JOB OPENING
1. Title: Patient Liaison Services
2. Location: Spangdahlem, Germany
3. Start Date: May 2024
4. Job-Type: Part-Time and PTOC
This is a part-time on-call (PTOC) position. (*Substitute and replace personnel for planned and unplanned absences at the TRICARE Office. Personnel should be available on short notice.)
SUMMARY
Patient Liaison services are required for eligible health care beneficiaries as scheduled by the Government for the 52nd Medical Squadron/Spangdahlem Air Base. The PL coordinates support with International SOS (ISOS) Near Patient Team and provide assistance and information regarding Host Nation Facility (HNF) care and programs to beneficiaries hospitalized in host nation medical facilities. Liaisons between the direct care facilities, host-nation facilities, and other services as required. Provides coordination, communication of care, and necessary logistical arrangements with commanders, medical professionals, wing agencies, and family members upon notification of beneficiaries hospitalized in host nation facilities. Coordinates administrative aspects (forms) of the patient’s health care with the host-nation facilities, and serves as a liaison during hospitalization. Relays quality of care concerns to TRICARE operations and administration office and Near Patient Team involving beneficiaries receiving care at Host Nation Facilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
5. Must have the ability to read, speak, and write English and German languages at a proficiency Level 3 (fluent).
6. Be able to provide a significant service as a translator between German healthcare providers and American medical healthcare beneficiaries.
7. High School diploma or equivalent.
8. Shall have a background in areas such as nursing, medical customer care, or advice work. Shall have excellent listening and communication skills to deal with complex and sensitive situations.
9. Knowledge of medical terminology.
10. Must hold and maintain proper credentials as a certified German-English speaker.
11. Knowledge of telephone etiquette, office management methods, excellent communications, and customer service skills, strong organizational background, and computer operations including Microsoft Windows and spreadsheet-type applications.
12. Be familiar with Air Force Quality Management principles. Patient confidentially and the ability to deal with patient-sensitive information are indispensable. Shall display courtesy toward coworkers and customers and maintain professional composure at all times.
13. Shall maintain an understanding/knowledge of both HIPAA and German privacy laws/regulations and maintain a thorough understanding of the healthcare of DoD beneficiaries.
RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to
14. Visits shall be conducted during regular duty hours on the day of admission or, if admitted after duty hours, on the following duty day. The Patient Liaison shall visit patients hospitalized in host nation facilities within a 45-mile radius of Spangdahlem AB including but not limited to Marienhausklinik (Bitburg), Verbundkrankenhaus (Wittlich), Krankenhaus der Barmherigen Brueder (Trier), and Klinikum Mutterhaus der Borromaerrinnen (Trier). The patient demand for the Krankenhaus der Barmherigen Brueder (Trier) and Klinikum Mutterhaus der Borromaerrinnen (Trier) services shall be combined.
15. Assures the patient has an understanding of diagnosis, treatment, and reason for admission, in the event of a serious diagnosis contact the Near Patient Team or 52 MDG Case Manager if the Near Patient Team is unavailable.
16. Newborn Admissions: Provides parents with “In-processing your Newborn” package and assists parents with paperwork/application for Birth Certificate; notifies Family Advocacy staff with problems or if requested. If admission occurs outside of MTF operating hours, contact Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) for mini registration in CHCS during MTF duty hours, contact 52 MDG Beneficiary Services Representative (BSR) and schedules weight check appointments prior to discharge or call the patient with an appointment.
17. Deaths: Provides guidance and/or assistance with death notification and coordination with City Hall.
18. Dispositions Ensures patient has the necessary prescription(s) (preferable to 52 MDG formulary and format). Reinforces/reminds patients to take discharge notes to TRICARE and follow up on any additional referrals/appointments/convalescent leave. Verbally translate HNP recommendations to PCM Nurses.
19. Patient Visits: Visits all inpatients at Host Nation Facilities (HNFs) at least once per duty day or more frequently as necessary. Schedule any follow-up appointments and/or prescriptions required for continuity of care. Interprets/translates miscellaneous written material upon request by the TOPA Flight Commander. Participates in teleconferences as needed.
20. Tricare Operations & Patient Administration Provides inpatients with admission packages and surveys as appropriate. Coordinates supplemental care billing issues with host nation providers/facilities.
21. Records: responsible for creating, maintaining, and disposing of only those Government-required records that are specifically required.
22. Communication. The Patient Liaison shall establish and maintain rapport with appropriate MTF staff (military and civilian) and International SOS with whom interaction is essential for all care with daily huddles or as needed. This rapport will include open and professional communication with members of the MTF.
23. The contractor works in the clinic and is responsible for translating, processing, maintaining, and releasing medical records and referrals. The contractor is required to compile or extract medical records data to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
24. Host Nation Communication/Translation. Coordinates between the SGH, PCMs, International SOS, and German providers to facilitate the smooth delivery of health care. Translates American physicians’ requests for civilian care, specifically a patient’s medical condition and symptoms into German.
25. Patient Translation Services. Provides verbal interpretation for patients in need of urgent evaluations at Host Nation Emergency Rooms, Intensive Care Units, and Coronary Care Units during highly stressful and demanding situations, applying sound judgment and calmness while psychologically and emotionally supporting patients and their family members. In case of admission, accompanies the patient to receiving ward and initiates admission procedures. Provides immediate translation of the Emergency Room reports.
26. External Translation Services. Escorts and interprets during VIP tours at local civilian hospitals after clearance by the Commander, Administrator, SGH, or the TOPA Flight Commander. Translates articles from local newspapers that discuss changes in local healthcare policies from German and/or Dutch to English
27. Information Systems. Maintains and operates computer systems including word processing, database management, Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA), and Composite Healthcare Computer System (CHCS).
28. Data Management. Compiles information for a number of inpatient and outpatient visits and provides the data monthly for completion of statistical reports. Contacts German/Dutch medical facilities and private medical clinics to obtain information for various base facilities including Clinical Laboratory, Admissions and Dispositions Office, Bioenvironmental, Physical exams, and Immunizations clinic.
29. Patient Management. Provides patients routine information throughout regular business hours concerning the German/Dutch health care system, appointment waiting times, costs of diagnostic tests, location of hospitals and claim filing, appointment cancellation, and rescheduling. Provides information on health benefits and payment procedures to beneficiaries and partners with benefits coordinators when required. Refers patients to a benefits counseling and assistance coordinator (BCAC) for an explanation of procedures beyond his/her knowledge level. Assists billing agencies to handle beneficiary patients with multiple insurance coverage. Clarifies host nation written prescriptions for the 52 MDG Pharmacy and 852 MTF Pharmacy.
APPLICATION PROCESS