Ward Clerk

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Ward Clerk oversees all ward clerk functions at the nurse’s station to contribute to and facilitate the continuity of communication, record keeping and smooth operations of the unit. Provides scheduling services for outpatient procedures. .

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. The Ward Clerk provides organization and oversight to the operations of the ward clerks and the nurses station activities.

2. Obtains and records accurate patient information and books procedures that best meet provider and patient needs according to clinical department policy/procedure and generates appointment schedules. Able to interpret/identify customer needs in lay terminology to assure that the correct procedure is scheduled.

3. Assures excellent customer service to physicians, patients, departments and other external contacts by using pleasant phone manners, excellent communication skills and provides assistance in a responsive manner. Open and timely communication with all customers is imperative.

4. Assists as staffing clerk to the Chief Nursing Officer for nursing staff personnel. Makes phone calls and requests to nursing staff in the event that an acute staffing need arises, i.e. a staff member calls in ill, in order to fill the need as soon as possible.

5. Assists in the coordination and scheduling of patient services, appointments and referrals.

6. Maintains and updates log books in Excel, for ER, Urgent Care and Swing Bed.

7. Collects and disseminates accurate patient demographic/financial information to internal/external customers and appropriately and timely documenting into computer system all transactions. Audits demographic/financial information obtained to improve performance.

8. Informs patient or their responsible party of their financial responsibility. Collects patient responsibility including co-pays and deductibles at the time of service.

9. Order entry, changing patient status in the EHR, help answer call lights and informs nurses of patient needs.

10. Verify benefits, eligibility, certification and authorization, communicating information appropriately. Notify physician office or patient of any difficulties encountered in the verification process.

11. Follows safety standards in all aspects of performance of the above functions, reports/removes unsafe equipment and attends safety education sessions. Be knowledgeable of State and Federal regulations affecting emergency room, outpatient and inpatient coding and status for reimbursement issues, to assist nurses with this documentation.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT

Sedentary work involves sitting at a workstation majority of the shift, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Communication involves both verbal and written forms such as telephone and keyboard work that is constantly being performed.

St. Luke Hospital and Living Center is an acute care and Long Term Care Facility licensed for 10 acute care beds and 32 long-term care beds. The 10 acute care nursing department employs 20 plus staff for the areas of medical/surgical, emergency, geriatric, surgery, ambulatory care, outpatient and swing bed. Patient population spans from neonates through geriatric, emergency and critical through long term, intermediate and skilled care, inpatient and outpatient.

The work performed includes some heavy lifting, up to 50 pounds; bending, stooping, reaching, etc.; assisting in lifting and transferring patients. The employee is held accountable for the use of safe lifting techniques and body mechanics. The employee may be exposed to communicable disease and toxic chemicals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

*Directly Reporting: None

*Indirectly Reporting: None

SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY

This position is in frequent contact with Physicians, nurses, clinic staff, staff members of all departments, patients, family members, visitors, Chaplains, Emergency Medical Services personnel, and the general public. Is responsible for scheduling procedures for internal departments/facility.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school graduate or GED equivalent preferred. Experience in medical field preferred and have knowledge of medical terminology. Must be efficient in operating a computer, Microsoft Office, and the telephone system. Be able to maintain accurate record keeping and have knowledge of selected State and Federal regulation. Must have positive “people/communication” skills and be able to work as a team player. St. Luke employees are expected to adhere to our service standards and organizational values in all their interactions with our patients, other customers, and fellow employees.

One 12-hour shift per week with occasional additional shifts to cover vacations/sick leave.
12 hours per week