Genetic Counselor Assistant

About Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Job Description

This role will be supporting the general pediatric genetic counselors.

This is a full-time role working 8:30 am to 5 pm from the Lurie main campus.

Job Summary

The Genetic Counselor Assistant is a vital position aiding the genetic counselor in providing the best patient care, education, advocacy, and research collaborations. This role is a wonderful introduction to clinical and non-clinical genetics and will provide exposure and development of skillsets vital to delivering healthcare in the fast evolving field of genomic medicine. While this is an administrative and customer service role, the position requires high analytical and problem-solving skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Job Responsibilities

• Communicates with healthcare providers and patients to provide information regarding clinical and laboratory genetic services at Lurie Children’s Hospital under the direction of the genetic counselor. Communication can include information regarding genetic test ordering process, insurance authorization process, turn-around time of test results, price of genetic testing, and what to expect during clinical genetics appointments.
• Maintains databases, network drive folders, and insurance portals.
• Completes genetic testing requisition forms, including entries into Concert Genetics platform. Compiles appropriate medical records to be sent with requisition forms for whole exome/genome sequencing under the direction of the genetic counselor.
• Completes letter of medical necessity (LMN) templates for genetic tests and assists with insurance inquiries and appeals as directed by the genetic counselor. Obtain appropriate CPT code for genetic tests needed for LMN templates.
• Communicates with insurance plans regarding the status of insurance authorizations and submits appropriate paperwork for insurance appeals for genetic testing as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Communicates with families regarding the status of insurance authorizations for genetic testing as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Assists the genetic counselor in coordinating patient tests and evaluations such as coordinating lab and radiology appointments and evaluations with other specialists.
• Performs medical/scientific literature review as requested by the genetic counselor.
• Identifies and collates education materials on specific genetic disorders for patients as directed by a genetic counselor.
• Assists genetic counselors in the production of education materials.
• Assists genetic counselors in planning educational and advocacy events.
• Obtains medical records from patients, other institutions, and providers as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Completes medical and family history intake forms as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Assists with maintaining necessary paperwork for research studies.
• Performs administrative assistant duties such as copying, faxing, scheduling meetings, etc.
• For the Genetic Testing and Counseling Support Center, specific responsibilities also include: Triaging all telephone, group email, and in-basket message communications. Facilitating urgent test orders, such as those for newborn screen patients and rapid WES. Assisting healthcare providers and other laboratories to resolve problems related to genetic testing. Educating healthcare providers regarding Lurie Children’s genetic testing and insurance precertification process. Facilitating communication between Support Center genetic counselors and their colleagues in SSPC, Financial Clearance team, Hospital Billing, and other stakeholders. Pulling and formatting daily in-house test orders review document. Assisting in resolving complaints and issues that are directed to the Support Center.
• For the Center for Genomics (molecular genomics laboratory), specific responsibilities also include: Use genomic visualization software and literature databases to prepare Excel files for variant interpretation as directed by the genetic counselor. Research genetic testing options available at outside reference labs as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Other job functions as assigned.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in a science field preferred but not required.
• No prior experience required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to think critically and problem-solve effectively in a timely manner, take initiative and respond proactively, and work independently with guidance.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, genetics, healthcare insurance, and billing a plus but not required.

Key Skills/Competency

• Genetic Counseling Assistant
• Pediatric Care
• Genomic Medicine
• Patient Education
• Medical Records
• Insurance Authorization
• Healthcare Providers
• Clinical Genetics
• Research Support
• Administrative Support