Medical Assistant II

POSITION SUMMARY: The Medical Assistant provides paraprofessional medical assistance services to patients at Imperial Valley Healthcare District  and to assist physicians, physician assistant, nurse practitioner and nurses in patient care. Receives general supervision from a licensed physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner (within his/her scope of practice) who is physically present in the treatment facility during the performance of assigned duties or procedures.  The supervising physician, PA/NP may provide written instructions to be followed by a medical assistant in the performance of tasks or supportive services.  Such instructions may provide that a physician's assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse may assign and supervisor tasks authorized by the physician.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Coordinate clinic arrangements, including checking equipment operation; select, pack and transport clinic equipment and supplies to clinic sites; set up stations; and prepare rooms with appropriate and adequate supplies and equipment for examination and treatment.
2. Conduct patient check-in; review forms and documents for completion; take and record history of patient problem; assess nature and urgency of patient problem; maintain adequate patient flow; collect and receipt payments; and assist in gathering statistics.

3.     Perform health and diet screenings; take and chart vital signs and other pertinent information; perform ECG';s peak flows and various other screening tests such as vision and take samples such as blood and urine; review and explain medical procedures and medication usage to patients as needed.

4.     Assist physician, PA/NP and nurses in giving physical examinations; prepare patient appropriately for medical procedures; carry out physician, PA/NP orders within scope of certification and assist in clean up after clinic is held.

5.     Maintain proper handling, recording, transporting, and documentation of biohazard waste and laboratory specimens.

1. Perform ear lavage; apply and remove bandages and dressings, apply orthopedic appliances, remove casts, splints and other external devices, select and adjust crutches.
2. Administer oral, sublingual, topical, vaginal, or rectal medication by providing a single dose to a patient for immediate self-administration; verify the correct dosage, medication and client with another person authorized to do so.
3. Administer single dose parenteral medications as per order using correct medicate verification protocols.
4. Explain various public health programs and available community resources to patients in person, by telephone, in writing or through community outreach activities; assist in preparing educational pamphlets and posters; and assist in planning and evaluating program activities, including adapting health education for various target groups.
5. Perform various clerical duties related to program services, including telephone and site reception, typing, filing, copying and record keeping; establish and maintain medical records and other files.
6. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other employees and the public using principle of good customer service.
7. Maintain medical ethics and confidentiality, promote and acknowledge patient's rights.
8. Use various nursing care supplies and equipment such as blood pressure cuff, tonometer, syringes, and Snellen charts.
9. Use a computer, calculator, typewriter, facsimile machine, postage meter, and photocopy machine.
10. Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
11. Perform related duties as assigned.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Medical assistant practices and procedures.
2. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
3. Principles and practices of work safety especially related to communicable diseases, including Universal Precautions, OSHA, CLIA and Hazard.
4. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.
5. On a continuous basis, know and understand operations and observe safety rules.   Intermittently identify and problem solve routine clinic operations; identify and locate supplies and equipment; interpret work orders; and explain operations and procedures to patients.
6. Intermittently, sit while typing and preparing records and charts; walk, bend, squat, climb, kneel or twist when assisting patients, handling supplies/equipment or receiving/returning files/charts; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift heavy weight.
7. Prioritize activities relative to assigned duties.
8. Understand and accept differences in attitudes toward health problems.
9. Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
10. Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
11. Obtain information through interview; work effectively with interruption; and deal fairly and courteously with the public.
12. Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
13. Use a computer, calculator, typewriter, facsimile machine, postage meter and photocopy machine.
14. Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
15. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
16. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED:

1. Must have high school education (GED or equivalent experience)
2. Experience and training obtained by on the job training for completion of a medical assisting program that results in an approved Medical Assistant Certificate.
3. Excellent communication skills.
4. Knowledge of medical terminology.
5. Experience in phlebotomy.
6. Basic understanding of medical tests, reimbursement issues, TARS (Medicare, MediCal, PPOs, HMOs, etc.)
7. Computer data entry, calculator and basic math skills.
8. Current CPR certification. 
9. May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.   Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

AGE OF THE POPULATION SERVED: Newborn to geriatrics.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Manual dexterity with fine motor ability to operate and handle equipment used in the department.
2. Ability to hear the spoken word, auscultate for physical assessment skills and monitor alarms.
3. Ability to see written type with corrective lenses.
4. Ability to stand for up to several hours at a time.
5. Ability to climb stairs.
6. Must be able to lift 25 pounds and able to perform tasks of lifting, turning, and transferring patients.
7. Sits, stands, bend, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours.

MENTAL REQUIREMENT: 

Ability to follow written and oral instructions, must have the ability and desire to learn job functions outlined in the job description, must work as part of a team in order to achieve a common goal and must maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

SCHEDULING AND AVAILABILITY:

1. Able to work alternate shifts and/or rotating job schedules as mandated by Clinic/Hospital patient care needs.
2. Scheduling as per Clinic operating hours.
3. In staff emergencies, will be able to work on alternate shifts and/or rotating job schedules or similar activities, at intervals for limited period of time as mandated by department needs.