The incumbent serves as a Medical Support Assistant in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center.

Duties

MSA performs the following functions in support of the facilitation and coordination of non-VA Medical Care: DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Applies comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology used in surgical, pathology, cytology, and autopsy reports. Independently uses resources to better understand and clarify unknown terminology. Responsible for transcribing, from both dictation and from written word, highly technical and complex medical terminology for pathologists. Transcribes clinical histories, gross, microscopic and diagnoses for surgical, cytology, autopsy and other pathology specimens. Verifies that all information in computerized records and references corresponds with information dictated by pathologists. Communicates to the Lead MSA or supervisor; all discrepancies as discovered to insure timely investigation as correction, as necessary, including misidentification of patient and/or specimen site discrepancies. Enters CPT coding into Vista from pathology reports in order to provide statistics and to support billing. Brings all discrepancies in CPT codes, discovered during the transcription and/or coding process, to the attention of the lead MSA or supervisor. Performs SNOMED CT Coding (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms): Pathology diagnoses are coded by topography, morphology, etiology, function, disease and procedure. This process is performed by reading and interpreting the diagnoses on pathology reports and entering the correct SNOMED codes into Vista. SNOMED coding contributes to the improvement of patient care in ways that enable meaning-based retrieval. Performs as a receptionist by greeting customers with exceptional customer service. Provides immediate action to meet the customer's needs or directs calls to the appropriate staff members. Applies knowledge of, and skill in applying, all standardized available medical facility services, medical terminology, and procedures of each serviced unit sufficient to record telephone messages pertaining to detailed Anatomic Pathology reports, test results, and consultation requests for outside clinical care facilities and/or reference laboratories. Refers critical results to appropriate professional staff for immediate action and perform recordkeeping to ensure receipt of such reports, results, and consultation requests. Prepares material for pathologists to use at weekly Tumor Board meetings. Applies knowledge of current medical data filing practices as well as an understanding of laboratory tests and respective laboratory departments responsible for various types of testing. This includes a thorough understanding of VA regulations as they pertain to Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, to include patient confidentiality and customer service. Follows all HIPAA regulations. Demonstrates knowledge of intricate recordkeeping for procedures related to reference laboratory requests and reporting of test results. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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 Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Certification. None required. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 3.j. Grade Determinations: GS-5 MSA (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level OR (b) Education: Four years of education above high school leading to a Bachelors Degree. Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 1. Ability to operate computerized programs and systems in order to enter, modify and retrieve medical and patient identifying information (PII) into or from electronic health records, scheduling systems and/or reports. 2. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology specific to understand medical diagnosis and procedures sufficient to communicate clinical staff instructions to patients. 3. Ability to schedule medical appointments in a clinical setting. 4. Ability to work independently in the accomplishment of a wide variety of duties performing patient support work. 5. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person, electronically, and/or by phone, with internal and external customers. 6.Skill in customer service with the ability to identify customer concerns and refer to the appropriate staff, as necessary to ensure a satisfactory resolution. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The full performance level of this vacancy is 05. Physical Requirements: The Medical Support Assistant work is mostly sedentary; however, some walking; standing, and carrying light items are required. Light filing, sometimes involving working close to the floor, is involved. Wrist and back protection can be provided to minimize the risks associated with prolonged use of automated data processing equipment. References: VA Handbook 5005/117, Part II, Appendix G45, dated August 1, 2019. Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard GS-0679.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard Bay Pines, FL 33744 US
• Name: Peter Cummings II
• Phone: 813-816-7150 X110110
• Email: [email protected]