Serves as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) in Radiology Service serving as an initial point of contact for the units, clinics, patient, call centers, CitC, to include, but not limited to, scheduling patient appointments, tracking, reviewing, and responding to electronic orders, consults, and other elements in the electronic medical record and medical systems.

Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Medical Support Assistant: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-MSA-VA-Career-Flyer.pdf This series includes work that requires a practical knowledge of computerized data entry, information processing systems and software related to patient care, the healthcare system's organization and services, basic rules and regulations governing visitors and patient treatment, knowledge of standard procedures, utilizing medical records, and medical terminology. Functions of the position include but are not limited to: Receives and enters data of patient for registration in VISTA Radiology Package of pending procedure requests; Receives patients, medical personnel, and visitors to Radiology Service and directs them to the appropriate person or section; Screens patient's requested exams for proper information including pertinent clinical history relating to the examination requested; Checks each patient in/out as necessary for the appointment package to be completed; Responsible for closely monitoring computer data of requested exams to avoid duplication of requests; Responsible for scheduling all Radiology Service examinations while abiding by the rules and timeframes for Out-Patient wait times; Schedules appointments through both telephone and in-person contact with patients in their assigned clinics in accordance with VHA Scheduling Directive 2010-027, Advance Clinic Access and Service Connection Priority Scheduling; Follow the requesting provider's instructions and assist patients with scheduling preferences; Responsible for scheduling new and follow up appointments adhering to all VHA directives and guidelines regarding scheduling and act on the scheduling request within 5 business days; Responsible for the accurate and timely rescheduling of cancelled appointments and ensures all affected patients are notified by phone if cancellations are the same day, next day, or within 2 weeks; Receives calls from physicians, ward secretaries, outpatient clinics and other hospital staff regarding patient scheduling and patient preps and provides the necessary information; Assists scanning reports, answering phones, uploading or burning images for patients or providers; Provides pre and post procedure patient education and coordinates all other appointments and procedures with any Radiology appointments and procedures; Serves as a key contact for veterans and visitors, providing information and assistance and acts on administrative matters in the veteran's interest such as helping to expedite release of information when requested; Requests physician's sign off on orders, when necessary, per established policies and procedures. Evaluations and treatment with other supporting disciplines within the Medical Center are coordinated for timely completion and to avoid scheduling conflicts; Maintains all Radiology request information, annually purges Radiology files with file clerks as well as uploading Radiology files into the patient's chart(s). Ensures Radiology reports are maintained in an orderly fashion for use by physicians and other Medical Center personnel; Has knowledge of Microsoft Word, complete VISTA Radiology Package, film digitizing, document scanner, consult closeout through CPRS, and CD burning systems; Possess knowledge of day-to-day Radiology operations and terminology involving other services within the Medical Center. Guidelines are principally the Radiology policy and procedures manuals, VA manuals, circulars, technical bulletins, Medical Center policy memorandums, etc; Monitors pre-appointment requirements to assure readiness for patient visit/procedure including necessary lab work; Demonstrates the ability to collaborate, communicate, set priorities, and organize the work in order to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations; Demonstrates advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians; Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm or 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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. 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 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. 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: Knowledge of MSA Practices: To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with current MSA responsibilities or an equivalent administrative patient support role in a non-VA medical inpatient or outpatient setting. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as an MSA or an equivalent position in a non-VA hospital or clinic setting. Quality of Experience: Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to MSA experience or equivalent administrative clinical support role in a non-VA medical inpatient or outpatient setting] at the next lower grade level. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty), and a range of varieties as described in this standard, at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) GS-6 Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, one year of experience equivalent to the [GS-5] grade level. Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: performing a full range of duties related to the delivery of healthcare services in an inpatient or outpatient setting; advising clinical staff on current administrative processes; answering phones, greeting patients, relaying messages to appropriate staff inside or outside of the unit, scheduling appointments, including interpreting and verifying provider orders in accordance with VHA national scheduling guidelines; scheduling, canceling, re-scheduling patient appointments and/or consults; entering no-show information; monitoring appointment requests from multiple electronic sources; participating in huddles with other MSAs and/or clinic staff to determine the daily needs of the clinic. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate [all of] the KSAs below. 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. Preferred Experience: Two or more years of creditable experience as Medical Support Assistant /Advanced Medical Support Assistant in Veterans Health Administration Radiology Service. Two ore more years creditable experience using VISTA, PACS, CPRS, VISTA GUI, and or other Veterans Health Administration electronic health record. Two or more years creditable experience scheduling radiology patients for exams and or procedures. Experience using Change Healthcare PACS, DISK imager, PACS GEAR, PACS Cube and other software to produce disks for patients and /or providers. References: VA Handbook 5005/117 PART II APPENDIX G45-1 APPENDIX G45. MEDICAL SUPPORT ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD dated August 1, 2019.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

Education

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

Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application

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 Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center 6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West Amarillo, TX 79106 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]