POSITION ROLE

The Patient Care Associate role is critical to Pathway Healthcare’s mission TO HELP PEOPLE. By following through with assisting the provider and giving care in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner, the Patient Care Associate is ensuring each patient is comfortable receiving care and pursuing wellness, which is instrumental in the patient returning for continued care.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Each Patient Care Associate will be assigned a case load for which they will assume primary responsibility for care.
2. Contribute to ensuring each patient experiences a supportive environment while receiving excellent clinical care throughout their visit. To do this, the Patient Care Associate must:
   1. Personalize each patient visit by thoroughly preparing for each patient prior to the patient’s arrival by reviewing the patient’s clinical chart in eCW;
   2. Warmly greet the patient in the lobby and escort the patient to the visit room, making the individual feel comfortable.
   3. Conduct the nursing assessment with each patient by interviewing the patient regarding their visit, and measuring the patient’s weight, vital signs, and/or other appropriate clinical measures.
3. Help the provider prepare for the patient by communicating pertinent clinical information learned during the Patient Care Associate’s interview with the patient and the nursing assessment. If the provider is visiting with the patient via TeleHealth, the PCC assists by setting up the Telehealth equipment.
4. Review and ensure patients are scheduled and completing counseling appointments as well as medical appointments.
5. Safely and correctly complete clinical tasks as ordered by the provider, including sending/documenting referrals, drawing blood, operating the centrifuge, collecting urine for drug screens, pregnancy tests, alcohol tests, and giving injections. Support and contribute to a safe and compliant work environment by properly disposing of biohazardous materials and tools including needles, and urine specimens and collection cups.
6. Ensure both patient safety and office compliance by researching the PDMP and documenting findings. Write or eScribe prescriptions assigned by the provider and educate the patient about the prescribed medication(s) including proper use, side effects, and other necessary information. Further maintain compliance by logging the prescription into the Accountability log.
7. Facilitate patient access to the appropriate medications by communicating with insurance companies and obtaining preauthorization for medications. In those cases, in which preauthorization is denied, submitting appeals to insurance companies to reverse preauthorization denials.
8. Contribute to a well-functioning and efficient office by completing administrative tasks such as making phone calls or answering the telephone, setting up patient appointments, ordering supplies needed for care, and tasks that further assist providers including scribing.

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

To be qualified, the Patient Care Associate must have:

• Previous experience providing nursing care in a primary care, substance abuse, or mental health outpatient setting.

Must possess current CPR or BLS certification.

ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The Patient Care Associate works in a well-lit, climate-controlled office environment. The individual primarily works in a sitting position either facing patients or while operating a computer.
• The Patient Care Associate occasionally handles sealed, enclosed urine samples while wearing personal protective equipment.
• The Patient Care Associate occasionally must lift and carry up to 25 lbs.