Shift: Full time, Days and Evenings , Every Other weekend, 32 hrs/week

Reporting to the ICC Lab Manager, the ICC Lab Specialist performs a variety of pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical functions in the laboratory. This includes key laboratory duties such as providing customer service support including outpatient registration and order entry, completion of medical necessity at point of service, phlebotomy, specimen processing and point of care testing (POCT).


1. Registers the patient in the relevant and appropriate electronic systems, inputs outpatient laboratory orders into the electronic system at the point of service according to compliance regulations. Researches and resolves physician orders needing clarification by contacting the physician or office as needed. Identifies Medicare patients requesting services potentially not covered by the Medicare Plan according to compliance regulations. Completes an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) when indicated for non-covered services prior to providing services. Finds ICD-10 code for provider ordered diagnosis using the ICD-10 reference. Determines estimated cost for services and informs patient of costs when services requested may not be covered. Accountable for the management of lab standing orders and lab verbal order processes based on regulatory compliance.

2. Assesses and treats all age groups of patients, performing venipunctures, finger sticks, heel sticks and other specimen collection activities according to policy and procedure. Identifies correct patient before collecting specimen. Labels all specimens accurately before leaving patient. Completes phlebotomy procedure and specimen process for all timed specimen pick-ups, STATs (based on lab scope of services by location) and special lab orders within established time limits.

3. Performs procedures on quality control and laboratory specimens, evaluates the results, documents the results, takes corrective action when indicated and communicates issues to manager; participates in continuing education and quality assurance programs.

4. Maintains operational level of equipment, cleans when needed, performs maintenance procedures and basic troubleshooting. Reports all malfunctioning equipment to manager.


5. Prepares and packages specimens for transport as required. Maintains adequate level of supplies, restocks storeroom, outpatient area when needed, and notifies supervisor of inventory needs. Maintains records such as logs, workload records, and requisitions in a neat and organized manner.

6. Performs client urine and drug screening collections according hospital procedures and chain of custody specifications and regulatory guidelines. Gathers service authorization forms and required client and exam/testing information from employers. Reviews and verifies Occupational Health Services client database records to ensure the client company receives appropriate service components for its employee.

7. Adheres to all Northwest Community Healthcare standards, policies and procedures.

1. High school graduate or equivalent required. Some college level courses preferred.

2. Minimum one-year phlebotomy experience with all age groups required or certification from an approved school of phlebotomy.

3. Minimum of one-year experience in direct customer service preferred.

4. Previous experience as a Laboratory Technician preferred.

5. Knowledge of medical terminology/insurance billing preferred.

6. Basic PC experience required.

7. Current CPR certification or within 6 months of employment.

8. The interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact effectively, via telephone or in person, with patients, patient’s families, physicians and hospital staff in a professional and courteous manner.

9. The ability to perform moderately complex PC based processes using multiple programs along with excellent data entry skills.

10. The ability to maintain excellent customer service standards while under pressure in a variety of situations.

11. The analytical skills necessary to recognize specimen acceptability and incomplete requisitions/orders according to compliance regulations.

12. The ability to work with minimal supervision, exercising independent judgment within stated guidelines and maintaining confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Moderate physical effort. Requires continuous standing, bending or walking. May require frequent lifting or moving of average weight material, or occasionally lifting or moving heavy weight material.

2. The flow of work and character of duties involves normal mental and visual attention.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Conditions are acceptable. At least one unfavorable condition exists, that of risk of exposure to potentially hazardous materials and potentially infectious disease.