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Work Shift
Job Summary:
Under the supervision of department manager. Performs a variety of tasks in support of pathologists and other
allied healthcare providers. Is accountable for ensuring accuracy and completeness of all documents, tests
ordered and patient case reports which allows the pathologists to focus on patient care. The tasks include
transcribing pathology reports as well as research and administrative documents. Responsibilities also include
coordinating patient case correspondence materials for sending out for consultation. Responsibilities may
include ordering tests and stains for cases answering phones and most often assisting the caller with patient
report, adding stains to a current case, changing of patient demographics, or providing related follow through,
participation in process improvement which includes data collection, coordinating case conference materials and
maintain consultant calendar as appropriate. Required to follow work unit standard operating procedures along
with reviewing and ensuring accuracy of those procedures. Routinely serves as a resource and mentor to others
by training, educating and mentoring both new and existing members of the work unit and trouble shooting and
resolving problems as appropriate.
Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:
Transcription/Work related to pathology reports both Gross and Microscopic
Demographics of patients
Gross transcription of dictation done by Pathologists Assistants or Pathologists depending
upon type of specimen received.
Microscopic transcription of dictation during the pathologists review of slides for diagnosis.
Notify pathologists of need for amendment/addendum of any case that needs further
information in order for physician to make informed decisions. This information comes from
outside reference labs, or consults with other site pathologists. Also, the reverse can occur
with the pathologists notifying transcriptionists of need for amended/addendum based on
additional info from within department consults. This requires previous transcription to be
pulled and verified, and additional info be added and then physicians notified.
Prepare CAP required tumor anatomical forms based on diagnosis of pathology report CPT
codes.
Work with pathologists when they are in need of further histories, additional current
information, from WellStar or other hospitals. Must be aware of information that can be
shared in order to obtain what is appropriate.
Send out Cases for consult as appropriate per facility
Document receipt of requests for slides/blocks.
Request slides/blocks from Histology. Verify when received. Obtain pathology report.
Discuss with pathologists the purpose of request in order for pathologist to make decision on
which slides/blocks to send.
Prepare package of blocks/slides/report and any comments from pathologists.
Prepare invoice for billing of slides/blocks using department calculation as appropriate
Other Duties
Answer phones for department
Distribute mail
Orders kits and supplies for reference lab send-outs
Assists pathologist and histology techs as needed.
Maintain pathology files.
Provide pathologists with physician requests/information
Preparation of slides/block for Peer Review as appropriate per facility
With knowledge of what are considered complex cases, select assortment of slides that reflect
a diversified representation of complex cases (i.e., kidney resection, liver resection, brain
tumor removal).
Prepare for pathologists review (depending upon who had the last peer review).
Place selected slides in folder along with surgical protocol.
Give to next pathologist in line for peer review.
Professional Billing as appropriate per facility
With professional billing, staff must have knowledge of documentation within pathology
reports for special stains, and/or immunohistochemical stains.
If applicable, when errors are found and are not recognized until report has gone to
CBO, staff interacts with Pathology Medical Billing Group in order to have correct billing
processed by CBO.
Technical Billing as appropriate per facility
The technical billing component is billed out when the specimen is accessioned. If an error in
technical billing requires assistance, the transcriptionist will research. This includes
documenting how many parts to the specimen request, which specimen request the technical
fee error belong with, and notifying Histology personnel to make changes in the technical fee
charge.
Physician Orders as appropriate per facility
Physician orders that are received via fax, transcriptionist (with knowledge of appropriate
pathology specimen availability for requested testing) staff will determine if tissue block
contains enough tumor for testing. Also, if previous testing failed, are there alternative
samples available for testing.
Staff will work closely with representatives from reference labs to remain aware when new
testing becomes available, after training by reference lab on test requirements and
turnaround times, staff will order by completing requisition form for reference lab with
technical information. Again, knowledge of appropriate specimen availability for testing is
required.
Preparation of slides/blocks for Tumor Board, Breast Tumor Board and occasionally County Tumor
Boards as appropriate per facility
Receive request from Tumor Board of request for slides/blocks. Prepare request for
slides/blocks to be pulled from storage. If Histology unable to get pulled in timely manner,
pull slides in order that remaining process can be continued.
Prepare tray with slides selected by pathologists an also obtains pathology report.
Check Tumor Board schedule/discuss with pathologists which slides/blocks have been pulled
and then give this packet to the pathologist scheduled for Tumor Board.
Legal Cases are a part of responsibilities of this department as appropriate per facility
Staff must have knowledge and discretion to communicate effective with attorneys
offices/staff and law enforcement individuals, communicate with Risk Management/Health
Port staff obtaining validity and approval of requests, ability to understand and retrieve
specific requested materials, complete and submit Pathology material inventory when
requested, and with Notary Public when legal cases require notarization.
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.
Required Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma General or GED General or Associates General-Preferred
Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s):
All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.
Additional License(s) and Certification(s):
Required Minimum Experience:
Less than 1 year Six months transcription experience in medical setting with pathology experience Preferred and
Knowledge of Pathology Information System billing, Tumor Conference preparation
(all genres), Pathologists Peer Review and CAP Anatomical Tumor Forms preferred
as appropriate Preferred
Required Minimum Skills:
Computer skills and medical terminology with pathology specialty preferred. High
Demonstrates initiative, proficiency and good judgment to optimize the use of other allied
healthcare providers time.
High
Must be high organized, efficient, and multifunctional with ability to work independently as well as in
a team. High
Has excellent written and oral communication skills and experience in medical terminology and
excellent customer service.
High
High motivation and successful working independently and in a timely manner is required High
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