JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Director of Practice Management, Practice Manager and Practice Supervisor, and the direct supervision of the Physician(s), the Medical Assistant will be responsible for assisting with patient assessment and care, maintaining appropriate documentation, maintaining the clinical areas, and performing all clinical procedures. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family-centered care.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Complete nursing assessments appropriate to chief complaint, including vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure) and any additional measurements as indicated by condition or age (e.g. height, weight, head circumference in children, chief complaints, allergies, and other data as needed). Document findings in the medical record and alert the provider to significant abnormalities.
Review patients medications at each visit and document current medications. Prepare patients physically and psychologically for exams and procedures with protection, explanation, and reassurance that is appropriate for patients age. Provide patient education based on identified patient needs (re: diagnosis, procedures, contraception, home care, etc.).
Functions within the limits of his or her education and provider/practice policies and procedures. Order and stock necessary clinical supplies. Control inventory use and loss by monitoring purchase and use of equipment and supplies. Ensure well-working equipment by routinely checking that equipment is cleaned according to manufacturers direction, routine maintenance is performed, and quality control measures are utilized.
Demonstrate knowledge of sterile technique, universal precautions, etc., as the situation merits. Perform laboratory tests as requested by the physician and log for follow-up. Greet patients and take them back to the patient exam area. Perform the history and physical portion of the patient exam. Take vital signs and other age-appropriate measurements.
Assess and record objective and subjective data concerning presenting conditions. Assist the physician with procedures as directed. Prepare and clean the patient area as necessary. Set up equipment, clean, and facilitate room setup after a procedure is complete. Administer and document oral, IM, subcutaneous, and dermal medications as physician orders.
Assist with patient discharge. Assess patients by phone, soliciting orders when appropriate from the physician and communicate back to the patient. Telephone prescriptions to pharmacies, differentiating between controlled substances. Maintain supplies and stock medications needed for daily operations.
Ensure patient consent forms are completed for procedures that require them. Demonstrate professional conduct and communicate in a professional manner with patients, physicians, office employees, and other hospital personnel. Ensure sample medications are logged in and out according to policy.
Establish and maintain patient medical records in accordance with the established EMR system. Record patient information, including patient assessment data, appropriately in designated areas of the EMR chart. Document patient quality and value-based program information in the EMR as directed.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information and ensure patients right to privacy. Adhere to and contribute to the development of policies and procedures. Assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients and co-workers.
Assist in identifying areas of concern regarding clinical aspects of the department, recommend solutions, and/or take necessary action to resolve them. Demonstrate flexibility in response to unexpected changes in work volume, staffing, and scheduling.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Practice Manager or Provider. Demonstrate job-related aspects of patient safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Other duties as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Certificate of completion of a Medical Assistant program is preferred. Certifications accepted include AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) as a CMA, through AMT (American Medical Technologists) as an RMA, through NHA (National Health Career Association) as a CCMA, or through NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) as a NCMA is required.
Current Basic Life Support certification required upon hire.
EXPERIENCE
One (1) year medical office experience preferred. Demonstrated ability to assist with medical procedures required.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS
These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added on an as-needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.
Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel, and crouch. On a daily basis, may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs, and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms.
Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.
ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES
Proficiency using modern office, computer, and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES
Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast-paced, quickly changing, or stressful situations. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents, including but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules, and laws.
Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy.
ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public, and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous, and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally, and in all written and electronic communication.
Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills. Ability to work as a team member in all activities. Positive, cooperative, and motivated attitude.