GENERAL SUMMARY

Provides clinical support to physicians as it relates to patient care.  Maintains examination rooms and drug sample cabinets by ensuring they are clean, well stocked, and up to date.  Performs some telephone triage based on patient symptoms, and provides routine information to patients regarding their condition, diagnostic results (non-abnormal), and medications.  Completes related paperwork.  Provides back-up support to receptionists, office assistants, and cashiers.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.         Prepares patients for physician by taking vital signs (blood pressure and weight, and temperature when symptoms warrant), obtaining chief complaints and filling out prescription refills.  Locates and enters missing information in chart at physician request.  Ensures that patients are in rooms and ready to be seen by physicians on schedule.  Communicates results of patient preparation to physician (i.e., information requested but not shared by patient, etc.).

2.         Assists physicians in exams and procedures as requested.  Medical assistant presence is required for all gynecological exams and sigmoidoscopies.

3.         Performs tests and procedures, including, but not limited to: EKG's, pulmonary function testing, vision testing, strep tests, urinalysis, urine straight catheterization, suture removals, injections, holter monitors, ear irrigations, and stool for occult blood cards.  Reminds physician to include procedures on route slips.

4.         Arranges patient admissions, including calling Bed Management for a bed, transporting patients to the hospital, ensuring physician progress notes accompany patient, and precertification occurs when necessary.

5.         Assists patients with answers to questions or other requests.

6.         Assists in scheduling tests, return visits, and filling out requisition forms as necessary (patients may schedule own tests whenever possible).

7.         Ensures exam rooms, procedure rooms, lab area, drug sample cabinets, specialty trays and equipment are in clean condition, stocked and in good working order.  Notifies Clinical Office Coordinator or designee of supply shortages and equipment malfunction.

8.         Sorts and distributes information from physician "out" boxes.  At physician request, make routine (non-abnormal) information calls to patients regarding their condition, diagnostic test results, and medication.  Triages incoming calls based on patient symptoms, and contacts physicians with time-sensitive or urgent information.  Calls other departments for patient information as needed or requested; calls in prescriptions.

9.         Documents phone contacts, medications and other relevant information in patient chart.

10.       Completes HMO referrals at physician request.

11.       Works as part of a medical team, and provides support to other medical assistants, receptionists, cashiers and office assistants voluntarily or as requested when time permits.

12.       Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships.  Approaches conflict in a constructive manner.  Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.

13.       Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.  Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places.

14.       Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of St. Joseph Mercy Health System.

15.       Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.

16.       Provides quality patient care by considering the age specific, developmental and cultural needs through competent clinical practice.  Demonstrates unit/area competencies.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE

1.         High School Education or equivalent.

2.         Six months of medical assistant training and medical office experience, or relevant combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1.         Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with physicians, patients, coworkers and other department representatives throughout the Health System.

2.         Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail when assisting physicians and patients.

3.         Basic computer skills necessary to learn a variety of hardware and software.