Medical Assistant

Overview

The Medical Assistant is responsible for efficient and courteous registration, transfer and discharge of patients within established policies and procedures; thoroughly compiles and types of medical information for patients' records and statistical reports and maintains current and accurate patient account receivables. The Medical Assistant is responsible for performing a wide variety of patient care activities and accommodative services for the comfort and well-being of patients in accordance with physicians' orders.

Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Performs basic patient care procedures as required.

• Participates in conferences and serves on committees as requested.

• Participates in patient and family education as necessary.

• Prepares for and assists with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.

• Takes and records vital signs, height, and weight.

• Performs catheterizations and provides catheter care.

• Administers oral and intra-muscular medications.

• Cares for patients receiving oxygen therapy.

• Applies sterile and non-sterile compresses and bandages.

• Tests urine for sugar, acetone, and pH.

• Assists with physical examinations.

• Applies ace bandages, hot and/or cold compresses.

• Collects specimens, blood, urine, stool, and sputum.

• May perform venipunctures and EKGs as needed.

• Maintains cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in the clinic.

• Remains alert to and responds appropriately in emergency situations.

• Prepares used equipment for re-sterilization.

• Knows legal requirements for reporting to police, health department, and other agencies and follows requirements.

• Accompanies or transfers patients to other departments such as laboratory or x-ray.

• Cleans and stocks examination rooms.

• Manages time in order to expedite patient flow.

• Assists with minor outpatient surgery.

Patient Registration & Financial Responsibilities

• Greets patients courteously, determines their needs, and offers assistance.

• Registers patients by performing necessary procedures, such as preparation of records, reports, notices, service charge slips, and payor information.

• Interviews patients, relatives, or others responsible to determine payment arrangements and refers unusual cases to the immediate supervisor.

• May assist self-pay patients in making suitable arrangements for balances due beyond initial deposits or third-party payments.

• Answers inquiries related to patient accounts and advises patients on insurance benefits.

• Receives all payments and deposits, issues receipts for all monies received, and otherwise makes proper accounting for all funds received.

• Posts charges daily to proper patient accounts.

• Posts payments to accounts daily.

• Determines billing method for third-party payors.

• Contacts insurance carriers/agencies to obtain precertification of ancillary, admission, and surgical procedures.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Operates various office equipment including copiers, fax machines, and other assigned equipment.

• Operates communication systems, placing and answering telephone calls and contacting staff.

• May make and maintain appointment schedules for clinic physicians.

• May secure required signatures on reports and records relative to release of information according to policies and procedures.

• Contacts patients, physicians, or others for information necessary to properly complete insurance or other billing requirements.

• Types memos, correspondence, and other documents as needed.

• Compiles periodic and statistical reports and other data as directed.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma Required

• Graduate of Medical Assistant Training Program Preferred

Experience

• Up to 1 year

• Three (3) to six (6) months on-the-job training as required to attain proficiency of assigned duties and responsibilities if not certified. Required

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Obtain patient history and take vital signs to assist physician with examination and treatment.

• Prepare and maintain examination and treatment area.

• Perform selected tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment.

• Screen and follow-up patient test results.

• Prepare and administer medications as directed by physician and maintain medication records.

Licenses & Certifications

• Medical Assistant certification from an accredited program. Preferred.