Medical Assistant

Summary of Functions

The Medical Assistant will assist in providing medical triage and medical clinic services under the direction of clinic practitioners.  In addition, the Medical Assistant will provide basic office and administrative duties relative to a small rural primary care clinic.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in delivery of quality medical care in a dependable, responsible, respectful, safe, caring and culturally sensitive manner; obtain histories, assist in determining conditions, arrange consultations, administer treatments and medications, and provide prevention services in an outpatient clinic. Perform telephone consultations with patient, family, and/or specialists, coordinating care as indicated.   Accomplish tasks with attention to detail.
• Develop routines, guidelines and policies that will ensure continuity and consistency in the provision of care. Review and update x-ray, lab and pharmacy protocols and policies.
• Provide administrative support to clinic personnel to improve clinic operations and functions.    Review and approve budget requisitions.  Track patients for appropriate medical follow-up using chronic disease management software. Provide administrative updates to electronic medical record for new tests, services and referrals. Provide training to new employees as appropriate.
• Obtain preliminary health history, and make physical assessment, recognizing the range of “normal” and the manifestations of common abnormalities; record vital signs and all other pertinent information in electronic record; make appropriate referrals to other team members or provide the necessary service; document observations, assessment, interventions and therapeutic measures administered; prepare paperwork for ordered x-rays and laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, consultative services, etc. Schedule referrals as ordered, notifying patient of date and time of appointments. Follow up to ensure patient kept appointments and document if patient did not follow through on scheduled appointments.
• Instruct individuals in appropriate wound care, signs and symptoms of infection, care of sprains, strains and fractures, use of crutches and orthopedic equipment, diagnostic examination preparation, etc.
• Assist and obtain lab and x-ray services, including but not limited to drawing blood, running waived testing  and taking  x-rays; assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures; assist with casting, suturing, wound debridement, dressing, etc; operate a variety of medical equipment, electrocardiograms, audiometer, etc; assist in the provision of emergency treatment.
• Maintain close communication with Supervisor about clinic needs and complex patient care issues.  Comply with organizational deadlines, keep abreast of organizational updates.  Collaborate with other team members and colleagues to provide organized and effective care.
• Prepare for specialty services by ensuring that necessary supplies and equipment are available and work area set up to accommodate the particular activity; Order and maintain adequate supplies/inventory and equipment (audits, monthly assignments), order State vaccines; upkeep of the service areas (performing housekeeping tasks) and maintaining a safe environment; ensure that equipment is in working order.
• Maintain records in compliance with professional, federal and other applicable guidelines;   adhere to federal, state, and organizational standards for confidentiality. Submit immunization reports to the State in a timely manner.

• Maintain current knowledge and skills in a vast array of out-patient medical conditions present within the practice through ongoing continuing education.
• Maintain clean and sterile work environment both during and between patient visits, including but not limited to exam rooms and nursing station; maintain inventory and provide general supplies and materials stocking; perform some clerical tasks; serve on Committees as assigned by supervisor.
• Provide excellent customer service by greeting patients and guests in a professional and courteous manner; promptly answer multi-line phone system; screen and route calls and/or take message; provide  information such as hours of operation, services offered, appropriate referrals; serve as emergency response (911) contact in the event of Code Blue.
• Verify Patient insurance as indicated; correct/update patient information in electronic record system; research patient benefits as indicated, such as Medicaid, Medicare and third-party eligibility.
• Ensure that health record scanning and indexing is done in a timely manner.
• Adhere to all applicable tribal, federal, or state privacy laws and regulations, including but not limited HIPPA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• This job description does not list all of the duties of this job description. You may be instructed by management to perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education

• Certified Medical Assistant

Experience

• Minimum two year’s experience in ambulatory primary care environment

Skills

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft programs and other computer software.
• Knowledge and experience in providing administrative duties, such as overseeing projects, reviewing reports, and providing basic office duties.
• Knowledge to identify common disorders, identify diagnostic tests, assist with diagnostic examinations and instruct clients on diagnostic examination preparation
• Must be willing to receive training to perform basic x-rays
• Maintain of licensure/certification required 
• Knowledge of history, culture and health needs of Native American communities preferred 
• Must be well organized and able to handle conflicts and crisis in a professional manner.
• Must have excellent communications skills, both oral and written, be computer literate 

Other Requirements

• Certified Medical Assistant
• Valid driver’s license with insurable record

• Must pass background check and organizational credentialing process

• May be required to submit to yearly PPD test and must maintain current CPR certification.
• Hepatitis A & B vaccinations required.
• TB test screening required,

Physical Demands

• Requires the ability to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Requires standing, walking, sitting, bending and stooping for extended periods of time.

• Significant portions of the job require sedentary periods; constant work with computers, including extended periods of keyboarding; and repetitive motion of hands and wrists.

• Work may involve exposure to communicable diseases
• Will require protective gloves or other appropriate personal protective equipment for safety precautions

Work Environment

• The work is performed in a clinical setting 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

All employees shall refrain from any private business or activity, which might cause their personal interest to conflict with or affect the impartial discharge of their duties to the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Each employee must demonstrate personal integrity and is charged with the responsibility to serve and represent the Kalispel Tribe in a professional manner. Employees must be free and appear free of any activity, agreement, business investment, or interest in situations, which may interfere with that.

Hiring Preference: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Descendant or Spouse of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants. At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free work place. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment. Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation. 

Disclaimer: Certain Licenses and Certification requirements can be obtained once hired.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.