Medical Assistant - Rural Health Clinic

POSITION PURPOSE

Under general supervision of the Clinic Manager and Physician, the Medical Assistant assists with patient care, clerical, environmental and organizational tasks. Serves as a patient advocate within the health care system. Assists with the safety, comfort, care, and treatment of patients according to established standards. Participates in the Hospital’s Quality Improvement and Service Excellence programs. Demonstrates understanding of the philosophy, objectives, and adheres to policies and procedures of the department and organization. Conveys a positive image of the practice.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Performs patient care as assigned by, and under direct supervision of the provider. Collects and documents vital signs, administers vaccines and other injections ordered (IM, SQ); performs screening tests (EKGs, rapid strep, flu, hemoglobin A1C, blood sugar, etc.) per provider guidelines; assists physicians/nurses with various procedures; applying bandages; performs venipuncture and capillary sticks in order to obtain blood samples for diagnostic testing, certified and trained on DOT and Non-DOT drug screen collection and breath alcohol testing; performs “waived” testing including but not limited to: dipstick urine, hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C, bedside glucose testing, qualitative pregnancy test, rapid strep and flu testing and PKUs and lead testing for pediatrics.
• Accompanies patients to exam/procedure room; assists patients as needed with walking, transfers, dressing, collecting specimens, preparing for exam, etc. Collects patient history, pulls patient charts, charts patient information; relays instructions to patients/families, answers calls (including pharmacy line) and provides pertinent information.
• Checks schedules and organizes patient flow; sends/receives patient medical records; obtains lab/x-ray reports, hospital notes, referral information, etc.; completes forms/requisitions as needed; schedules appointments; verifies insurance coverage and patient demographics; manages charts to ensure information complete and filed appropriately.
• Sets up instruments and equipment according to office protocol. Cleans and maintains exam/procedure rooms, instruments and equipment between patient visits. Sterilizes, wraps and labels instruments. Performs routine preventive maintenance on equipment; keeps appropriate records; orders, sorts, stores supplies; and restocks exam/procedure rooms.
• Adheres to infection prevention protocols.
• Demonstrates an understanding of patient rights, including those pertaining to confidentiality, informed consent and privacy.
• Demonstrates adaptability, problem solving and professional behavior at all times.

• Participates in a systemic, interdisciplinary, and ongoing evaluation of programs, process improvement, and desired client-centered outcomes.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education, competence validation; supports department-based goals which contributed to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and appropriate handling of PHI.
• Actively participates in survey readiness activities and assures that department is compliant with all regulatory standards.
• Abides by the HMH Legal Compliance Code of Conduct.
• Maintains a safe work environment and reports safety concerns appropriately.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

LATITUDE, CONTACTS/INTERACTIONS

All positions of Huntsville Memorial Hospital are part of an interdisciplinary team, and as such, participate in the care and service delivery process through effective interaction with other team members. Primarily interacts with hospital staff, medical staff, patients, and visitors.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or GED required.

Experience: One year of related healthcare experience required.

License/Certification: Current certification as a Medical Assistant, C.N.A, EMT, or related certification required. Basic Life Support certification required within 30 days of employment, before patient care is administered independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequent: sitting, standing, walking, & reaching.

Occasional: lifting, carrying, bending, & squatting,

Visual and hearing acuity required. Work is inside, with good ventilation and comfortable temperature.

Possible exposure to: toxic/caustic chemicals or detergents, communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources