Triage Technician

Eye Associates of New Mexico has an outstanding opportunity as a Ophthalmic Triage Technician!

Advancement opportunities available!

Eye Associates of New Mexico is the largest Ophthalmology and Optometry practice in the Southwest. We have been serving the state of New Mexico since 1976 with compassionate, state-of-the-art, value-based care. Our team approach aims to deliver the highest quality eye care to all while striving to support our employees' professional development. Perhaps these are some of the reasons why our employees have voted us TOP WORK PLACES locally and nationally since 2022 ! Come be a part of our team!

We are currently looking for a Full-time Ophthalmic Triage Technician.

The Tech Triage position is responsible for triaging all incoming tech calls and maintaining the highest level of care telephonically. Providing professional assessments to prioritize urgent need for our patients. Uses critical thinking and high-level ophthalmic technician experience to gather information through questioning, observation, and understanding of medical records; facilitates patient exam and protects the physicians' time through maximum preparatory and follow up care. Versed in ophthalmic terminology and dictation in order to analyze systemic illness, medications, medical history, and family histories direct impact on the patient's eye care needs. This position is also responsible for following the outlined workflows for each drug / medication prior authorization. Verifies urgency and importance of the treatment plan dictated by the physician to determine time sensitive need for drug approval through the requestor / insurance. Initiates the prior authorization, follows guidelines for follow up, and carries out an appeal in denial cases.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Assess the urgency of patients' ocular symptoms and documents relevant information to determine urgency
• Verifies prescriptions, release of medical prescriptions for glasses, and advises patient of fees
• Confirms diagnosis and treatment plan through the patient's medical record. Advocates on behalf of the patient in denial cases by utilizing supporting dictation from the physician
• Analyzes prior authorization denials to identify trends, criteria, and educates staff to minimize future denials
• Communicates with physician, patient, and third party representatives to keep clear documentation in the patient's chart, throughout the entirety of the prior authorization process
• Navigates through internal EMR systems using accuracy and clear documentation to outline patient interactions.
• Authorize medication refills according to guidelines established by the providers; document refills in the patient's medical record. Advise patient when an office visit is required before a refill request will be authorized.
• Scheduling proficiency in EMR systems, and collaborates Patient Service Representatives for same-day emergency patient scheduling.
• Identifies task types and outsources to correct departments when needed
• Prepares patient's electronic medical record, document history, medications, and relevant information
• Maintain prescription phone-in line, train new and additional personnel and provide coverage as needed.
• Document patient history, general medical history, family history and ocular history
• If Applicable) Checks pupillary measurements
• If Applicable) Determines intraocular pressure
• If Applicable) Checks muscle motility
• If Applicable) Performs confrontation visual fields
• If Applicable) Performs slit lamp exam
• If Applicable) Performs retinoscopy and refraction
• If Applicable) Administers Dilating drops when necessary
• If Applicable) Prepares instruments for minor in-office procedures (e.g., suture removals, chalazion excisions, tear duct probings, etc.)
• If Applicable) Coordinates necessary stocking of all lane supplies where appropriate.
• If Applicable) Under doctor's direction, administers medications and applies dressings as needed.
• If Applicable) Keeps exam rooms occupied and patient flow moving
• If Applicable) Carefully and accurately charts proceedings and results of all patient visits
• If Applicable) Demonstrates knowledge of when and how to do specialized testing (e.g, BAT, PAM, Topography, Keratometry, Formal Visual Fields, Schirmer's Test, etc.)

SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS :

Tech Triage I - Required to achieve COA certification within 90 days from the date of hire.

AA / EOE / Disability. Eye Associates of New Mexico is a drug and tobacco-free employer

Eye Associates of NM is a safe team oriented culture supporting a drug-free work environment.

To learn more about this position and our organization, please visit www.eyenm.com

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