Medical Assistant - Intern

As a Gap Year Medical Assistant at MASS LUNG & ALLERGY (MLA) you will be able to gain invaluable experience in a physician office setting focusing on pulmonology. Our physicians and leadership hold faculty appointments at UMass Memorial and are excited to help educate future physicians. In this role, you will perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities in a manner that places emphasis on quality of care and customer service. The employee must work collaboratively with all Clinical services staff in support of direct patient services, exhibiting flexibility and a "can-do" attitude. Patient services are the key priority in this position requiring the MA to serve as a point of contact with other internal and external departments, all with the goal of fostering an environment which promotes patient comfort and trust. The position must exemplify the core values and mission of the organization, always exercising utmost discretion, diplomacy, and tact in patient/staff interactions. Essential Duties Prepares for patient appointments by reviewing and updating patient records prior to appointment. This includes checking for updates of recent test results, lab results, compliance reports and correspondence. Provides initial medical screening: Greets patients and directs to appropriate exam room; confirms the patient's identity by asking name and date of birth; checks weight, height, temp, blood pressure, respirations, and heart rate; verifies allergies, and reconciles medication lists; if the patient is a new patient, provide the physician with the disc of imaging if available and ensure imaging was done prior to the appointment; documents date of last flu and pneumonia accurately in a medical chart according to generally accepted medical standards; documents Epworth Scoring in chart as needed. Appropriately prepares patient for visit and alerts physician when patient is ready to be seen. When physician is unavailable, the MA keeps the patient updated on the status of their appointment and when necessary, assists the patient in re-scheduling or scheduling follow-up. Instructs patient as to general clinic policies, patients' rights and responsibilities as needed. Assists physician or nurse upon request during examination of patient and according to generally accepted medical standard; practices universal precautions with respect to established safety protocols; facilitates communication between the provider(s) and patient as needed. Clinical duties following the patient evaluation as recommended by the provider include (in addition initial medical screening) teaching patients the proper use of inhalers, nebs, and other durable medical equipment, oximetry trending, alpha 1 testing, dispensing samples, administering immunizations, ordering labs and diagnostic imaging, administering nebulizer treatments, transporting patients, triaging sick calls and walk in patients, performing office spirometry and Feno if available, and administering PPD. Maintains exam rooms according to protocols: Cleans rooms between patient exams to ensure patients' comfort and compliance with infection control standards; ensures all necessary supplies are stocked. Complete Clinical Administrative work as assigned by the clinical manager Performs general clerical duties in support of patient services according to the needs of the clinic and as directed by Clinical Supervisor, Office Manager, and provider(s). These include but are not limited to answering phones, distributing fax log, registering, and scheduling new patients, and checking in patients as needed. Attends staff and medical meetings, as required. Qualifications Excellent communication skills at the level necessary for taking patients' medical histories, understanding provider and supervisors' instructions, and for accurately documenting patients' medical information. Ability to effectively communicate with patient population and staff while demonstrating a high degree of diplomacy and tact. Beginner to intermediate computing and phone skills. Willingness to work past the end of shift to ensure patient care and safety; demonstrates flexibility in regard to job duties and assignments with a willingness to travel to necessary office locations Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a high-stress and fast-moving environment. Culturally sensitive and demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with ethnically diverse populations. Working knowledge of "Universal Precautions," always demonstrates professionalism. Possess a thorough understanding of the importance of confidentiality and non-disclosure according to the general standards set forth by HIPAA. Valid Massachusetts Driver's License, insurance, and ability to travel as required to perform duties Education And Experience College Graduates (graduating May 2026 or earlier) required. Familiarity with community / service area. Previous experience in a medical office setting is highly desirable. #J-18808-Ljbffr