Medical Assistant

Summary: 

The Medical Assistant provides an understanding approach to patient care, is responsive to patient needs, maintains confidentiality, provides support to patients during examinations, testing, and procedures, and ensures smooth transitions during patient sessions.

To provide patient-centered care the Medical Assistant assists in the examination and treatment of patients under the direction of a provider. Interview patients, and measure vital signs (i.e., pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height). May draw and collect blood samples from patients and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis. Assists provider with or performs procedures/testing as directed or by protocol. Prepares treatment rooms for the examination of patients. Follows up with patients providing educational resources, appointment information, and referrals. Ensures that patients' records are accurately documented.

The Medical Assistant approaches work with a can-do attitude, works collaboratively with the clinical and office staff, and looks to improve operations or resolve problems with thoughtful consideration and responsiveness to the needs of others.

The Medical Assistant II is proficient in the Essential Functions and the Practice Specific Skills Inventory for this level. The Medical Assistant II may advance to the Medical Assistant III.

Job Responsibilities: 

1) Patient and Room Preparation - Based on patient intake data, assess exam requirements and prepare room and patient for exam, treatment, or procedure. Ensures all necessary equipment is available and provides patients with appropriate education materials. Reviews patient and physician schedules to prepare for the day and makes appropriate changes and suggestions for improved patient access and patient flow. Tests all specialized equipment and contacts Clinical Engineering for repair. Reports any non-compliance or concerns to the Supervisor/Manager Joint Commission, DPH, and organizational infection controls standards.

2) Patient Intake and History - Accurately and within the established time frame, gather and/or confirm patient information including personal data (name, address, etc.) and clinical information (health maintenance, vitals, medication, the reason for visit, etc.) to ensure accurate patient record for evaluation and treatment. Demonstrates proficient understanding of and uses Clinical Information Systems (CIS) and Centricity to enter patient information. Following established departmental protocols answer telephone and gather information for provider and/or nurse. Independently relays information and outcome to patient appropriate to scope and level of experience.

3) Clinical Orders - Independently implements provider's orders including standing orders and protocols to maintain the flow of patient care, testing for appropriate treatment, and coordination of care with the clinical team. Accurately refill prescriptions based on protocol, track and prepare controlled substance contracts, prescriptions, and necessary testing obtain prior authorization for medication and imaging, and complete incoming forms.

4) Assisting Provider - Available for chaperoning and to assist provider as needed. Assists providers with procedures. Sets up and cleans exam/procedure room. Anticipates the needs of the provider

5) Procedures - Performs procedures independently as approved by the provider, including EKG, vision and hearing screening, point of care testing, etc. Immunizations may only be administered in conjunction with Baystate Medical Practices Policy BMP-MM012

6) Documentation - Accurately and within the established time frame, complete all documentation. Ensures that patient and provider information is complete. Able to independently document procedures performed during nurse visits.

7) Patient Discharge - Schedule appointments and process referrals. Provide patient education materials and ensure materials are available in-patient rooms. Cleans room and prepares for the next patient. Asks questions when presented with new situations. Under the direction of the provider or nurse, review instructions with the patient.

8) Communication/Leadership - Communicates with care and leadership team to ensure smooth patient hand-offs and raises red flags as needed.

9) Completes referrals and prior authorizations as needed. Completes surgical and procedure scheduling.

10) May be required to float to or cross-train in other practices or departments based on organizational and patient needs.

Practice Specific:  In some specific service lines, the incumbent may have to:

1.    Assist in visits and procedures for patients seeking abortion services or services for pregnancy loss, such as collecting supplies, printing consents, organizing instruments and medications, and/or assisting during the insertion of cervical dilators for surgical abortion procedures.
2.    Assist the provider with pelvic and breast exams for all patients.
3.    Assist with cervical cytology screening and filling out appropriate forms.
4.    Assist with in-office surgical procedures such as miscarriage management, biopsies, colposcopy, and LEEP procedures of the cervix.
5.    Assists with transgender and non-binary patients seeking gender-affirming therapy and/or surgery.

Minimally Required Experience:

Graduate of an accredited MA program OR demonstrated competencies of MA II (evaluated by hiring manager for level hiring for) with minimum 3 years’ current relevant medical assistant experience in a medical practice setting.

Preferred: Registered/Certified by a third-party credentialing body which can be obtained through: 1. Registered through Medical Assistant (ARMA) 2. Registered through American Medical Technologist (AMT) association; or 3. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through the National Healthcare Association (NHA); or American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA); or 4. Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) through National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.