The Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA) works collaboratively in the Non-VA Care Coordination coordinated care delivery model, specifically in support of the MISSION Act and Community Care Network programs.

Duties

The MSA is responsible for maintaining/scheduling appointments, including interpreting and verifying provider orders in accordance with VHA national scheduling guidelines, and transmittal of schedules to Third Party Administrator for actions within the MISSION Act and Community Care Network programs. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: monitoring/transmittal of scheduling, canceling, re- -show information; monitoring active consults lists to ensure timely processing; monitoring outpatient appointments for areas of responsibility; collecting and providing pertinent medical documentation for upload to CPRS/CTM and/or HealthShare Referral System (HSRM) via uploading/scanning; verifying and updating demographics and insurance information; performing basic eligibility, co-pays and preauthorization requirements; notification to clinic in reference to appointment cancellations and/or no-shows; notifying the patient of appointments/reschedules, no shows/cancellations via phone and/or mail. The Advanced Medical Support Assistant coordinates/communicates with Community Care Services staff, the patient care team, and Third-Party Administrator staff to coordinate the timely Non-VA care of eligible Veterans. They develop/maintain effective and efficient communication with each patient care team and the Third Party Administrator in order to monitor patient scheduling, to minimize missed opportunities and prevent double-booking, and deliver pertinent documentation and other support needed to accomplish medical services. They will remain competent with the HSRM and Provider Profile Management System (PPMS) web sites to be able to track patient scheduling, upload requested documentation, monitor/alleviate problems/issues during the medical service process, and ensure scheduling remains within established provider network. Other assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: participating in team huddles and team meetings to manage and plan patient care; setting priorities and deadlines; adjusting the flow and sequencing of the work to meet team and patient needs; entering appropriate information into the electronic record; monitoring pre-appointment requirements to assure readiness for patient visit/procedure (e.g., X-ray, lab work); participating and providing input in problem solving on operational issues or procedures in team meetings; performing administrative follow up actions. The Medical Support Assistant will provide customer service support within the assigned area of Community Care Services determined by the Employee Seniority list. They will offer support by assisting to gather information; answering the phone via the ACD line; assisting customers with issues in reference to Veterans eligibility, use, and function; referring Veterans to appropriate personnel; and other duties related to walk in and/or calling Veterans, including documenting walk-in interactions via Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Assignments of duties with supplemental verbal instructions will be given by the immediate supervisor initially but then is expected that the MSA function with little or no supervision. The MSA may seek guidance from the supervisor and/or the Lead MSA on site when difficulty is encountered with any assignment however will be expected to problem solve and be able to identify solutions with the assistance of other VA personnel. Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer/VA staff constructively and appropriately. The primary age of Veterans receiving services is typically between 18 and 80 years of age. This position requires the incumbent to possess or develop an understanding of the particular needs of these types of patients. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved. Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm 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

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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: 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, Education. One year above high school; OR, 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. 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: Advanced Medical Support Assistant GS-6 Grade Level: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the [GS-5] grade level. Experience is defined as experience that includes, but is not limited to: scheduling, canceling, re-scheduling patient's appointments and/or consults; entering no-show information; monitoring the electronic wait list; preparing for clinic visits; monitoring both inpatient and outpatient appointments for areas of responsibility; ensuring encounter forms are completed in order to obtain appropriate workload credit; verifying and updating demographics and insurance information; processing all emergency and non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospitals; performing basic eligibility, co-pays and pre-authorization requirements for specific coverage (i.e., TRICARE, sharing agreements, etc.). Candidates must also be able to demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAS) for the GS-0679-6 level to qualify for this position: 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: VA Handbook 5005/117, Part II, Appendix G45 Dated: August 1, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-06. Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019.Work is partially sedentary, with frequent walking, standing, bending. carrying of light items such as papers and books, or small parts. Some slight physical effort may be required. Incumbent may be susceptible to eyestrain from working long hours on the computer.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Beckley VA Medical Center 200 Veterans Avenue Beckley, WV 25801 US
• Name: Kendra Ochal
• Phone: (410) 605-7000
• Email: [email protected]