DEANNA DIAZ

Assists Dr. Amar Thosani in maintaining efficient patient flow within the office. Under the direction of a Physician/Physician Assistant, performs a variety of clerical and patient support duties including , telephone, data input, and exam room and medical chart preparation. This position reports to the Manager for office duties and to the physicians for clinical and patient care responsibilities. Demonstrates knowledge and skill to provide appropriate care needed in accordance with policies, procedures and protocols and Arizona validated competencies. Performs in a manner by identifying and meeting the needs of all customers by demonstrating integrity, respect, caring, accountability and excellence.

• Provides all necessary information to prepare patients for medical appointments and procedures. Provides scheduling services for patients with regard to lab work, x-rays and referrals to other physicians. Verifies authorizations, and accepts or transmits fax information for needed physician patient information.

• Prepares treatment room for examination of patients. Prepares patient charts and reviews for completeness. Escorts patient to examining room, obtain history, document chief complaint in record or EMR, take patient’s vital signs (weight, pulse, temperature, blood pressure). Preps patient for exam and assists provider with exams and special procedures. Clean and restock exam rooms. Maintain supplies in coordination with office coordinator. Ensures that recalls for labs, office visits and procedures are accounted for.

• Receives telephone calls from patients, pharmacy and others; documents and relays information to provider for action. Phones pharmacy with approved medication orders/refills.

• Organize and communicate with insurance companies for authorizations for therapies, testing and specialist referrals.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Assist in the assessment of patient needs, physical, mental, vital signs, history, medication management, and determining patient's chief complaint, and assisting with a health plan.
• Complete all necessary documentation in patient's medical records in accordance with charting.
• Prepare equipment and assist the physician with medical treatment and exams while maintaining a clean, sterile, orderly, and safe environment.
• Arranges for specialized consultations, appointments for testing as order by physician.
• Notifies appropriate insurance personnel to pre-certify surgeries or test order by the physician, which may require prior authorization by insurance.
• Answering office phones, patient's request.

• Review of initial claims to ensure clean claim submission.
• Reviewed and followed up on billed claims to investigate reason for payment delays or denials by contacting the payer or researching the payer website.
• Called payers to verify receipt of claims, or to resolve unpaid accounts, short paid claims and/or other complex denials.

• Professionally handle high volume complex calls from Mercy Maricopa Integrated members.
• Research and resolve member questions and concerns while consistently demonstrating behaviors that contribute to the achievement of service levels.
• Complete transportation request and referrals to behavioral health clinics.
• Explain benefits, follow, and uphold HIPPA, and resolve members concerns.