Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant, Centro De Salud

Location: Valley Health Partners, Allentown, PA

Job Summary: Provides assistance with various healthcare services following established policies and protocols including, but not limited to, obtaining specimens, conducting routine lab studies, and assisting with administrative functions as a member of the clinical care delivery team under the direction of an LPN, RN or medical provider. Functions as a member of the clinical care delivery team for a hospital-based outpatient department or physician practice. Provides designated clinical care to patients under the direction of an LPN, RN, or medical provider. Performs clerical/administrative duties associated with front desk operations under the direction of the Practice Manager/Director and/or Site Manager or Office Coordinator.

Minimum qualifications: Graduate of a Medical Assistant / Administrative Medical Program. Must possess active CPR Certification. Bilingual in English/Spanish required.

Preferred qualifications: Associates degree in Medical Assistant Program, Healthcare Administration, or a related field. 1 - 2 years experience in a physicians office setting. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).

Skills Needed:

• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Demonstrates initiative and is able to function independently as well as collaboratively.
• Demonstrates the ability to accept and adapt to change.
• Demonstrates time management and organization skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Demonstrates strong customer services and communication skills.
• Accepts and recognizes differences among people.

Essential Functions:

Performs intake duties as part of patient care workflow including escorting patients to examination rooms and preparing them for the clinician; interviewing patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height; recording patients medical history, vital statistics and information such as test results in medical records, and completing standing order related lab work and screenings as per clinician direction or office policy/procedure.

• Exhibits a high degree of courtesy, tact, and poise when interacting with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
• Adjusts to fluctuating peaks in patient flow, acuity, and other operational demands while maintaining quality.
• Identifies actual or potential patient risks and communicates those risks to the licensed nurse or provider upon recognition.
• Knows and functions within their scope of responsibility and refers clinical issues/problems beyond the scope of responsibility to the licensed nurse, clinical coordinator/manager or provider in a timely matter.
• Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean. Maintain clinical stock in rooms per office expectations. Clean rooms between visits per VHPCHC infection control policy

Performs discharge duties as part of patient care workflow which includes providing instructions and education to patients at the request of the provider, providing orders requisition for diagnostic testing to patient and helping them choose a testing location, and scheduling follow up appointments as requested by the clinician. For complex discharges, coordinate with check-out representative to ensure patient completes the check-out process.

• Maintain safe, clean, and prepared clinical work environment including cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment, performing inventory and ordering of clinical supplies.
• Support administrative functions as assigned in the provision of efficient care, such as performing general office duties, including, but not limited to, registering patients, answering telephones, checking voicemail, completing insurance forms, scanning documents into the patients electronic medical record and managing work queues.
• Assist providers and/or licensed professionals by relaying selected written directions/phone advice to a patient after completion of required education and mentoring, using approved protocols.

Prepares timely, legible, and complete documentation in the electronic medical record of all patient care as provided by law, regulation, and established policy.

• Applies safety principles as identified by established VHPCHC policies, procedures and protocols.
• Ensures compliance with legal issues including but not limited to patient confidentiality and risk management; ensures compliance with HRSA, federal, state, and local regulations
• Adheres to all policies, procedures and protocols as established by VHPCHC.

Support clinical examination of selected patients as appropriate and as assigned, inclusive of administering selected medications after completion of required education and demonstrated competency.

• Collect blood, tissue or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing, send to appropriate designated lab based on insurance status or other program criteria.
• Ability to administer and document immunizations/vaccines safely.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by clinicians.
• Appropriately and safely operate electrocardiogram (EKG), and other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
• Assist providers to examine and treat patients, handing them instruments and materials or performing such tasks as procedures, giving injections and removing sutures.

Support continuity of care for selected patients of VHPCHC as directed.

• Schedule appointments for patients requiring additional internal and external appointments as directed by the care team.
• Obtain prior authorization for medication as needed from insurance companies.
• Confirm understanding of treatment procedures, medications, diets and clinician's instructions to patients.
• Follow up on orders per policy, standing orders, or clinician request.

Perform point of care laboratory testing per standing or clinician order; adhere to policies and procedures regarding lab quality control testing and documentation and maintenance of lab equipment; and perform laboratory proficiency testing as required.

• Work in partnership with Clinical Coordinator/Manager in managing quality indicators.
• Ensures that all items required by the Medical Staff Bylaws and credentialing procedures manual have been obtained for each credentialed provider.

Attends and satisfactorily completes all clinical and clerical competency trainings as required.

• Maintain login information for and regularly access IT systems, websites, email, etc. and that are needed to perform job duties and facilitate patient care.

Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

• Choice of medical, dental, and vision plans with great coverage at VERY affordable rates.
• 403b Retirement Plan with generous company match
• Paid Time Off for holidays, vacation, sick & personal days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement