Pathology Processor

The Pathology Processor is responsible for supporting the Pathology and Labs Department through the accurate and timely processing, tracking, routing, and documentation of pathology and laboratory results. This position plays an essential role in maintaining continuity of patient care by ensuring pathology specimens and results are accurately documented, appropriately routed to providers, and followed through to completion.
The Pathology Processor works closely with providers, clinical staff, patients, and external pathology laboratories to ensure that results are received, processed, documented, and communicated according to established practice protocols.
The position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, knowledge of medical terminology and pathology workflows, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions:
• Adheres to the Arsenault Dermatology Values while providing exceptional service and maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism. 
• Receives, processes, logs, and tracks pathology results for assigned locations and providers. 
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date pathology tracking logs and department records on a daily and weekly basis. 
• Accurately reviews pathology documentation for completeness, including patient identification, specimen site, provider information, and other required information. 
• Processes pathology specimens and associated documentation according to established practice, laboratory, OSHA, and HIPAA protocols. 
• Confirms that specimens are appropriately labeled and that patient and specimen-site information correspond accurately. 
• Communicates with external pathology laboratories regarding specimen processing, missing information, status updates, and other pathology-related issues as directed. 
• Identifies discrepancies, missing information, or potential errors in pathology documentation and escalates them promptly to the appropriate provider or department leader. 
• Distributes pathology, laboratory, culture, and other applicable results to the appropriate providers or clinical team members according to established protocols. 
• Maintains awareness of outstanding pathology and laboratory results and performs appropriate follow-up to ensure results are received and processed in a timely manner. 
• Assists with required state reporting and maintains appropriate documentation as assigned.

Provider & Patient Care Coordination
• Communicates with providers regarding pathology results and treatment recommendations as directed. 
• Assists with coordinating provider-directed treatment plans following pathology results. 
• Coordinates with other departments and patients directly to ensure patients are contacted regarding results and recommended follow-up. 
• Assists with scheduling patients for recommended visits, procedures, or treatments when directed by the provider or established departmental protocols. 
• Coordinates outside referrals as directed by the provider. 
• Assists with identifying patients who have outstanding recommended treatment or follow-up related to pathology results. 
• Supports continuity of care by ensuring pathology-related follow-up is appropriately documented and communicated to the responsible team.

Documentation & Communication
• Documents all pathology-related communications and actions accurately and thoroughly in the EMR. 
• Maintains clear and complete documentation to support continuity of care and prevent gaps in follow-up. 
• Responds to pathology-related phone calls, messages, and internal requests promptly and professionally, including patient-facing text communications through Klara platform.
• Communicates effectively with providers, clinical staff, Patient Engagement, laboratory representatives, patients, and other healthcare professionals as appropriate to the role. 
• Maintains strict confidentiality and complies with all HIPAA privacy and security standards. 
• Follows all established policies, procedures, protocols, and quality-control requirements.

Administrative & Departmental Responsibilities
• Assists with maintaining accurate departmental records, logs, reports, and tracking systems. 
• Assists with identifying workflow issues and opportunities for improvement within the Pathology and Labs Department. 
• Works collaboratively with the PLD team and other departments to ensure efficient and accurate pathology workflows. 
• Assists with training and onboarding related to pathology processing procedures when assigned. 
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

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Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Completion of a formal medical assistant, nursing, medical office, laboratory, or comparable healthcare training program preferred. 
• Previous experience in a medical office, dermatology practice, pathology/laboratory setting, or comparable clinical environment preferred. 
• Knowledge of medical terminology required. 
• Knowledge of pathology terminology and common dermatologic diagnoses preferred. 
• Understanding of specimen handling and laboratory processing procedures preferred. 
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to identify discrepancies or potential errors. 
• Strong charting and documentation skills. 
• Ability to accurately enter and maintain information across multiple systems and tracking logs. 
• Ability to understand and adhere to established policies, procedures, protocols, and regulatory requirements. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient records and protected health information. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with patients, providers, coworkers, laboratories, and other healthcare professionals. 
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines. 
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team. 
• Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work within changing priorities. 
• Good judgment with the ability to recognize issues and escalate concerns appropriately. 
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, patient safety, and high standards of service.

Work Demands and Work Conditions
Normal medical office environment if onsite. Must be able to work from home independently in a HIPAA safe environment if remote.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time
The position requires sustained attention to detail, accurate data entry, organization, prioritization, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced healthcare environment.