This position is located under the Health Administration Service (HAS). This position continually supports the mission, vision, and values of the VA Healthcare System. The Advanced Medical Support Assistant provides medical administrative support to Veterans Hospitals and Clinics throughout HAS. The Advanced Medical Support Assistant is responsible for accurate appointment management and the coordination of all administrative information between the professional staff and the patient.
Medical Support Assistant (Advanced), GS-679-06 Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. MSAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.j. Experience and Education. Experience. Six months experience of clerical, office, customer service, or other [administrative] work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position; OR, Education. One year above high school; OR, Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. The Advanced MSA provides specialized and expert administrative patient support while working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model. Work involves specialized administrative judgment and the flexible use of a wide range of clinical flow processes relating to access to care across multiple clinics, specialties, and/or care in the community resources. Recommends changes to existing clinic procedures based on current administrative guidelines. Expertise in utilizing numerous advanced patient systems in support of multiple clinics involved in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model. Coordinates with the patient care team to review clinic appointment availability utilization to ensure that clinic schedules are closely monitored to effectively support the needs of the clinics, and makes adjustments as necessary. MSAs at this level develop and/or maintain effective and efficient communication with the patient, interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model teams , VA medical centers, and other agencies (e.g., assist with communications during the inpatient to outpatient discharge; communicate with non-VA medical facilities; prepare correspondence to notify patients of normal lab results; manage a system for follow-up care such as consults, tests, etc.). Other assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: processes incoming patient secure messaging through MyHealthyVet and coordinates with care team as appropriate; participates in team huddles and team meetings to manage, plan, problem solve, and follow-up with patient care by sharing information and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team; setting priorities and deadlines, adjusting the flow and sequencing of the work to meet team and patient needs; identifies incomplete encounters and communicates findings to providers; as needed; assists the team to reinforce the plan of care and self-help solutions; enters appropriate information into the electronic record; monitors pre appointment information and/or requirements to assure readiness for patient visit/procedure; manages patient systems to verify and validate accuracy and resolve issues; evaluates patient information and clinic schedule lists to determine whether the patient requires an immediate appointment; informs team members about shared patients ([i.e]., those who receive their care at multiple VA centers or those who receive care in the community. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed at least 25% of the time. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 1. 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. 2. Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: One-year equivalent to at least next lower grade level (GS-679-05). 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-6. Physical Requirements: The Advanced Medical Support Assistant work is mostly sedentary; however, some walking; standing, and carrying light items are required. Light filing, sometimes involving working close to the floor, is involved. Wrist and back protection can be provided to minimize the risks associated with prolonged use of automated data processing equipment.
The Advanced Medical support assistant (AMSA) plays a critical role in coordination patient care across various healthcare services, ensuring seamless scheduling and support within the VA System. This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple task efficiently, and a commitment to providing excellent patient service. Medical Support Assistant Duties consist of but are not limited to the following: Performs data entry, updates and verifies demographic information, no-show information. Schedules appointments and collects insurance information. Initiates and carries out a variety of administrative duties in support of patient care. Responsible for checking patients in upon arrival. Coordinates with team members to assure that patients are seen at their scheduled time within the clinic setting. Processes new enrollees and transfer patients by using Register Once, when needed. Serves as customer service relations provider and assists in the resolution of Veterans' concerns. Trains unit members in the accomplishments of new task or projects. Utilizes computer technology to ensure continuity of care through accurate patient information, communication and documentation. Responsible for validation of patient demographic and insurance information. Acts in the capacity of liaison between patients, team members as well as specialty and ancillary services Work Schedule: The Bay Pines VA Medical Center is a 24/7 operation and has openings for various shifts and locations. Available tours are listed below: 6:30am-3:00pm, 7:00am-3:30pm, 7:30am-4:00pm, 8:00am-4:30pm, 8:30am-5:00pm, 9:00am-5:30pm, 9:30am-6:00pm, 10:00am-6:30pm, 3:30pm-12:00am, 11:30pm-8:00am to include weekend and holiday coverage. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70658F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.