Medical Assistant Ear, Nose and Throat

Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm-occasional late night may be required. 1 hour lunch period.

Pay Range:

This role will primarily support the clinic's instrument reprocessing and infection prevention workflows, with a strong focus on the sterile processing and high-level disinfection of surgical instruments and endoscopes. Responsibilities include proper cleaning, decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, and documentation of instruments and equipment in accordance with organizational policies, manufacturer guidelines, and regulatory standards.

In addition to instrument processing duties, this position will serve as a cross-trained backup to Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) and provide support for clinical operations as needed. Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with patient rooming, intake, and preparation for provider visits.
• Managing and responding to in-basket messages within the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Supporting medication prior authorization processes and prescription-related workflows.
• Completing and processing patient forms, medical documentation, FMLA/disability paperwork, and other administrative tasks.
• Providing general clinical and operational support to ensure efficient patient care and clinic flow.
• Collaborating with providers and staff to maintain continuity of care and support daily clinic operations.

This position may also require floating to other clinic locations within the organization to support operational needs during periods of low patient census, staffing shortages, or workflow demands. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to different clinical environments are essential.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, adherence to infection prevention standards, flexibility in supporting multiple clinic functions, and a commitment to delivering high-quality patient care and service.

Major Responsibilities:

• Prepares and rooms the patient for exam by obtaining vital signs and gathering/documenting/updating pertinent health information (i.e., chief complaint, allergies, and/or medications). Monitors and completes Clinical Integration/ Quality Improvement measures with notification to clinician for opportunities within their scope.
• Performs laboratory procedures (i.e., strep test, wound culture, specimen collection, etc.) using principles of aseptic technique and standard precautions/infection control guidelines.
• Assists the Physician/ Advanced Practice Professional (APP) with procedures  such as pelvic exams, allergy scratch testing, EMG, cautery, colposcopy, etc.
• Administers routine medications, under Physician/ APP orders or medical group approved standing orders/protocols, which may include but are not limited to immunizations, antibiotics, vitamins, and topical agents.
• Follows through with necessary procedure or test requests, pre-approved care algorithms, new appointment times and referrals to other facilities or services. Refers questions to Registered Nurses and Physician/APC per scope of practice guidelines and relays information back to patient as directed.
• Communicates with Physician/APP and other members of the health care team to ensure smooth clinic flow and adjusts as necessary.  Effectively communicates accurate and timely information with the patient.
• May perform basic and advanced clinical support tasks or skills based on the specialty and appropriate   competencies such as but not limited to removal of sutures and staples, laboratory procedures (throat/nose culture, drug screen), phlebotomy - butterfly, venous heel stick, EKG, spirometry, Holter monitor application, prescription refills using approved protocols, etc., under clinical supervision.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.  Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.  Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) required

Current Medical Assistant certification from one of the following is required: 

• CMA from American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
• CCMA from National Health career Association (NHA)
• NCMA from National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
• RMA from American Medical Technologists (AMT).   
• RMA from American Allied Health
• NCMSMA from National Healthcare Worker’s Association (NHCWA)
• NRCMA from National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP)
• NRMA from National Registry of Medical Assistants (NRMA) 

Education Required:

• Graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant program  required

Experience Required:

• 1 yr experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Ability to perform routine and complex technical skills, within the Medical Assistant scope of practice after demonstrated competency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with a variety of patients, team members and physicians.
• Proficient computer skills including keyboarding, navigation within a windows operating system, and use of electronic mail with exposure to electronic medical records systems.
• Demonstrates customer service skills that support a positive patient experience.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, crawl, kneel, climb, and reach above shoulders throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds without assistance.  For patient lifts over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other team member, when available.
• Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a Case by -case basis.
• Must have functional speech, vision, hearing, and touch with ability to use fine-hand manipulation skills. 
• Will be exposed to the following hazards on a frequent basis: mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood and body fluids.  Will be required to wear protective clothing and equipment as needed. 
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties

Our Commitment to You:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training

• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job

• Incentive pay for select positions

• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs

• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses

• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave

• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs

• Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.