Job Title: Central Receiving Technician Department: Laboratory

Reports to: Supervisor Revision Date: 5/24/2024

Grade Level: 14 Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

The Central Receiving Technician (CRT) manages the flow of information into and out of the Clinical Laboratory. This involves using the Laboratory Information System to charge tests, generate bar codes and report test results both manually and electronically. The Central Receiving Technician will also work with the phlebotomists and couriers to coordinate the pick-up of homebound, nursing home or STAT draws. The CRT will also organize and dispatch phlebotomy supplies to the lab's various clients.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Uses appropriate resources (equipment, ideas, personnel) in providing individualized service to patient/ customer interaction. Uses the LIS to reference each patients financial class to determine whether the specimen must be sent to a special reference laboratory and/or which venipuncture code to use. Use the LIS to correctly charge all out-patient tests and print the corresponding bar code labels. Match LIS bar code labels with corresponding specimens, insuring all tests ordered have the appropriate specimen type for analysis. Receive and check in all specimens making sure they are appropriately identified. Enter any special reporting instructions requested by the ordering physician such as call or fax along with the appropriate telephone numbers. Determine and program the ward/clinic or location a report should be sent to based on the ordering clinician if not specified. Match LIS bar code labels with corresponding specimens, insuring all tests ordered have the appropriate specimen type for analysis. Deliver specimens and bar code labels to the correct laboratory section for analysis. Notify the phlebotomy staff of all STAT and home draws and monitor the collection of these specimens to insure their timely pick-up. Collate laboratory reports and properly route them to the floors or physicians office according to the desired delivery method (i e, courier, mail, physicians boxes, etc.). File out-patient requisitions. Coordinate the delivery of mail and supplies to various offices and clinics such as Mexico/Parish/East Hill. Maintain inventory of various laboratory requisitions and reorder when low to insure no clients run out of their respective forms. Answer and screen all laboratory telephone calls and provide answers to the client or direct technical questions to the appropriate individual or department. Use the LIS to retrieve patient test information for the physician’s offices and fax the results if necessary. Maintain accurate patient database by merging downtime numbers or nursing home patients. Help find and correct registration/charge errors that occur such as wrong physician or ward, etc. Use the telephone system to receive and transfer calls. Use the LIS to charge tests, retrieve results, print or fax results. Operate and maintain the bar code printer including adding labels and re-initializing. Operate and maintain the laser printer including adding paper, printer cartridge and restarting the queue. Operate and maintain the outside fax instrument. Notify IS&T Help Desk if LIS/HIS interface goes down. Maintain proper levels of paper stocks and other office supplies. Follow Standard Precautions when handling specimens. Utilize proper techniques and body mechanics to insure personal safety and minimize accidental injuries. Use proper safety equipment and disinfectants to clean up any specimen spills in Central Receiving. Maintain Central Receiving Office in a neat, organized manner that facilitates job performance and minimize personal injury hazards. Follow all hospital and department safety policies and procedures. Participate in hospital emergency and disaster drills; knows role in the event of a fire while on duty. Strictly adheres to all hospital safety policies and procedures. Provide supportive and understanding communication and behavior when in contact with guests (patients, visitors, clients, physicians, employees, and volunteers), always displaying positive guest relations. Work effectively and communicate as needed with members of the health care team. Answer telephone calls within four rings and screen calls by giving the information requested whenever possible or properly transferring the call to the most appropriate individual. Handle telephone information requests with courtesy, accuracy, and respect for patient confidentiality; receives information and distributes messages appropriately. Provide information regarding patient preparation and/or specimen type for the most common laboratory tests. Addresses ABN’s with confidentiality, tact and provides education to patients on their importance. Assists with obtaining appropriate diagnosis codes from Physicians. Use resources and supplies in a cost effective manner. Demonstrates ability to assess self-learning needs and seeks assistance to meet those needs. Actively participates in Quality Assurance programs and CQI. Assists in providing an environment conducive to learning for co-workers, students, and ancillary personnel. Demonstrates an ability to perform effectively in emergency situations. Maintains confidentiality in all patient, hospital, and physician related information; demonstrates complete discretion when discussing patient information. Makes recommendations and suggestions for positive procedure changes, understands and supports the need for change in work, policies, or procedures. Adapts easily and willingly to changes in job responsibilities. Demonstrates supportive and understanding communication and behavior when in contact with guests (patients, visitors, clients, physicians, employees, volunteers, etc.), always displaying positive guest relations. Participates in cross-training; accepts assignments to other departments or shifts as needs require. Attendance ensures that job requirements are met. Present and ready for work in designated area at assigned time. Actively participates in inservice programs; attends all mandatory classes as required; completes unit-specific competencies. Participates in meetings and committees as assigned.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED required Graduate of Medical Assistant Program preferred 1-year experience in medical office preferred

Working Conditions:

Exposure to blood, urine, and other bodily fluids along with other hazardous materials. Requires ability to lift, move, carry, push or pull up to 30 lbs. using proper body mechanics and/or available equipment. Extended periods of sitting, and prolonged or extensive standing, walking, and/or traversing. Attendance ensures that job requirements are met. Complies with DOH requirements for annual health assessments and required immunizations.

Pay Range: $16.00-17.60/hour

Employee salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.

The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system that was established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to continue to be one of Oswego County’s largest employers. More than 1,200 employees spread throughout its 17 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 164-bed community hospital with a brand new Medical Surgical Unit, a 32-bed state-of-the-art psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community. The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services; and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, Oswego Health includes the Oswego Health captive professional corporation, Physician Care P.C., providing physician services in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, audiology, general surgery, bariatrics, and primary care.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Oswego Health is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment-related matters, without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race), creed, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital or familial status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, citizenship status, ancestry, arrest/conviction record, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, reproductive health decision making, relationship or association with a member of a protected category, or any other legally protected characteristic. Decisions affecting your position including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, tuition assistance, leaves of absence, disciplinary action, layoff/recall, and terminations will be made in accordance with this policy.