Medical Assistant

SUMMARY

A Medical Assistant assists in the examination and treatment of patients under the direction of a Physician by performing the following duties. Depending upon training, experience and supervision, administers injections, performs EKGs and laboratory tests (venipuncture). A medical assistant performs basic administrative, clerical and technical support services for a licensed physician and must be able to follow the direction of supervisors and management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes but not limited to the following:    

•    Prepare patient for physician evaluation (e.g., room patient, take vitals, etc.). Interview patients, measures vital signs, such as pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height, and records information in patients' electronic medical record. 

•    Prepares treatment rooms for examination of patients. Assure prompt patient flow.

•    Assists physician with evaluation and treatment of the patient as directed by the physician.

•    Conducts various procedures as indicated (e.g., immunizations, injections, lab procedures such as rapid strep and flu tests, urinalysis, etc.). 

•    Administers medication by intradermal, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection only at direction of the physician and within the scope of practice for a Medical Assistant.

•    May perform point of care tests such as EKG’s, Urine HCG (pregnancy test), blood sugar, urinalysis, hemoccult, peak flow and nebulizer treatments within the scope of practice for a Medical Assistant.

•    Records complete and appropriate information in patient charts regarding symptoms, drug allergies, current medications and dosages.

•    Restock lab area daily, including all drawers and treatment trays.

•    Maintain inventory of medications and medical supplies, and follow all procedures regarding expired medications.

•    Assist in receiving and discharging patients.

•    Train other designated employees to take vital signs and prepare patients for physician evaluation.

•    Answer phones and return calls within defined time frames.  Perform various clerical functions as assigned by Management, monitor and order supplies and assist receptionists as needed.

•    Sterilize (autoclave) and wrap instruments.

•    Ability to calculate correct medication dosage using manufacturer’s dosage calculation charts.

•    Perform general cleaning duties, including: clean and restock treatment rooms and restrooms; clean spills on floors; continual cleaning of the general area, clean up after yourself, straighten and tidy reception area frequently, and spot clean any surface in need of immediate cleaning, including the outside of the clinic. 

•    Facilitates the coordination of care for individual patients by forwarding referrals to the referral coordinator, completing referral order forms for diagnostic studies, generating the visit summary for all patients, following up on overdue orders for referrals and diagnostics and obtaining test and referral results.

•    Displays effective communication skills with vulnerable patient populations. Vulnerable populations are patients who are made vulnerable due to their financial circumstances, place of residence, health, age, personal characteristics, functional or developmental status, ability to communicate and understand effectively regarding their health information and presence of chronic illness or disability

•    Maintains concise documentation in patients’ electronic medical records. 

•    Scans documentation into patients’ electronic medical records and updates appropriate care guidelines for tracking/performance reporting.

•    Follows evidence-based approaches to self-management support such as patient coaching and motivational interviewing.

•    Follows standing orders developed by SVMC such as testing protocols, medication refills, identifying care gaps such as vaccines and preventive services. These standing orders may be preapproved by the provider and are in adherence of California’s Scope of Practice for Medical Assistants.

•    Maintain current CPR certifications.

•    Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Must have Certificate of Medical Assisting from an accredited college or technical school; and have at least three months (preferably six months) related experience (e.g., health care setting, customer service, etc.) and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have a current BCLS/CPR certification. 

PREFERRED

Bilingual may be required at certain clinics or during certain shifts.

QUALIFICATIONS   

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE: The job holder must demonstrate current competencies applicable to the job position. 

•    Excellent customer service 

•    Problem resolution skills 

•    Critical thinking skills and ability to analyze datasets

•    Effective verbal and writing skills 

•    Microsoft Office knowledge (Word, Excel, and Outlook) 

•    Demonstrates customer-focused interpersonal skills and interacts effectively with practitioners, the interdisciplinary healthcare team, community agencies, patients, and families who may have diverse opinions, values, and religious and cultural ideals.

•    Demonstrates ability to work autonomously and be directly accountable for results

•    Demonstrates flexibility 

•    Exhibits capability to influence and negotiate individual and group decision making

•    Possesses skills to function effectively in a fluid, dynamic, and rapidly changing environment

•    Displays proven ability to positively influence behavior and outcomes

SKILLS: 

•    Skill in appropriate assessment and assistance techniques.

•    Skill in appropriate use of universal precautions, safe workplace and confidentiality methods.  

•    Skill in health information management by appropriately charting patient data.  

ABILITIES: 

•    Ability to work effectively as a team member with physicians and other staff. 

•    Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. 

•    Ability to appropriately interact with patients, families, staff and others. 

•    Ability to flexibly respond to changing demands. 

•    Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and direct the work of others. 

•    Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

•    Must have superior patient service attitude and skills. A CORE VALUES IS "PATIENT FIRST."  High patient satisfaction is of critical importance and all employees must strive to achieve 100% patient satisfaction.

•    Meets dress code standards; appearance is neat and clean. Personal hygiene and grooming meet appropriate standards for a medical office.

•    Completes annual educational requirements.

•    Maintains regulatory requirements.

•    Maintains patient confidentiality at all times and understands HIPAA rules. Never inappropriately accesses confidential patient information (e.g., does not access medical or billing records for self, family member, friend or acquaintance).

•    Observes OSHA and Cal-OSHA workplace safety rules. Familiar with the practice’s Illness & Injury Prevention Program (IIPP).

•    Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work within designated time.

•    Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.

•    Attends staff meetings.

•    Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner in the community.

•    Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.

•    Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the office.