Medical Assistant - IRMC Physician Group - Orthopedic Richland office - Full Time

Position Summary:

 Promotes a professional practice image by the efficient performance of a variety of clerical and clinical related tasks designed to facilitate the smooth flow of patients and work throughout the organization. Assist the physicians with the examination and treatment of patients and perform routine tasks needed to keep the clinical office and clerical office running smoothly.

Job Responsibilities:
                                                  Clinical Duties

• Greets patients and escorts them to the examination and/or procedure rooms.
• Takes vital signs (height, weight, and blood pressure) at each visit and accurately transcribe results in patient’s chart. Update patient history and documentation of tobacco use, allergies, medications and immunizations.
• Removes, dressings and staples as required, prepares patient for examination, test(s) or procedure(s).
• Prepare and assists provider with examinations and procedures including appropriate room set up as needed. Obtains necessary signed consent and correctly completes ABN form when needed.
• Performs point of care lab testing and patient treatment as ordered by provider.       Reports and records results accurately in the medical record. Follows all procedures to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Maintains and re-stocks clinical supplies for back office.
• Organizes and keeps a running inventory of medications in med rooms and refrigerator (routinely disposing of expired medications as warranted). Maintains daily logs of refrigerator temperatures, performs quality controls within the specified time frame.
• Cleans and scrubs down rooms and counter tops nightly and when necessary.
• Prepares and cleans non disposable equipment/instruments for sterilization.
• Adheres to OSHA guidelines.
• Reviews charts for next day appointment; checks for pending lab or diagnostic test results at the end of each business day; obtains said results prior to the patient’s scheduled arrival.
• Completes physician orders for ancillary tests, surgeries or specialist referrals ordered and scheduled as directed. Obtains necessary insurance authorizations.
• Documents all pertinent patient information into the electronic medical record.
• Travels to other IHPS offices when needed to cover clinical/clerical when requested.
• Performs any other services deemed reasonable by physician or practice manager.

                                                     Clerical Duties

• Schedules and manages appointments.  Routinely updates patient information: change of address, phone numbers, insurance or person to notify.  Registration to include patient’s preferred pharmacy, race, ethnic background and preferred communication.
• Verifies medical insurance eligibility on each patient prior to or upon check in.
• Collects co-pays, payments from patients and provides receipt to every patient; maintains payment log, balances at end of day, correctly enters credit card payments through Emdeon, and prepares deposit slip daily.
• Reviews charges on encounter form for accuracy and correctly enters into computer system.
• Retrieves messages from answering service/machine/voicemail each morning, right after lunch and throughout the workday.
• Answers telephone within three rings, screens and directs incoming calls and messages to the appropriate party, answers patient inquiries either in person or on the telephone within the limits of his/her knowledge and medical practice polices. Documents pertinent information given or received in patient’s medical record.
• Maintains all patient information using the electronic health record to include but not limited to orders, scanning, tasking, and prescription refill requests.
• Schedules patient appointments according to office policy.
• Follows confidentiality and security rules when providing information to outside sources.

Qualifications:

Experience and Education: Completion of accredited medical assistant, nursing assistant, or practical nurse program; or a multi-tasked professional with at least two years of experience, preferred in performing front and back office activities in a medical environment. Current CPR certification.

Knowledge: Basic medical front and back office procedures and medical terminology; first aid measure; equipment, supplies and instruments used in a medical office; simple routine clinical laboratory methods; universal blood and body fluid precautions; OSHA rules and regulations; established protocol for storing poisons, narcotics, acids, caustics and flammable items, restrictions imposed by various managed care carriers, various forms inherent to profession; patient confidentiality regulations, usage of computer systems, insurance authorizations, referrals, and billing processes.

Abilities: Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with staff members; create a responsive caring environment for patients; respond promptly to physician’s directions; maintain medical records in a concise and accurate manner; employ correct aseptic techniques in preparation of instruments & equipment; react quickly in emergency situations; recognize and prevent possible safety hazards; ensure proper maintenance of equipment; communicate clearly and facilitate patient education when warranted; act as advocate and assist physician in meeting the physical and mental needs of patient; exercise independent judgment; perform functions that consistently fall within the legal boundaries of profession.

The IRMC Physician Group is proud to maintain a great work-life balance & company culture, competitive salary & benefits, and career advancement opportunities.