Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Summary

The Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA) position is a foundational role within the VHA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) initiative to include all interdisciplinary clinics that support the initiative as well as the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and Community Living Center.

Duties

The Advanced MSA works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model (i.e., PACT, Specialty Clinics, C&P and Call Center) and performs administrative duties, customer service and other duties assigned for the proper and timely treatment of patients and maintains appointment schedules for one or more outpatient clinics. He/she must assist with clinic access contingency plans by adjusting appointment times, location, or dates as well as shift patients to other healthcare providers as conflict with staffing and/or coverage occurs. The Advanced MSA may be required to serve on more than one PACT or in more than one Specialty Clinic area. Supports patient safety standards using the correct Veterans Affairs identification of all patients. Explains the V A's mandate to collect insurance information to veterans, their families, and other patients. Ensures that all necessary health/administrative information is integrated into Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) by sending the documents to be scanned or performing the function within their area. Screens/receives phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of requests and provide the information desired using privacy rules and established clinic processes. Completes accurate scheduling responsibilities and assists in training other MSA levels. Assist with the Beneficiary Travel Program and work with the Health Benefits Advisor Office/Member Services for eligibility and means test functions. Receives/processes Secure Messaging, informs patients of the process to receive lab results, develops and manages a tracking system for consulted patients and monitors pre appointment requirements. Monitors patient flow, identifies existing and potential problem areas or delays in patient care delivery. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Functional Statement #: 72205F Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointments to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Education. High school diploma, General Education Development equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation, under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of the qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and registration/certification where applicable. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified GS-06. Medical Support Assistant (Advanced), GS-06. 1. Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of 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). 2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) Advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians. (d) 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. (e) Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations. (f) 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. 3. Assignment: At the advanced level, the Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) (AMSA) performs difficult and responsible specialized and expert administrative patient support while working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 06. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary, although some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items such as papers, files, or office supplies may be required. The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, work at a computer, and engage in frequent communication by telephone and in person. Occasional assistance in escorting patients or retrieving records may occur. No special physical demands are required to perform the duties of this position.

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.