Medical Assistant

Summary

The Medical Assistant is responsible for general clinical and procedural patient care under the direction and guidance of the center’s physicians or nurse practitioners.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Patient/Customer Focus: Makes patients and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; shows interest in and understanding of the needs and expectations of internal and external customers; gains patient trust and respect; meets or exceeds patient’s expectations

• In coordination with providers and other staff, ensures smooth and efficient patient flow.
• Interviews patients to obtain an appropriate history and current medical information for the patients’ record. Obtains check-in information including chief complaint, current medications list, vital signs, etc.
• Furnishes the patient with appropriate information on health-related issues, as directed by the physician/nurse practitioner.
• Documents all patient encounters using appropriate medical terminology. Ensures that patient charts are completed and documentation is in the patient’s chart.
• Meets state and national regulatory compliance issues. Provides a safe environment for patients and others.
• Displays excellent customer service skills.

Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Possesses, acquires and maintains the technical/ professional expertise required to do the job effectively. Demonstrates knowledge through problem solving, applying professional judgment and competent performance.

• As directed by the physician/nurse practitioner, independently performs procedures which may include venipuncture, administration of injections, pulmonary function tests, ear irrigations, ultra sound therapy, muscle stimulation, hot/cold packs, EKGs, breathing treatment, , lab testing, , dressing changes, wound cleaning, hearing and vision tests, etc.
• Properly sets up and assists physician/nurse practitioner with surgical and medical procedures, e.g. flex sigs, colposcopy, minor wound repair, foreign body removals, etc.
• Maintains a basic understanding of commonly dispensed pharmaceuticals, their indications, dosages, adverse reactions, and administration techniques. As directed by the physician/nurse practitioner, calls in prescriptions to the pharmacy. Properly inventories and orders routine medical and medically-related supplies and services.
• Upon physician/nurse practitioner order, advises patients of testing and referral results and ensures that appropriate follow-up call is provided.

• Explains billing process for SFS patients needing lab work, and lab discount information.
• Accurately record lab codes and diagnostic codes when drawing blood.
• Documents and submits billing codes for nurse visits on a daily basis..

Planning and Organizing: Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines necessary sequence of activities needed to achieve goals.

• Documents messages in EMR system, handles or distributes mail and faxes.
• Prepares patient documentation for clinician (have ER reports, test results, hospital records).
• Keeps exam room neat, clean and supplied.
• Responds to incoming and outgoing correspondence. Assures that appropriate signed releases are acquired and office records and forms are distributed and forwarded to appropriate parties.
• Takes messages off of the telephone line in a timely manner as directed by the Practice Manager.

Communication and Teamwork: Participates as an active and contributing member of a team to achieve team goals. Works collaboratively with others, involves others, shares information as appropriate, share credit for team accomplishments.

• Manages patient flow and pays attention to the needs of the patient and the clinician.
• Actively supports the Mission, Vision and Values of CHCGD.
• Actively participates in staff meetings, in-services and training sessions.
• Flexible to cover other office functions as needed.

Adaptability and Innovation: Adapts well to changes in assignments and priorities, adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions or unexpected obstacles. Uses creativity and imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies new solutions to problems.

• Remains open to feedback for improvement.
• Suggests new ways to address issues.
• Shares patient, office or workflow concerns and possible solutions for resolution.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned. Participates in quality initiatives and implements as necessary.

Qualifications

1. High School diploma or equivalent certificate; 0-2 years’ experience preferred.
2. Completion of an accredited medical assistant program required; certification preferred. Maintains current certification with CEU requirements.
3. Prior experience in an ambulatory health care facility preferred.
4. Ability to learn related center tasks and be of assistance to management, physicians, and nurse practitioners.
5. Self-motivated to achieve the highest patient care and customer service standards.
6. Current CPR certification.
7. Knowledge of ICD -10 and CPT coding.
8. Previous EMR experience preferred; computer experience required.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to see, sit, stand, bend, stoop, hear and lift up to 20 pounds. Must demonstrate manual dexterity in order to follow necessary clinical procedures.