CMA - CMA

Certified Medical Assistant

The Certified Medical Assistant provides care to infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly in an ambulatory care clinic. This position is essential in maintaining efficient clinic operations and patient flow to maximize the provider's time and ensure access to care. Clinical Assistants perform administrative duties, data management, and handle basic clinical tasks. This information is recorded in patients' charts along with the patient's medical history. This position works closely with providers, supporting activities such as rooming patients, performing Point of Care Testing (POCT), and providing immunizations and injections within the scope of practice certification. Responsibilities include monitoring, answering phones, processing provider orders, data entry, and participation in training processes. Must be able to make independent decisions within the scope of practice based on experience and good judgment. This position is responsible for leading Clinical Assistant I and Clinical Assistant II positions.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities:

• Accurately collect and document information in patient charts.
• Keep patient records organized with all forms properly identified; copy and compile other medical data as needed.
• Ensure patient medication and immunization records are current.
• Recognize signs or symptoms requiring prompt intervention and act appropriately.
• Transport patients within the facility as needed.
• Manage patient care duties while maintaining clinic flow.
• Report and record any changes observed in the condition or behavior of patients, unusual incidents, or breaches in safety.
• Observe patients to ensure that children, elderly, or impaired patients who require observation or assistance have someone in attendance.
• Set up equipment and supplies for routine exams and minor procedures.
• Prepare patients for and assist with procedures, treatments, and minor office surgeries.
• Provide specimen collection and Point of Care Testing (POCT).
• Follow protocol for collecting, labeling, and transporting specimens.
• Perform and assist with radiology exams per protocol if competencies are met.
• Assist the provider as directed and trained, as well as within their licensed Scope of Practice.
• Assist the Clinic Nurse as needed.
• Provide immunizations and injections as ordered by the provider.
• May perform basic life support, as certified.
• Assist the provider in identifying patients overdue for immunizations and preventative health maintenance, including routine, urgent, and emergent appointments.

Other Functions:

• Provide cross-coverage for peers, helping clinics that need assistance to ensure the efficient and effective flow of patients through the department.
• Attend and participate in at least 50% of area staff meetings annually.
• Apply information presented in staff meetings and participate in unit goal setting.
• Comply with area and departmental scheduling guidelines.
• Initiate discussions with the department manager regarding area or department issues.
• Comply with dress code and refer unresolved problems with patients, visitors, or coworkers to the appropriate manager for resolution.
• Address employee concerns consistent with Human Resources policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) required.
• A nursing degree from an accredited institution can replace the above requirements.

Experience Required:

• 1 year of experience working in a healthcare setting.

Knowledge Required:

• Clinic procedures for receiving and following through on a patient visit and any related clinic treatments or procedures.
• Age-appropriate vital signs and behaviors.
• Life-saving procedures.
• Medical terminology and the ability to readily learn and use various computer programs.

Skills Required:

• Communication and use of customer service skills.
• Computer application skills sufficient to utilize medical databases competently.
• Ability to operate medical equipment, including blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, EKG machines, cardiac monitors, and manual defibrillators.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to train and use various EMR systems.
• Accurately record patient data.
• Communicate and interact with all members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Recognize and respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Safety and Risk Management Responsibilities:

• Employees are responsible for complying with safe work rules.
• Report all accidents and injuries immediately.
• Cooperate in all accident and injury investigations.
• Report defective equipment and unsafe conditions.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit.