JOB DESCRIPTIONS - 2013
Please use the job description that most closely describes the major duties of the position.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Accountant, BSBA or above: Accountant who has earned a Bachelor of Science degree or higher.
Accountant, CPA: Accountant who has earned a Bachelor of Science degree or higher. Must
have CPA license.
Accountant, Degree or AA: Accountant who has a degree or AA.
Accounts Payable Staff: Processes all payments to vendors and other third parties; may assist
bookkeeper with general ledger work.
Accounts Receivable Manager: Oversees accounts receivable staff and functions of the
organization.
Accounts Receivable Staff: Process and post checks, make cash deposits, prepare
reconciliation and various reports related to accounts receivable.
Administrative Assistant: Assists administrator or director with daily activities; performs
secretarial/clerical duties.
Appointment Scheduler: Primarily responsible for scheduling appointments for patients in the
practice; may schedule referral appointments. Provides daily schedules to providers and updates master schedule for cancellations or additions.
Assistant Administrator: Assists administrator with daily operations of various patient care
areas and clinic departments.
Billing Services Director: Provides supervision to all functions related to the receiving of
revenue and invoicing for services provided by the organization.
Billing Services Supervisor: Responsible for overseeing insurance processing, accounts
receivable, and collections.
Billing Staff: See Patient Account Representative
Bookkeeper: General ledger work; may prepare income statements and balance sheets, or
liaison with outside accountant.
Check-out Staff: Checks out patients as they exit the practice. Collects time-of-service
Coder, Certified: Assigns CPT and ICD-9 codes based on documentation to claims for
third-party reimbursement; may be responsible for compliance issues. Specialty certification (CPC, CCS, CCS-P, etc.) required.
Coder, Non-certified: Assigns CPT and ICD-9 codes based on documentation to claims for
third-party reimbursement; holds no certification.
Collections Agent: Collects past-due accounts from all sources, evaluates and establishes
payment plans for patients, assigns and transfers uncollectible accounts to collection agency or attorney.
Computer Support Specialist: Oversight of all software, deals with vendors, works with IT to
set up new computers, assists in program training, operates computer systems and assures that all computers and associated equipment are operational at all times.
Courier: Picks up and delivers items for practice, both locally and out of town. Typically does
not require over night stays. Valid drivers’ license required.
Credentialing Coordinator: Responsible for preparing, tracking and closing physician/provider
credential packets. Reports to managerial staff on credentialing status and may be required to maintain a credentialing database.
Data Entry Clerk: Performs data entry duties, usually in management information system; may
perform other clerical duties as needed.
Document Scanner: Document scanners run documents page by page through scanners so
the text and images are copied into a computer or onto a storage device.
E.H.R. Specialist: Responsible for EHR template maintenance and staff education, serves as
clincial resource and facilitator to IT, providers, and all clinical staff.
File Clerk: Organizes and maintains all files and records of the office.
Front Office Supervisor: Supervises the operation and management of the Front Office.
General Maintenance: Contains various skills necessary to maintain building and equipment.
Duties may involve repairing electrical or mechanical equipment, buildings, floors, or stairs.
HIPAA Officer: A HIPAA compliance officer under general supervision develops and maintains
the HIPAA medical privacy and information security compliance programs in a given organization. The HIPAA compliance officer collaborates with various departments making sure medical privacy and information security procedures are handled adequately.
Housekeeper: Perform numerous light cleaning duties to maintain commercial establishments.
Duties may include replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, vacuuming, etc.
Human Resource Manager: Human resources managers manage the needs of a company's
evaluations, benefits, promotions, equal opportunity initiatives, and education and training programs.
Insurance Staff: Works with third-party payors on reimbursement issues, including filing claims
and assist patients with insurance forms.
Mail Room Clerk: Mailroom clerks handle incoming, outgoing and interoffice mail, using both
manual and automated methods. Many have job duties outside the mailroom as well.
Managed Care Analyst: Analyzes medical service contracts; updates patient database;
prepares managed care comparison reports; submits claim data; and calculates health plan discounts.
Medical Administrative Assistant: Screens and directs patients to exam rooms; may record
medical histories; transcribes dictation; prepares correspondence; provides clerical assistance primarily to physicians; schedule appointments and surgeries; order supplies, etc.
Medical Office Assistant: Reception duties, insurance, filing, dictation, clerical duties; typically
found in small practices.
Medical Records Supervisor/Director: Directs medical records staff and oversees all medical
record functions.
Medical Records/Health Information Staff: Assembles patient charts; pulls and files medical
records as needed; provides documents requested for use in legal actions, may use programs to analyze patient data to improve patient care, control costs, or use in research studies.
Multi-Purpose Worker: See Medical Office Assistant
Network Administrator: Oversees computer network of practice; typically requires specialty
certification (MCSE, CNE, etc.).
Operations Manager: An operations manager runs the day-to-day operations of an organization
or business. His/Her sole purpose is to find ways to make the company more productive by providing effective methods in its business operations. An individual in this position usually prepares program budgets, facilitates several programs around the company, controls inventory, handles logistics and interviews and supervises employees.
Patient Account Representative: Gather charge information from physicians, codes charges
for services, key procedures and process billing, assist patients with billing and financial arrangements.
Patient Education Coordinator: Develops, coordinates, and evaluates educational programs
for the orientation and development of staff. Develops, plans, and implements a program of education for all facility personnel, including orientation of new personnel to facility and operational techniques.
Patient Escort: Patient escorts (Transporters) move patients between various points of care
They may also assist patients who need help walking. They are also often called upon to transport lab specimens, blood samples and similar items.
Payroll Administrator: Establishes procedures for timely payment of employees; manages
preparation, distribution, and reporting for payroll; oversees calculation of wages, overtime, and deductions; performs reconciliations for budgetary purposes.
Practice Manager: Practice managers hire, train, supervise, evaluate and discipline medical
office staff, such as receptionists and medical billers. Practice managers prepare bank deposits, develop reports of income and expenditures, and ensure that the office or building that houses the practice is clean and well maintained by janitorial and maintenance staff.
Pre-Certification Staff: Responsible for pre-certification and referral requirements of managed
care plans in which the organization participates.
Privacy Officer: The privacy officer is a senior executive who manages policies and procedures
on how an individual business handles and protects its client data. Client data encompasses a wide variety of information, such as personal e-mail addresses, account balances, credit scores, purchasing history and Social Security numbers.
Public Relations/Marketing Professional: Public relations specialists (Marketing Professional)
communicate with the public on behalf of companies, organizations or governments. They are also called communications or media specialists. A public relations specialist spreads his or her employer's or client's message to the public, often using the media as a conduit.
Receptionist: Answers telephone calls; greets patients and directs them appropriately; explains
financial requirements and collects co-pays.
Research Coordinator: Coordinate and participate in research studies; includes compilation
and analysis of clinical research data; perform various clinical studies; develop and implement policies and procedures for collecting, analyzing, and performing studies.
Social Worker: Social workers offer guidance and counseling to people in crisis.
Surgery Scheduler: Responsible for scheduling all inpatient/outpatient surgical procedures. Systems Analyst: Organizes work flow and implements new phases to the system. Prepares
daily/monthly reports, troubleshoots, and organizes training sessions.
Telephone Operator: Responsible for answering and directing incoming telephone calls to
organization.
Transcriptionist: Responsible for transcribing dictation within the organization; produces a
CLINICAL STAFF
Aesthetician: Medical aestheticians provides intense skin care treatments such as chemical
peels, microdermabrasion, laser rejuvenation, vein therapy, wrinkle reduction and other treatments that enhance skin reconstruction due to accidents, age or illness. Medical aestheticians require more advanced on the job training under the supervision of a licensed medical professional and generally work under the direct supervision of a physician.
Allergy Technician: Allergy Technicians perform general medical assistant tasks, including
appointment setting, taking patients' medical history and vitals, assisting supervising medical staff during examinations and in-office procedures, collecting lab samples, performing basic lab work and preparing examining rooms.
Athletic Trainer, Certified: Responsible for assessing, preventing, and treating injury of
athletes.
Audiologist: Tests, evaluates and prescribes treatment of hearing disorders; counsels patients
about hearing and balance problems; documents patient condition and progress.
Audiology Technician: Performs some audiologic services that do not require the skill level of
a licensed audiologist. Duties can range from repairing hearing aids, preparing patients for testing and maintaining equipment to assisting the audiologist in clinical research. Office tasks may include record-keeping, answering phones and other administrative and clerical support functions.
Bone Density Technician: Performs bone density testing; may be ISCD-certified in bone
densitometry.
Cardiovascular/EKG Technician: Performs electrocardiograms, Holter monitor and stress
testing; may schedule appointments; order supplies and maintain equipment.
Clinical Dietitian / Nutritionist: Dietitians and nutritionists plan food and nutrition programs,
and supervise the preparation and serving of meals. They help prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and suggesting diet modifications.
Clinical Supervisor: Establishes and implements policies for department; participates in hiring,
training, and evaluating personnel; develops budgets for purchase of equipment; coordinates activities with other clinical managers, and staff.
CT Technologist: Prepares patients for and performs routine computerized tomography (CT)
scan procedures. Usually requires AART registry and proper licensure.
Cytotechnologist: Microscopically evaluates cells for presence of cancer, pre-cancerous
changes or infections; refers abnormals and a portion of normals to pathologist for review; requires BS degree and successful completion of national certification exam.
Dietician: See Nutritionist/Dietician
Echocardiogram Technician: Performs echocardiograms on all patients as scheduled; notifies
nurse or physician of abnormalities; instructs patients regarding care and return.
EEG/Neurology Technician: Obtains patient history; applies and fills electrodes and performs
electroencephalogram test; orders supplies and maintains equipment; completes paperwork and documents patient progress.
EKG Technician: The EKG Technician is the person responsible for performing diagnostic tests
to access the heart rhythm and rate in patients
Embryologist: Clinical embryologists investigate the various aspects of infertility. They perform
routine diagnostic services and therapeutic embryological procedures, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), at hospitals and clinics. They communicate with patients about specific treatment options regarding fertility and research infertility solutions together with other medical, nursing, counseling and administrative staff.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker: Conducts psychosocial assessments; develop care plans;
provide counseling services; and documents assessment and progress.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Provides basic medical care under the supervision of a
Registered Nurse or physician; assist in performing exams and minor medical procedures; documents assessments and test results in medical records.
Mammography Technologist: Performs mammograms and provides maintenance of equipment; maintains quality control and regulatory compliance.
Managed Care Clinician: Clinical staff (nurse or other clinical position) responsible for working
with managed care plans in which the organization participates; pre-certification, medical necessity, etc. See Pre-Certification Clinician.
Medical Assistant, Certified: Works with patients, takes history and vital signs, may perform
basic diagnostic procedures; may send or receive patient medical records; preparing and cleaning exam/procedure room; works under the supervision of a physician or other skilled clinician. Holds certification from a legitimate certifying organization.
Medical Assistant, Non-certified: Performs general functions of MA without formal certification.
Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA): Collects patient specimens, may perform basic
diagnostic testing and equipment maintenance under direct supervision of a technologist or laboratory manager. Assists in basic duties in clinical laboratory.
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT): performs less complex tests and laboratory procedures; prepares specimens and operates automated analyzers, performs manual tests in accordance with detailed instructions. Usually works under the supervision of medical and clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers; usually requires associate degree or certification.
Medical Technologist, Certified: Performs a wide range of medical laboratory testing, usually
under the supervision of a physician or laboratory manager. Usually requires successful completion of a national certification exam.
MRI Technician/Technologist: Performs magnetic resonance imaging functions; may be
ARRT-certified.
Nuclear Medicine Technician: Assists with radiopharmaceutical preparation and patient
imaging procedures that utilize radioactive materials; monitors characteristics and functions of tissues or organs; may also perform radioimmunoassay computerized studies as requested.
Nurse Assistant, Certified: Assists RN by providing routine patient care; observes patients
and assists with daily living activities; maintains equipment and supplies; other duties as necessary. Successful completion of state-approved certified nursing assistant training program.
Nurse Assistant, Non-certified: Assists RN by providing routine patient care; observes
patients and assists with daily living activities; maintains equipment and supplies; other duties as necessary.
Nurse Supervisor (Non-RN): See Clinical Supervisor
Nutritionist/Dietician: Plans food and nutrition programs; counsels and educates patients;
promotes healthy eating habits; suggests dietary modifications; typically holds BS degree and certification from legitimate certifying organization.
Occupational Therapist, Licensed: Assists patients to develop, recover or maintain daily living
and work skills; evaluates impact of disease or injury on patients’ home and work situations; helps clients improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, and to compensate for permanent loss of function; and assists patients with exercises. Requires BS degree and successful completion of licensing exam.
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Certified: Works under the direction of occupational
therapists to provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments; usually requires completion of an associate degree or a certificate program.
Occupational Therapy Assistant: Works under the direction of occupational therapists to
provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments; usually requires completion of an associate degree or a certificate program.
Ophthalmic Assistant: Assists optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist; non-certified position. Ophthalmic Technician: Performs technical work under the supervision of an optometrist or
ophthalmologist; certified position.
Optician: Fills prescriptions from optometrist or ophthalmologist for corrective eyewear,
including eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids and ocular prostheses; meets state licensing and certification requirements.
Orthopedic Technician: Assists with application and removal of plaster casts and other care
and treatment of orthopedic patients; may perform duties in operating room during orthopedic surgery.
Pacemaker Technician: Responsible for maintaining consistent pacemaker and ICD
information and follow-up on all enrolled pacemaker and ICD patients.
Pathology Assistant: Pathologist assistants are qualified to handle most tasks a pathologist
may handle except for diagnosis. They dissect, prepare and describe tissue specimens, get medical records and a history for the person examined, prepare bodies for release to funeral homes, and teach pathology-related courses. Much of their time is spent looking at samples under microscopes and performing basic tests on the tissue or bodily fluids they collect. They also handle some administrative tasks like supervising other pathology employees or working with the pathology budget.
Perfusionist: A perfusionist operates extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment
during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient’s circulatory or respiratory function. The perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions and is responsible, in consultation with the physician, for selecting the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used.
Pharmacist: Pharmacists dispense prescription drugs to patients. They provide information
about those drugs and help patients understand the instructions their doctors or other health practitioners provided.
Pharmacy Technician: Assists pharmacist in filling prescriptions; maintaining inventory and
supplies; update patient records; etc.
Phlebotomist: Collects blood and urine from patients and assists with general laboratory
operations; cleans/sterilizes equipment; orders supplies; etc.
Physical Therapist, Certified: Helps restore physical function, improve mobility, and relieve
pain; evaluates muscle/skeletal/neurological and other physical problems interfering with maximum functioning of patients; develops treatment plan; and conducts periodic examination.
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA): Assists therapists with specific physical therapy treatment
programs; assists patients to and from treatment area; may perform clerical duties.
Pre-Certification Clinician: See Managed Care Clinician.
Pulmonary Function Technician: A pulmonary function technologist works under the
supervision of a physician to conduct diagnostic evaluations of normal and abnormal pulmonary (lung) conditions by administering a variety of tests to the patient.
Registered Nurse: BSN or above: Registered Nurse who has earned a Bachelor of Science
Registered Nurse, Chemotherapy-certified: Registered Nurse who has achieved chemotherapy certification from a legitimate credentialing organization.
Registered Nurse, Diploma or AA degree: Registered Nurse who has earned a diploma or
AA degree.
Registered Nurse, Manager/Supervisor: Registered Nurse who manages or directs activities
of nursing staff and department.
Registered Nurse, Midwife: Registered Nurse performs gynecological exams, prenatal care,
labor and delivery, etc.; serves as OB/GYN team member; provides emotional and social support; oversees medical care of pregnant patients; teaches patients about elements of motherhood.
Registered Nurse, Research: Registered Nurse, who coordinates research, negotiates
contracts, interprets data and reviews analyses to perform quality assurance, follow research protocols, screen/locate appropriate patients for those protocols and works closely with the medical director to manage the program. Works to increase funding, design new studies and study tools, and present informational and educational sessions.
Rehabilitation Aide: Rehabilitation aides, also known as rehabilitation technicians, support
professional therapists in rehabilitating patients after a serious injury or illness. These workers are employed in three main areas of rehabilitative therapy: physical, occupational and recreational.
Research Assistant: Research assistant duties may vary and might include performing data
abstraction, collection and entry of research, developing and monitoring case reports, starting and monitoring clinical trials, writing test protocols, collecting and processing blood samples or human tissue samples, obtaining patient consent for research.
Respiratory Technician: Provides specific, well-defined respiratory care procedures under the
direction of a respiratory therapist or physician
Respiratory Therapist: Performs diagnostic tests; evaluates and treats all types of patients;
performs chest physiotherapy; teaches patients to use ventilators and other life-support systems; may supervise respiratory technicians.
Sleep Technician, Certified: A polysomnographic technician (Certified), also called a sleep
technician, performs sleep tests and analysis in a sleep lab setting. A sleep lab technician works under the supervision of a sleep technologist or clinical director such as a medical doctor. Responsible also to assist the doctor in diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Sleep Technician, Non-Certified: Non-certified version of the Sleep Technician (above).
Surgery Technician, Certified: Helps prepare operating room; assembles and tests equipment; prepares patients for surgery; transports patients to the operating room; assists surgeon during operations, with Certified Surgical Technician (CST) certification.
Surgery Technician, Non-certified: Helps prepare operating room; assembles and tests
equipment; prepares patients for surgery; transports patients to the operating room; assists surgeon during operations, without Certified Surgical Technician (CST) certification.
Ultrasound Technician, Certified: Performs ultrasound diagnostic tests, with ARDMS or other
legitimate certification.
Ultrasound Technician, Non-certified: Performs ultrasound diagnostic tests, without ARDMS
or other legitimate certification.
Vascular Technician: Assists the physician in diagnosing circulation disorders and performs
ultrasound exams of the cerebral, peripheral, and abdominal vessels.
X-Ray Technician, Certified: Performs mammography, ultrasound or other radiology procedures within a medical practice; cleans and maintains radiographic equipment and supplies; holds certification from a legitimate certifying organization.
X-Ray Technician, Non-certified: Performs mammography, ultrasound or other radiology
procedures within a medical practice; cleans and maintains radiographic equipment and supplies.
MID-LEVEL PROVIDER
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Examines and prepares patient for
anesthesia; administers various types of anesthesia; continuously monitors patient to ensure satisfactory condition; performs functions under the direction of a physician; licensed and certified based on state requirements.
Nurse Practitioner: Performs wide range of patient care duties under the supervision or
collaboration of a physician. Licensed and certified, any specialty.
Physician’s Assistant: Provides primary health care and performs selective medical services
under the direction or collaboration of physicians. Completion of accredited physician assistant program.
Mid-Level Provider, Other: A non-physician practitioner not included here.
UPPER MANAGEMENT
Administrator: Administers, directs and coordinates all activities of the practice to carry out its
objectives. Responsible for the operation of the institution, implementation of established policies, liaison with governing authority and medical staff, and control and effective utilization of
the physical and financial resources of the practice. College or advanced degree, greater than 5 years experience and/or CMPE or FACMPE credentials required.
Assistant Administrator: Assists the Administrator in the direction and coordination of the
activities of the practice. Responsibilities may include areas such as human resources, marketing, revenue cycle, and managed care.
Business Office Manager: Plans and directs front office operations; reviews patient account
status and establishes methods for collection; oversees medical records and other departments to ensure proper patient information is maintained to process billings; and reports directly to CFO.
Chief Executive Officer: Develop and implement mission and strategic plan; develop and
update design for maximum productivity; ensure financial viability of practice; ensures regulatory provides overall direction and leadership. Directly reports to the board, provides leadership and support to the board. Graduate degree in health care administration or business administration, greater than five years’ healthcare administration experience.
Chief Financial Officer: Assists in developing the financial planning component of the strategic
plan; oversees all financial activities for the organization; evaluates organizations financial position and prepares periodic reports; develops financial policies and procedures; prepares or reviews financial statements. Must have experience with managing operations, preparing and monitoring budgets, performing due diligence on new acquisitions, and maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship with outside auditors. Master’s degree in business administration, accounting, or finance; greater than eight years’ experience and/or CPA credentials required.
Chief Information/Technology Officer: Oversees technology for entire practice, including
evaluation, selection and installation of hardware and software; supervision of all computer staff; functionality of computer systems; develops mission, policies and procedures, and strategic plan for IT department. Master’s degree in computer science or IT, greater than five years’ experience. Specialty certification (MCSE, CNE, etc.) typically required.
Chief Operating Officer: Oversees daily operations for entire practice, implement policies and
procedures; negotiates with managed care plans; maintains regulatory compliance; enhances operational effectiveness; and other day-to-day responsibilities. Master’s degree in health care administration, business administration, or public administration; greater than five years’ experience and/or CMPE or FACMPE credentials desired. For smaller practices, see Office Manager.
Clinical Supervisor: The Clinical Supervisor is a registered nurse responsible for the overall
quality of patient care at a specified site of the company. The supervisor plans, directs, coordinates and controls the work of the professional and para-nursing personnel in direct collaboration with the Office Manager. The Clinical Supervisor is also responsible for daily operations, and performs the majority of their responsibilities in the work area in conjunction with staff.
Compliance Officer: Develops and implements policies and procedures for compliance
program; promotes compliance with all laws, develops and coordinates compliance training; conducts internal compliance audits and reviews. College or advanced degree; greater than three years’ experience required.
Director of Nursing: A Director of Nursing is responsible for the scheduling, training and
performance of the clinical staff. Requires extensive nursing experiences and the ability to direct and motivate others.
Human Resources Director: Ensures selection, training and evaluation of staff; oversees
conduct of compensation surveys and ensures salaries and benefits remain competitive; maintains worker’s compensation records, EEO, ADA, FMLA, and unemployment claims; various other human resource functions.
Laboratory Director: A laboratory director creates and implements all strategies, policies,
procedures and best practices needed to support the optimal performance of a laboratory facility. Performing all operational duties required, the director recruits, hires, trains and, as necessary, terminates employees. Auditing and developing testing systems, this professional ensures that the facility is as technologically as advanced as financially possible. Additionally, the creation and management of a departmental budget is also under the charge of this individual. In an effort to ensure compliance with organizational as well as government regulations, the director sees that the facility is properly sanitized and that all required records are maintained in a satisfactory manner.
Marketing/PR Director: Directs marketing and public relations functions for the practice,
including advertising, brochures, public awareness campaigns, and community relations; monitors competitor activities; develops relationships with payers and other physicians in the area.
Office Manager: Concentrates on the daily activities of the organization; assists in developing
and implementing clinic policies and procedures; assists in the hiring process; oversees supply inventory and ensures the practice is operating according to procedures.
Other Executive: An executive position not included here.
Quality Improvement Director: Develops and implements policies and programs to improve
the quality of healthcare deliver and ensure continuous quality improvement (CQI). Selects, trains, monitors, and evaluates all department staff. Bachelor’s degree in health administration, science, or nursing. Master’s degree in healthcare field preferred. Minimum 5 years experience in healthcare setting.
Research Director: The research director is responsible for preparing administrators for the use
of research stations and laboratories, often with the goal of fulfilling state and federal guidelines. Research directors establish goals and objectives for the research team, supervise laboratory operations, oversee the research budget, create work guidelines, oversee quality control and perform a variety of public relations duties.
VP Business Operations: Responsible for providing in depth business analysis of
company-affiliated practices, as well as individual physicians, on a monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc basis. Also responsible for periodically meeting with each affiliated physician to review and explain the aforementioned business analysis. Provides leadership, direct supervision and oversight of company’s information technology personnel. Functions as operations manager for Family Practice. Analyzes and evaluates staffing, goals and objectives, budgets, financial strategies and operating functions for areas of responsibility. Oversees administration of pension plans for independent contracting affiliated physicians and Company.
VP Practice Management: Providew leadership, management, administration and overall