Newborn Screening Follow-up Technician

MPHI is a Michigan-based and nationally engaged, non-profit public health institute. We are a team of teams, process and content experts, dedicated to building A world where tomorrow is healthier than today!

Title: Newborn Screening Follow-up Technician

$23.77 - $30.98 / Posted Thru: 6-3-25

• Location: Remote/Virtual - Must Live and Work in Michigan

Purpose: The position is based in the NBS Follow-up Section within the Lifecourse Epidemiology and Genomics Division at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in Lansing. The function of the work area is to ensure that all Michigan newborns are screened for specified genetic disorders using dried blood spot specimens. Staff in the work area must ensure that affected infants are promptly referred for diagnosis and treatment. This position, after rigorous training in the use of a complex PerkinElmer Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), performs a range of newborn screening follow-up assignments. This position is responsible for reporting abnormal and other newborn screening results to physicians and medical management coordinating centers. This position's duties are part of the first critical steps in assuring prompt referral for diagnosis and treatment. Working every third Saturday (with an alternate weekday off) and rotating holidays is required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Review and prioritize the abnormal and other newborn screening results for further reporting to providers.

• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the Perkin Elmer Patient Care and Life Cycle algorithms to independently generate appropriate "action needed" reports for physicians and medical management coordinating centers.
• Establish priorities for reporting results to physicians and medical management coordinating centers and confirm that results are received, and action is taken.
• Review follow-up policies and procedures and make recommendations to improve the follow-up process to the departmental specialist and program manager.
• Follow procedures for appropriate action and generate follow-up reports based on complex decision-tree algorithms.
• Maintain records of all reports and communications regarding newborn screening follow-up actions.
• Use databases and make independent decisions that directly affect the health of newborns with screening results requiring immediate follow-up.
• Assist departmental specialist as required.

Ensure that follow-up specimens are received on all newborns with borderline positive results, isolated analyte elevations, and other abnormal results.

• Notify physicians and/or parents of the need for repeat screening by fax, letter and/or telephone using the "pending action" functions in the Perkin Elmer Patient Care algorithm.
• Maintain records of all contacts and attempted contacts with physicians and parents regarding the necessity of repeat testing. This involves extensive use of the "notes" tool within the Patient Care module to ensure proper documentation that every case has timely follow-up.
• Monitor database and follow procedures for next actions.

Respond to written and telephone inquiries from the public and health care professionals regarding the status of the newborn screening test and re-test results. This often involves confidential information, so strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines is mandatory.

• Respond to requests from health care professionals for newborn screening results by sending a copy of the newborn screening laboratory report from the Perkin Elmer laboratory database. Requests may be received by telephone, fax, mail, or email.
• Respond to inquiries received from the public and health care professionals concerning newborn screening results. Interpret level of complexity and analyze if referral to nurse consultant, quality assurance coordinator or manager is warranted. Inquiries may be received by telephone, fax, mail, or email.
• Review and forward inquiries about the newborn screening process received by phone, mail/email or fax from the public and health care professionals to appropriate staff members. Inquiries may be received by telephone, fax, mail, or email.

Other duties as assigned

• Follow procedure to track down missing newborn blood spot screens when notified by program staff.
• Attend section and division meetings.
• Always represent the best interests of MDHHS and MPHI.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education: Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience: No specific type or amount is required, but experience in a healthcare setting, familiarity with HIPAA, and experience working with complex computer software and data entry applications is preferred.

Important Skills and Characteristics:

• Must have the ability to understand complex computer systems.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task are imperative for this position.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: This position will work in a fully remote setting and is expected to be available during standard business hours. Occasional travel to the Lansing office will be needed to secure supplies. Involves significant computer-related activities including keyboarding and viewing a computer screen, frequent telephone, fax, and email communication. Job may occasionally require moderate physical effort such as lifting and transporting materials.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: No assigned responsibility.

IMPACT ON PROJECTS, SERVICES AND OPERATIONS: This position plays a critical role in assuring successful operations of the Newborn Screening Follow-up Program.

REQUIRED COMMUNICATION

"For purposes of employment standards, this classification is Non-Exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act."

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