Description: Job Summary:
The Bariatric Clinic Coordinator will serve as the institutional expert and primary point of contact for implementing new ASMBS (American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) Guidelines into clinical practice. This individual will serve as the intermediary between Health plan, Permanente Medicine, and our regional health partners to maintain Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence Designation in close partnership with the Service Line Medical Director. This individual will collaborate with Utilization Management to ensure that all components of the Medical Coverage Policy are met.
Essential Responsibilities:
Data Collection and Reporting: Oversees collection of preoperative, intraoperative, 30-day postoperative, and long-term (six month and annual thereafter) follow-up data components for the program through the effective utilization of the hospital medical record systems and through a coordinated effort with bariatric team and partner programs. Identifies streamlining and process improvement opportunities in the data collection process. Demonstrates appropriate utilization of resources necessary to obtain valid, reliable data for entry into the program. Utilizes software applications for data collection and analysis. Responsible for the accurate, complete and timely entry of data into the database. Participates in data compilation for audit and (re) accreditation for site visits.The Coordinator will help administrate the MBS Committee and must attend at least two of the three required meetings, one of which must be the annual comprehensive review meeting, as well as the majority of all other meetings. The MBS Coordinator assists in program development, managing the accreditation process, ensuring continuous compliance with MBSAQIP Standards, maintaining relevant pathways and protocols, patient education, monitoring outcomes data and collection, quality improvement initiatives, and the education of relevant staff with a focus on metabolic and bariatric patient safety. The MBS Coordinator supports the development of written protocols and education of nursing staff detailing the rapid communication and basic response to critical patient findings that are specifically required to minimize delays in the diagnosis and treatment of serious adverse events. Manages all of the requirements of the Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Program.Maintains and ensures patient pre-operative and post-operative accredited compliance.Works closely with the Medical Director to identify issues with the workflow and provides evidenced based solutions.Coordinates verification that submitted candidates have been optimized.Serves as institutional resource for staff and surgeons regarding all aspects of bariatric care and subsequently provides data driven solutions.Maintains a strong knowledge of the Kaiser Medical Coverage Policy for Obesity/Bariatric Surgery and ability to interpret the Medical Coverage Policy to determine patients potential candidacy for bariatric surgery. Communicates and coordinates with Kaiser Utilization Management Physicians.Maintains a strong knowledge of pre-surgical and post-surgical requirements designated by ASMBS and Kaiser bariatric surgeons for bariatric surgery.Ensures meeting of standards and program compliance by educating staff on Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence protocols.Closely works with the Medical Bariatric Director with establishing and implementing new workflow.Coordinates and develops strategies to meet the changing needs of the Bariatric Surgery Program.Serves to provide Bariatric consultative support to the Bariatric Surgery Program and as primary point of contact for any program-related inquiries.Helps Facilitate Interdisciplinary Bariatric Meetings with Kaiser, and other healthcare partners.Collaborates with the surgical team on bariatric revision candidates.Oversees the nutrition component of patients receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition or IV hydration and collaborates with the medical team and pharmacy to minimize total time spent receiving nutrition support in order to minimize potential complications and cost to institution.Corresponds with external Bariatric Surgery Coordinators and Nutritionists at tertiary care centers to ensure patient has completed all of the Kaiser pre-surgical requirements and external coordinators have received all appropriate documentation (i.e faxing behavioral health evaluations to external coordinators, providing contact numbers for Kaiser specialty doctors, etc.).Identifies need for in-services and coordinates with leaderships, medical team, and subject matter experts as needed.Performs other related duties as directed.
Additional Requirements:

Demonstrates strong leadership skills.
Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to function independently.
Ability to delegate and coordinate with other professionals.
Customer service skills required.
Medical terminology knowledge required.
Proficiency in the use of applicable computer software.
Ability to function in fast paced, standard office environment with constant interruptions and change.


Preferred Qualifications:

Five (5) years of experience working in the field of Bariatric Surgery.

Basic Qualifications:
Experience

Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in the field of Bariatric Surgery.

Education

Bachelors degree in nursing, nutrition or related field OR four (4) years of directly related experience.
High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.

License, Certification, Registration

Dietitian Certificate (Washington) OR Registered Nurse License (Washington)

Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Masters degree in Nursing, nutrition or related field.