Medical Assistant

Description

JOB SUMMARY: 

Responsible for assisting providers with patient care, clerical, and organizational tasks. Responsible for patient flow, appointment scheduling and chart management. Provides information to patients so they may fully utilize and benefit from the clinic services. Conveys a positive image of clinic.  

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Controls the patient flow in the clinic for the providers. Coordinates with co-workers to ensure all necessary clinical services are provided on date of service. Emphasis placed on excellent patient satisfaction. 
• Prepares patient charts for the appointment: by reviewing and gathering all relevant information from a patient's medical record, including past medical history, current medications, lab results, imaging studies, and recent progress notes, to ensure the healthcare provider has a complete picture of the patient's health status before adding new information during an upcoming appointment or procedure and ensure that the chart is complete in Electronic Health Record (EHR) before closing.  
• Prepares the patients for examinations and/or special procedures. Obtains and records vital signs (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, pain, and temperature). Interviews patients to identify current medical needs and relevant patient history. Reconciles medications at every visit. Documents findings in medical records.   
• Documents patient care observation and activities according to professional standards and procedures.  
• Performs clinical duties as assigned by Nurse or Provider. Assists Provider with examination of patient, treatment, special tests, and procedures.  
• Generates report/list and proactively reminds patients/families of preventative services that are needed such as flu shot, wellness screenings, labs, etc. 
• Will manage boxes in EHR of outstanding tasks, alerts, or pending actions related to patient care timely and accurately. 
• Schedules lab work, specialist visits, completes necessary paperwork to ensure proper billing, and completes provider orders timely. Verify and update patient data. Assist patients with completion of paperwork, as required. Ensures lab orders are entered to avoid delay. 
• Processes all patient referrals and required follow through. Maintains and keeps updated referral report. 
• Upon completion of the initial and annual medication proficiency test, the clinical staff may administer medications according to Medication Administration policy. 
• Administers immunizations and injections after reviewing immunization record/schedule, potential allergic reactions, identifies and reviews side effects and treatments.  
• Performs venipunctures, capillary punctures, specimen collection/preparation/testing and other lab functions as requested.  
• Participates in code team training and immediately initiates an appropriate emergency response/procedure when codes are called (to include performing CPR, managing airways, administering medications, and coordinating evacuation procedures in case of a fire). 
• Participates in scheduled training programs including HIPAA compliance, online learning modules, and classroom training. 
• Based on the staffing needs of the department, employee will assist in other provider areas as assigned by Supervisor. 
• Reports to work on a regular and consistent basis.    

Requirements

EDUCATION: 

High school graduate or equivalent required.  

1. Graduate of an accredited Medical Assisting training program or 
2. Medical Assistant in the military (DD214), or 
3. EMT-A or paramedic is required.  

*An exception may be granted to individuals that have not attended an accredited training program but do have (i) a national certification in medical assisting and (ii) a minimum of 2 years of medical assisting experience. Such exception may only occur following (i) a thorough evaluation of the individual’s experience; training/education; skills and qualifications, (ii) a determination by the Director of Nursing that such individual has the requisite skills and knowledge to perform as a Medical Assistant and (iii) written approval from two Executive Committee members.* 

EXPERIENCE:  

One year working as a medical assistant with experience in a Physician’s office or other clinical facility recommended but not required.  

REQUIREMENTS: 

• The employee must pass initial clinical skills competencies and initial and annual medication proficiency exam (with an 80% or better).  
• Maintains current BLS/CPR certification.  

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Knowledge of health care field. 
• Knowledge of medical terminology. 

SKILLS: 

• Skill in performing assistance tasks appropriately. 
• Skill in communication, tact, and customer service. 
• Skill in use of computer. 

ABILITIES: 

• Ability to exercise professionalism in dealing with all levels of personnel, patients, and patients’ families. 
• Ability to communicate clearly. 
• Ability to learn and retain information regarding patient care procedures. 
• Ability to complete tasks as directed by provider and nursing staff. 
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and caring in dealing with others. 
• Ability to deal with many tasks at one time with flexibility. 

ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS: 

• Primarily clinical setting. 
• May be subject to infectious materials through the collection or handling of body fluids (i.e., blood, urine, sputum), caring for patients with highly infectious/contagious diseases. 
• Initial Hepatitis B screening and initial and annual TB screening/testing is required. 
• Occasional stress due to workload pressure. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: 

• Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time. 
• Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 20 pounds.  
• Frequently required to talk, hear, eye/hand coordination as well as keyboarding. 
• Occasionally stooping, lifting, grasping, pushing/pulling and grip strength. 

HIPAA: 

This position should have full access to information in a patient’s medical record, to provide quality patient care. Patient information is to be held strictly confidential. Patient information will not be used or disclosed for any purpose other than the performance of job responsibilities and duties. Access to a user’s own medical record and/or family members medical records is strictly prohibited unless related to job responsibilities. 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT STATEMENT: 

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

SouthCoast Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants selected for employment will be subject to pre-employment drug screening.