proper specimen collection, containers, quantities, and specimen preservation for blood, microbiology and pathology samples. Uses resources to investigate special requests. Responds accurately to provide answers to inquiries regarding test orders, test synonyms, profile components and NextGen computer ordering processes utilized by Medicare office personnel. Uses phone system and other communication tools to transfer calls, take messages, and locate the proper person to take care of any problem which the individual can’t provide himself; “I don’t know” is never the final answer.

· Knows the correct procedures for handling samples to maintain integrity, being aware of limitations of various specimen types, test requirements, containers and storage conditions. Is able to demonstrate how to safely separate blood cells from plasma or serum; knows when it I required and when it can destroy the specimen.

· Properly identifies and tracks all specimens coming into and out of the lab, organizing and packaging samples transported to multiple reference labs according to individual protocols. Carefully attends to proper shipping temperatures and proper packaging. Following proper procedures, handles specimens safely to reduce cross-contamination, leaking, pour-off errors, mislabeling, missed tests and exposures.

· Safely handles sharps, chemicals, equipment and biohazardous materials to prevent exposures and accidents; Uses PPE and safety equipment appropriate to duties. Packages biohazardous waste and disposed according to procedures. Maintains equipment appropriate to position.

· Manages requests to add testing to specimen that is already in the laboratory. Must have knowledge of specimens of stability, storage requirements, to be able to determine if request is able to be completed.

· Manages time without direct supervision to accomplish immediate duties of rapidly processing incoming specimens, as well as intermittent duties to create specimen transfer list for shipping to other locations; Uses free time to clean, restock and red email each day.

· Provides patient reports to healthcare providers, ensuring HIPPA and confidentiality policies are observed.

· Demonstrates skillful courteous competency in procedures for blood sample collection, selecting the best equipment and site for the test requested. Serves as an expert venipuncture resource for difficult sticks which can’t be drawn by nursing staff.

· Assesses ordered tests in a systematic manner in order to minimize patient venipunctures. Recognizes specimens and tests which must me prioritized due to specimen integrity or emergent nature of testing; Recognizes tests which must be performed at specific times to monitor drug therapy, etc.

· Evaluates, registers, documents, processes incoming STAT specimens and prepares samples rapidly for courier pickup to support the customer service turnaround time published by laboratory, while performing all functions with a high degree of accuracy, detail and speed.

· Perform CLIA waived testing (i.e. Glucose, for Tolerance Test orders).

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

· Minimum of High School or GED required.

· Training in phlebotomy required; phlebotomy experience preferred.

· Must be able to prioritize and work independently.

· Must have good problem solving skills.

· Must be able to multitask.

· Good customer service and communication skills necessary.

· Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.