Medical Assistant – General Dermatology

Employment Duration: 6 months

Number of Openings: 5 positions are available

Location: San Francisco (Note: Each position will be at a different location in San Francisco – China Basin, Mission Bay, and Mt. Zion)

Department: General Dermatology

Under supervision, guided by Ambulatory Services policies and procedures, and in collaboration with Clinical Nursing Staff, the Medical Assistant II assists in the delivery of care to patients in an ambulatory multi-specialty group practice. The position performs a variety of personal care and nursing procedures, including assigned patient care and laboratory procedures in support of primary and specialty care services.

The Medical Assistant II is required to adhere to the Telephone and House Standards adopted by the Medical Center and may be asked to float to any UCSF Outpatient Dermatology site.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine clinical functions, including vital signs, height, weight, allergies, history of skin cancer, and documentation of chief complaints.
• Document use of interpreters as appropriate and work with interpreting services to facilitate interpreter participation for medical appointments in person, by phone, or by video when available.
• Assist nurses, providers, and patients in preparation for examinations and procedures.
• Successfully complete appropriate competencies to perform or assist with procedures required for the department specialty, including sterile processing procedures in the outpatient clinic and maintenance of appropriate logs.
• Clean and prepare instruments for transport to the sterile processing department.
• Act as a chaperone as needed for medical providers.
• Transport patients as directed and ensure their safety.
• Monitor patient flow in and out of the clinic.
• Obtain specimens and perform single laboratory procedures in accordance with policies and procedures for specimen handling and processing.
• Prepare paperwork for biopsies, ensure logbook documentation, transport biopsies to Dermpath, and review wound care with patients.
• Participate in updating mandatory logs, including temperature, disaster cabinet, and crash cart logs.
• Complete referrals to other providers as ordered by the physician.
• Obtain insurance authorizations for medications and procedures.
• Perform clinical activities accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist physician staff in writing and sending patient communications.
• Comply with Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies and procedures for infection control, safety, and administrative and clinical practice, including activities mandated by JCAHO/Title 22.
• Ensure medication cabinets remain locked at all times.
• Demonstrate courtesy, common sense, and follow-through in telephone communications while maintaining Medical Center Telephone Standards.
• Uphold the House Standards adopted by the Medical Center to support a professional and helpful working environment.
• Notify providers of patient delays and service issues and help facilitate provider punctuality to maintain optimal clinic schedules.
• Communicate provider delays to the front office team and make regular announcements to patients in waiting or exam rooms as needed when delays exceed 30 minutes.
• Share pertinent information and observations with other health team members.
• Identify and communicate problems to nursing staff or the appropriate supervisor.
• Offer suggestions for change or improvement in clinic and practice operations.
• Assist patients with issues and complaints using conflict management skills.
• Utilize APeX for documentation within the Hospital Assistant scope of practice, including:
  • Documenting vital signs, height, weight, and pain scale.
  • Entering patient chief complaint and history.
  • Entering patient-reported medications and allergies.
  • Ordering and signing POCT with signed protocol.
  • Documenting point-of-care test results.
  • Entering and pending scripted orders from providers.
  • Opening medication refill encounters for providers.
  • Scheduling laboratory, radiology, and other testing with a written order from a provider.
  • Opening telephone encounters.
  • Opening staff meetings.
• Work effectively as a team player, demonstrate a dedicated work ethic, and learn and adapt to new tasks when asked.
• Build rapport with patients quickly, work effectively with and without supervision, and remain calm and friendly in patient interactions.
• Maintain clean, well-stocked exam rooms, preceptor room, and lab.
• Order and maintain supplies and maintain lab equipment.
• Review the lab log of results and print results for providers.
• Schedule complex procedures and coordinate services for patients.
• Assign Hospital Assistant lunches and ensure clinic coverage.
• Maintain supply standards as directed by nursing staff or the appropriate supervisor.
• Adhere to infection control procedures outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
• Adhere to Ambulatory Services policies and procedures for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing equipment.
• Follow Everyday PRIDE Guide standards and expectations for communication and behavior, including Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence.
• Use effective communication skills with patients and staff, demonstrate appropriate telephone etiquette, assist patients and families with directions, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and maintain positive and supportive interactions.
• Demonstrate teamwork and model Living PRIDE standards.
• Exhibit tact and professionalism in difficult situations according to PRIDE Values and Practices.
• Adhere to privacy, confidentiality, and security policies and procedures related to Protected Health Information and other sensitive information.
• Adhere to safety and infection control policies and procedures.
• Assume accountability for improving department or unit quality metrics and meeting organizational and departmental targets.
• Keep work areas neat, orderly, and clutter-free, including hallways; follow cleaning processes and return items to their proper locations.
• Remove and report broken equipment and furniture.
• Pick up and dispose of litter found throughout the facility.
• Post flyers and posters only in designated areas.
• Correct or report unsafe conditions to the appropriate departments.
• Protect the physical environment and equipment from damage and theft.
• Perform other duties related to patient care activities as required.