Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant

The medical assistant's primary job function is to work as part of the primary care team to provide high quality, efficient and service oriented patient care while demonstrating the health center's core values. The medical assistant works alongside physicians, mid-level providers, behavioral health professionals, registered nurses and other support staff support to delivery direct patient care services. The medical assistant is responsible for executing standing orders as well as anticipating the needs of the care team in order to help facilitate the delivery of quality clinical care and a positive patient experience. The medical assistant is responsible for actively participating in the health center's quality and continuous improvement activities.

Essential Functions

Direct Patient Care

• Determines reason for patient's visit by reviewing patient's medical record and/or questioning patient regarding medical complaint.
• Documents patient's symptoms and observations in the electronic medical record.
• Accurately reviews and updates patient's social history and medication lists in the electronic health record.
• Performs patient care functions in accordance with stand orders and as directed by clinic physicians, mid-level providers or nurses. Activities include but are not limited to: taking vital signs, applying/removing dressings; reporting adverse reactions or changes in patient's condition to appropriate personnel; explaining health education and referral information to patient as directed.
• Accurately and efficiently performs routine medical assistant duties such as: administration of immunizations, TB testing, venipuncture, audiometer examination visual acuity, ear lavage, ECG, respiratory treatments, and other routine medical functions as directed by the provider and according to established procedures.
• Collects specimens from patients such as urine, stool, or blood, and prepares specimen for laboratory pick-up for analysis as directed; performs routine laboratory tests such as urine dipstick, pregnancy test, and hemoglobin or blood sugar finger stick.
• Assists medical personnel with minor surgical procedures and/or diagnostic examinations; provides support to patients and other assistance as directed or required; completes necessary arrangements or organizes treatment rooms prior to surgical and/or examination procedures; obtains patient consent prior to surgical procedure.
• Facilitates the check-out process, including: providing the patient with their clinical summary, scheduling follow up or next day appointments and exiting the patient from the health center or to the laboratory check-in.

Back Office Duties

• Ensures that each exam room is properly cleaned, equipped and supplied.
• Monitors inventory of medical supplies and orders needed provisions following standard health center inventory control processes.
• Maintains agreed standard of cleanliness and organization in assigned work areas.
• Properly removes soiled paper goods and disposable medical supplies.
• According to established protocols, properly cleans previously used instruments, prepares for sterilization and autoclave.

Administrative Duties

• Following standard protocols, manages assigned provider's message queues.
• Ensures all patient logs, immunization records, consents and other forms are complete.
• Responsible for accurately preparing patient records for upcoming visits, including obtaining needed medical records, reviewing standing orders and accessing for clinical measures.
• Ensures that all documentation is available for pre-operation and hospital follow-up appointments.
• Relays messages to medical personnel; returns calls to patients as directed; answers questions and instructs patients in self-care as directed. As directed, follows up with patients who are a no-show for their appointment.
• Cross trains in other clinic areas and fills in as requested in the front office, medical records, case management and laboratory.

Patient Relations

• Provides positive, supportive and caring behavior in all communications with patients, visitors, health center staff and community members.
• Adheres to the policies, procedures, and standards of Camino Health Center.
• Acts as Spanish-English interpreter between provider and client when needed. Interprets accurately and at a level appropriate for the client.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Work collaboratively with people of all ages, social, and ethnic backgrounds
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Basic time management skills with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Basic oral and written communication; basic math skills
• Proficient in using computer and office equipment
• Ability to convey a sense of confidence and trust to all patients
• Ability to relate well to other health professionals and support staff
• Ability to carry out administrative and patient support services
• Knowledge of medical office policies and procedures
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality

Information Management:

• Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security

Additional Requirements:

• Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Able to work at various health center locations and outreach sites

Minimum Position Qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma or GED
• Experience / Training: Bilingual English/Spanish
• License / Certification: Medical Assistant Certificate from an accredited program; Current BLS certification

Preferred Position Qualifications:

• Experience / Training: One year experience or training in a health care setting.

Experience working in an electronic health record (EHR). Allscripts EHR experience