Audiology Assistant

Description

General Summary:

A nonexempt position responsible for performing a variety of duties including assisting Audiologist with patient care and handling clerical, environmental, and organizational tasks. Provides information to patients so they may fully utilize and benefit from the clinical services.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Fulfills patient care responsibilities for audiology and/or other areas as needed.
2. Checks schedules and organizes patient flow. Ensures pre-visit information is completed.
3. Coordinates appointments for specific care and diagnostic procedures.
4. Alerts audiologist of any special needs the patient may have (e.g. interpretation services).
5. Accompanies patients to exam/procedure room, assists patients as needed with walking, transfers, preparing for exam, etc.
6. Assists audiologist in examination of patients and gives instructions to patients as directed by the audiologist.
7. Enters required orders in the patient’s EHR as directed by the audiologist.
8. Adheres to all meaningful use workflows.
9. Follows up with EHR tasks in an appropriate timeframe.
10. Returns patient phone calls as directed by the audiologist and in accordance with CNS protocols.
11. Performs troubleshooting and minor repairs to hearing aids, earmolds, and other amplification devices.
12. Maintains inventory, checks function of equipment and prepares materials.
13. Performs equipment maintenance and biological checks.
14. Assures quality of care by maintaining clinic standards of care while adhering to requirements of other governing agencies.
15. Protects patients and employees by complying with infection control policies and procedures. Adheres to expectations of required/mandatory training and certifications.
16. Handles patient discharge after appointment.
17. Communicates to appropriate staff any patient concerns, issues, cancellations, etc. Consults with immediate supervisor about any system problems.
18. Fulfills clerical responsibilities as assigned that may include:

• a. completes forms/requisitions as needed
• b. schedules appointments
• c. confirms insurance coverage and patient demographics
• d. requests prior authorizations as needed
• e. manages and updates charts to ensure that information is complete and filed appropriately

19. Fulfills environmental responsibilities as assigned that may include:

• a. sets up exam/procedure rooms for patient care according to the audiologist’s needs
• b. sets up instruments and equipment according to department protocols
• c. cleans exam rooms, procedure rooms, instruments and equipment between patient visits
• d. orders, sorts, stores and checks supplies and restocks exam/procedure rooms
• e. ensures operation of medical equipment by following manufacturer’s instructions, reporting malfunctions and requesting repairs

20. Fulfills organizational responsibilities as assigned including:

• a. respects and promotes patient rights
• b. responds appropriately to emergencies
• c. shares problems relating to patients and/or staff with immediate supervisor
• d. works as a productive member of the team helping co-workers as needed and/or assigned

21. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED), audiology assistant certificate preferred.

Experience: Minimum one year of recent experience working as an audiology assistant or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education approved by the Clinical Supervisor and/or Human Resources.

Other Requirements: Fluent in Spanish

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:
1. Knowledge of health care field and medical office protocols/procedures.
2. Knowledge of HIPAA Privacy and Security rules.
3. Knowledge of specific assisting tasks related to medical practice.
4. Knowledge of information that must be conveyed to patients and families.

Skills:
1. Skill in tact and diplomacy in interpersonal interactions.
2. Skill in understanding patient education needs and effectively sharing information with patients and families as directed by the physician.

Abilities:
1. Ability to work in a team based environment that places patient satisfaction as the primary focus for measuring success.
2. Ability to demonstrate compassion and caring in dealing with others.
3. Ability to project a pleasant and professional image.
4. Ability to learn and retain information regarding audiology procedures.
5. Ability to multitask and handle various priorities in a flexible, rapidly changing environment.
6. Ability to effectively articulate information and respond to questions.
7. Ability to relate to and work well with a diverse community population.
8. Ability to work under pressure.
9. Ability to work cooperatively with other department staff.
10. Ability to plan, prioritize, and complete delegated tasks in an appropriate timeframe.

Equipment Operated: Standard medical exam/office equipment, which includes computerized health information management system for medical records, etc.
Work Environment: Combination of medical office and exam/procedure room settings. Well- lit, well-ventilated, adequate space.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Variety of walking, standing, sitting, bending, twisting, and reaching. Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics techniques when making necessary patient transfers and helping patients with walking, dressing, etc. Occasional need to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds. Occasional stress from dealing with many patients and staff.