Lab Associate I
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$18.39/hr
Respond to "code purple" and document findings. * Trainer for the department Lab Assistants and ... other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory. * Prepares and maintains complete and ...
Lab Associate I
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$18.39/hr
Respond to "code purple" and document findings. * Trainer for the department Lab Assistants and ... other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory. * Prepares and maintains complete and ...
Substance Use Disorder Counselor (Jessup)
Jessup, MD · On-site
$33/hr
The Counselor maintains clinical chart per the Code of Maryland (COMAR) regulations and requirement ... Associate degree in Health and Human Services counseling field and an Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT ...
Substance Use Disorder Counselor (Jessup)
Jessup, MD · On-site
$33/hr
The Counselor maintains clinical chart per the Code of Maryland (COMAR) regulations and requirement ... Associate degree in Health and Human Services counseling field and an Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT ...
Trainee Clinical Coder information
What is a trainee clinical coder?
Trainee Clinical Coders are entry-level professionals who learn to translate medical diagnoses, procedures, and treatments from patient records into standardized codes. These codes are used for healthcare billing, data analysis, and ensuring accurate medical records. As trainees, they typically work under supervision while studying for accreditation and gaining hands-on experience in hospitals or healthcare settings. The role requires attention to detail, understanding of medical terminology, and adherence to coding standards such as ICD-10 and OPCS-4.
What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a trainee clinical coder?
To thrive as a Trainee Clinical Coder, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of medical terminology, often supported by GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Familiarity with coding classification systems like ICD-10, OPCS-4, and hospital information systems is typically required, and completing the National Clinical Coding Qualification (UK) can be an asset. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities help you work efficiently with clinical staff and handle complex information. These competencies ensure that medical records are coded accurately, supporting effective healthcare delivery, billing, and data analysis.
What are some typical challenges trainee clinical coders face when learning to interpret medical records?
Trainee Clinical Coders often encounter challenges in understanding complex medical terminology and deciphering handwritten or incomplete clinical notes. It's common to feel overwhelmed when first trying to translate detailed patient records into standardized codes, as accuracy is crucial for billing and patient care. Many trainees find it helpful to ask questions, use coding manuals, and collaborate closely with experienced coders and clinical staff to build confidence and competence over time.
What is the difference between Trainee Clinical Coder vs Clinical Coder?
| Aspect | Trainee Clinical Coder | Clinical Coder |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | Typically enrolled in training or certification programs | Certified or fully qualified in clinical coding |
| Work Experience | Entry-level, on-the-job training | Previous experience or completed training |
| Work Environment | Supervised, learning environment in hospitals or clinics | Independent or team-based coding tasks |
| Job Responsibilities | Assisting with coding under supervision | Assigning accurate codes to medical records |
The main difference is that a Trainee Clinical Coder is in the learning phase, gaining skills and certifications, while a Clinical Coder is fully qualified and responsible for independently coding medical records. Trainees are supervised and still developing their expertise, whereas qualified coders perform the role autonomously.
How to become a trainee clinical coder?
To become a trainee clinical coder, candidates typically need a relevant qualification such as a health information management or medical coding certification, along with good knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems like ICD and CPT. Some roles require prior healthcare experience or training programs offered by healthcare organizations or professional bodies. On-the-job training often accompanies entry-level positions, and strong attention to detail is essential.
$18.39/hr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 11 days ago
ExamOne rating
6.6
Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
96th of 120 rated laboratories
Job description
Lab Associate I - Chantilly, VA, Tuesday to Saturday, 6:30 PM to 3:00 AM
Department: TB Blood Testing
This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures.
Pay range: $18.39 - $27.58 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
- Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
- Best-in-class well-being programs
- Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
- healthyMINDS mental health program
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time
- 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
- FinFit financial coaching and services
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Annual incentive plans
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
- Career advancement opportunities
- and so much more!
Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Investigates and resolve missing samples in the department.
- Respond to "code purple" and document findings.
- Trainer for the department Lab Assistants and completes training/competency checklists as appropriate.
- Resolves pending list in coordination with Lab Assistants and Medical Lab Scientists.
- Liaison for the department and technical support
- Creates manual testing worksheets in the department.
- Maintains files for department records.
- Report problems/potential problems to the supervisor.
- Special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Assist with the department Improvement Program.
- Coordinates obtaining samples for Instrument Comparisons, reagent lot testing method comparisons, etc.
- Perform routine instrument maintenance on some equipment, under direct and constant supervision. Activity must be signed-off by license-qualified personnel.
- Assist in preparation of chemicals, reagents and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement.
- Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
- Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
- Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately.
- Assists license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post- analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
- Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices.
- Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
- Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing.
- Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
- Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
- Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
- Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
- Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
- Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
- Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Education Preferred:
- High School Graduate or equivalent required.
- 2-3 years of college courses preferred.
Work Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience preferred
Physical and Mental Requirements:
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand.
- Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
- Have good eye and hand coordination.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Knowledge of medical terminology helpful.
- Ability to work independently, employing research skills and flexibility.
- Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
- Broad knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures.
- Ability to establish work priorities and to handle several tasks for maximum department efficiency.
- Contact with clients will be required, good customer service skills important.
- A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
- An awareness of the factors that influence test results.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Strong typing skills desirable.
- Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
- Other automation skills helpful.
About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.