Lab Support Specialist

Parkland Health and Hospital System; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Parkland Health and Hospital System in Dallas is seeking a data-entry/processing associate for the Pathology/Laboratory support team. The role focuses on receiving specimens, verifying labeling, and entering orders to ensure accurate patient billing and timely test processing.

This position requires the ability to communicate effectively with patients, visitors and hospital staff, along with proficiency in basic computer systems.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of data entry and customer service in a laboratory environment preferred.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for the experience requirements.

Responsibilities

• Receive specimens and verify labeling and documentation; process data entry of orders quickly and correctly.
• Label samples with bar codes to ensure patient identifiers match.
• Prepare/process specimens for testing and manage storage requirements.
• Interface with Parkland staff and customers by phone and in person to provide information.
• Maintain clean work area; follow safety and internal controls; promote accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify and suggest process improvements; report to supervisor for implementation.

Skills

Data entry

Customer service

Communication

Telephone coordination

Record keeping

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma

Tools

LIS

Job description

Location: Main Hospital Bldg - 2nd Floor

Primary Purpose

Provides processing of specimens and data entry to ensure integrity of specimens and to expedite completion of tests ordered.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

Education

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• Three (3) years of data entry and customer service in a laboratory environment preferred.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

• May have an equivalent combination of education and experience to substitute for the experience requirements.

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of a personal computer and be able to learn and efficiently use required software.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, visitors and hospital staff.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must have clear speech, normal hearing, and good visual acuity.
• Must be able to coordinate numerous telephone calls effectively.
• Must be able to handle detailed work and maintain a pleasant demeanor while under pressure.
• Must be able to use sound judgment when making decisions and solving problems. Must be able to exhibit good organizational skills and prioritizing abilities.
• Must be able to maintain accurate records/logs.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for receiving specimens/blood and tissue products (components, factors, derivatives, and tissues), assessing specimen/product integrity, verifying labeling and documentation, and processing data entry of orders quickly and correctly to ensure that patients are appropriately billed. Checks incoming samples and requisitions. Clarifies unclear test orders on downtime requisitions with patient care providers, in order to ensure proper patient testing.
• Orders/verifies requested tests in Laboratory Information Systems computer and verifies sample receipt time and date. Labels samples with bar code label to ensure that the two identifiers, patient name and medical record number, on the sample matches that on the bar code label.
• Prepares/processes specimens for testing/grossing as required by lab procedures. Follows proper specimen storage requirements. Delivers specimen to appropriate work area and other labs as needed. Processes specimens for reference laboratory testing and orders add-ons as needed. Stocks supplies/blood and tissue products as needed.
• Utilizes appropriate follow up skills to customer-service behaviors to interface with other Parkland internal and external customers on the telephone and in person to give out appropriate information. Provides information to authorized callers regarding access to patient test results.
• Assists with loading patient specimen on designated instrumentation and performs POC (Point of Care) testing as required.
• Clocks in requisitions, separates by patient and triages by priority according to department protocol. Handles specimens delivered by couriers, pneumatic tube system, or Parkland staff. Ensures that accessioned specimens are picked up and/or delivered to the appropriate work area in a timely manner.
• Identifies ways to improve work processes and procedures or methods and makes recommendations to supervisor for appropriate changes to improve effectiveness, productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction that support the overall goals of Pathology, the hospital and PHHS.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the laboratory area. Follows internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding and reports any unethical or fraudulent behavior.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements and trends in the Laboratory area by attending in-services and department meetings. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains a clean working environment to ensure maximum safety for all employees.

Job Accountabilities

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Requisition ID: 986301