Position Summary
The Interventional Radiology (IR) Clinic Nurse serves as the primary clinical liaison between patients, referring providers, and the Interventional Radiology team. This position focuses on patient communication, clinical triage, management of phone calls and electronic communications, patient education, obtaining records and authorizations, and coordinating pre- and post-procedure care. This role does not participate in procedural nursing, sedation, or procedure scheduling activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Patient Communication and Clinical Support
· Serve as a primary point of contact for patients receiving care through the Interventional Radiology service.
· Answer incoming patient phone calls and electronic messages in a timely, professional, and compassionate manner.
· Triage patient questions, concerns, and symptoms according to established protocols and escalate urgent clinical issues to the appropriate provider.
· Provide patient education regarding procedures, preparation instructions, medications, post-procedure expectations, and follow-up recommendations.
· Communicate provider recommendations, test results, and treatment plans to patients as directed.
· Support patients and families by addressing questions and helping navigate their care experience.
Clinical Documentation and Task Management
· Manage telephone encounters, electronic medical record (EMR) tasks, patient portal messages, and provider inbox communications.
· Document all patient interactions accurately and completely in the EMR.
· Process medication refill requests and prior authorizations in accordance with provider direction and organizational policy.
· Track and follow up on pending laboratory studies, imaging results, referrals, and provider orders.
· Complete forms, records requests, disability paperwork, and other patient-related documentation as assigned.
· Ensure timely completion and resolution of assigned clinical tasks.
Referring Provider and Care Coordination Support
· Communicate with referring providers, hospitals, imaging centers, and ancillary departments regarding patient care needs.
· Obtain outside medical records, imaging studies, laboratory results, and supporting documentation necessary for clinical evaluation and treatment planning.
· Facilitate communication between patients, providers, and care teams to ensure continuity of care.
· Assist with coordination of follow-up recommendations and ongoing patient management.
· Quality, Compliance, and Service Excellence
· Maintain compliance with HIPAA, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.
· Participate in departmental quality improvement and patient satisfaction initiatives.
· Maintain confidentiality of patient information and exercise sound judgment in all communications.
· Promote a positive patient experience through professional, courteous, and responsive service.
Qualifications
Required
· Current certification as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or current licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the applicable state.
· Minimum of two years of clinical experience in a physician office, specialty clinic, hospital, or related healthcare setting.
· Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
· Experience using electronic medical records and managing clinical communications.
Preferred
· Experience in Interventional Radiology, Vascular Surgery, Oncology, General Surgery, Cardiology, or other procedural specialties.
· Experience with telephone triage and patient care coordination.
· Familiarity with medical terminology, imaging studies, laboratory testing, and medication management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
· Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
· Ability to recognize urgent patient concerns and appropriately escalate to providers.
· Proficiency with EMR systems, patient communication platforms, and office software.
· Ability to work collaboratively with physicians, APPs, nurses, schedulers, and referring offices.
Physical Requirements
· Primarily sedentary work in an office or clinic environment.
· Frequent use of computers, telephones, and office equipment.
· Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds.
Performance Expectations
· Timely response to patient calls, portal messages, and assigned tasks.
· Accurate documentation and task completion.
· Effective communication with patients, providers, and referring offices.
· High level of professionalism, reliability, and customer service.
· Consistent adherence to clinic workflows, policies, and quality standards.
· Contribution to efficient patient care and continuity of services within the Interventional Radiology practice.