Medical Assistant

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Medical Assistant I performs duties and responsibilities related to patient care in the ambulatory clinic environment.  The incumbent displays responsible behaviors, communicates effectively to others and functions as a member of the healthcare team. The Medical Assistant I functions under the direct supervision and authority of the physician or other licensed provider when performing clinical tasks during patient care. The incumbent maintains an inventory of examination/procedure room supplies, assists in the organization of efficient patient flow, and organizes the clinic environment to assure patient safety. The Medical Assistant I demonstrates problem-solving skills as they relate to patient care activities, provides outstanding customer service skills including empathy, compassion, respect, efficiency and professionalism when interacting with internal and external customers. Provides guidance for and acts as a role model for other medical assistants in the clinical area. Prioritizes (triages) patient needs identified through phone, electronic, and walk-in communication, and returns patient messages timely.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in the performance of patient care: Rooms patients, obtains weight, vital signs, BMI, patient history, collection of specimens, assists practitioners with procedures, complete forms, requisitions and consents as required, documents in EMR
• Able to elicit medical information from patients including but not limited to health history, medication changes, chief complaint and other pertinent health information.
• Records and documents health information accurately, appropriately, and timely on a consistent basis.
• Preps chart for patient office appointments, including retrieving labs, tests, imaging, and hospital notes.
• Requests records on all new patients, if needed.
• Administers injections as ordered by provider, if applicable
• Demonstrates accurate, timely, and efficient follow through with pharmacy refills, scheduling outgoing orders and referrals, obtaining, reporting, and tracking lab results, leaving phone messages, and distributing faxes in accordance with clinic policies, procedures, and provider guidance
• Responsible for daily stocking of equipment and supplies in assigned rooms.
• Able to identify and notifies provider of critical changes to patient’s status.
• Prepares and closes medical records accurately, appropriately, and timely on consistent basis.
• Answers patient questions regarding procedures and medications as appropriate within scope of practice.
• Add to top where it says demonstrates.
• Knowledge of all patient programs and scheduling process for all programs such as: chronic kidney disease education, nutrition, and other patient-related classes.
• Communicates information in an accurate, concise, and timely and professional manner.
• Travels to various locations as scheduled.
• Coverage for other medical assistants as needed
• Follows all processes and procedures uniformly.
• Follows HIPAA and other privacy policies and assures confidentiality of information in written and verbal communications.
• Accepts responsibility for individual actions and judgments.
• Conducts all activities in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and practice policies and procedures.

• Escalates issues to supervisor for resolution, as necessary.
• Review and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state, and federal laws, and regulations.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians. 
• The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels.  May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.  
• Travel may be required.

SUPERVISION:

• None

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification or licensure as required by state.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• 1 – 2 years’ related experience preferred, but not required.
• Medical office experience preferred.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal and communication skills with patients, families, physicians and other health care team members in order to foster optimal quality of outpatient care.
• Intermediate computer skills and experience with electronic medical office systems such as electronic medical records, scheduling programs, credit card machines, manage phone systems standard office equipment and any new technology that arises.
• Bilingual ability preferred.