Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant I

Under the supervision of the Nurse Flow Manager within the Health Center, the Medical Assistant I functions at the entry level of a Medical Assistant in clinical and clerical support as part of a patient care team of providers and nurses who provide direct patient care at the health centers. By the end of the first 6 months, with training provided, the Medical Assistant I should have mastered essential duties defined below and be ready to advance to a Medical Assistant II.

As a member of a patient care team, the Medical Assistant assists in the preparation of the patient visit by:

• Uses the practice management program to register, schedule and verify appointments, as needed.
• Reviews the next day's schedule and prepares for patient visit.
• Verifies patient insurance.
• Explains fee schedules and collects any required co-payment.
• Receives and greets patients and visitors.
• Calls and assists patients into examination rooms.
• Collects any lab results, outside records and needed paperwork for the visit.
• Prints labels.
• Prepares encounter forms and charting notes.
• Schedules referral appointments.
• Demonstrates effective communication and written skills.
• Mails out results.

Clinical:

• Interviews patients and records information to document patient reason for visit and any health problems.
• Obtains patient's medical history differentiating between subjective and objective information.
• Obtains patients vital signs and report abnormal readings to the provider.
• Follow universal precautions in accordance with FCCH policies and procedures.
• Completely fills out lab requisitions and labels all specimens for in-house and "send out" labs.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA.
• Assists provider with exams and procedures.
• Perform visual exams using eye chart.
• Perform EKG's.
• Prepare exam rooms for any expected procedures.
• Clean and sanitize exam rooms after each visit and as needed.
• Clean, wrap, and label instruments for autoclave.
• Maintain exam rooms with medical forms and supplies.
• May serve as an interpreter as appropriate.
• Explain discharge plans to patient.
• Administration of medication through inhalation, ears, eyes, orally and by injection after required trainings have been completed and having been observed and signed off by a provider or licensed health professional.
• Performs subcutaneous and intramuscular immunizations after completion of an immunization/injection class and been observed and signed off by a provider or licensed health professional.
• Performs in-house test such as strep, BGL, hematocrit (HCT), chemstrip UA, HCG, hemoglobin A1C's and urine drug screens.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High School graduate or GED certificate and
• Graduation from a technical school as a Medical Assistant or equivalent.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required:

• CPR Certification must be obtained within first 6 months of hire and maintained.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of:
• Patient interviewing techniques
• Basic medical terminology
• Vital signs/ abnormal values
• Patient charting
• Exam room maintenance
• Provider orders
• Instillation of drops and ointments in the eye or ear.
• Oral medications
• Communication skills
• Basic lab
• EKG
• OSHA guidelines, blood borne pathogens and universal precautions.
• Various positions and methods used for different exams
• Eye exams
• Introduction to autoclave
• Basic Insurance, coding and Billing terminology
• Various instrument parts (i.e., handles, locks, teeth, serrations) and classifications
• Instruments used for various types of examinations
• The procedures for the care and sterilization of non-disposable instruments and the care and the disposal procedures for disposable instruments
• Procedures for performing subcutaneous, intradermal, and intramuscular injections
• Procedure for obtaining a drug from a vial or ampoules
• Needle sizes and syringe type necessary for injection type
• Categories, forms, and uses of drugs
• Procedures for obtaining sterile, clean catch, timed, and drug screening specimens
• Procedures for performing urinalysis, including physical characteristics, chemical (dipstick), and microscope preparation
• ECG procedure for patient preparation, lead placement and obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram
• TJC and related accreditation and certification
• Knowledge and familiarity with compliance program. Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations.
• Ability to:
• Obtain a blood pressure and knowledge of cuff sizes and recognition of normal and abnormal readings.
• Take a pulse; recognize normal and abnormal readings, and knowledge of various locations that can be used.
• Obtain a respiratory rate and the knowledge of normal and abnormal readings.
• Obtain height and weight information to include pediatric/adult.
• Obtain temperatures via oral, rectal and axillary methods.
• Obtain throat culture swab.
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families to make their visit a pleasant experience.
• Use a multi-line telephone system.
• Use a computer to enter and access patient data to complete a discharge plan.
• Work on multiple tasks within established deadlines. Ability to work under the direction of a provider and follow instructions for work completion.
• Take the initiative to resolve patient concerns and problems.
• Work well with diverse groups of people.
• Work well as a team member.
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Follow routine verbal or written instructions.

Age of Patients Served:

• Geriatric, Adult, Adolescent, Pediatric and Newborn

Working Conditions:

• Physical Effort and Dexterity: Good dexterity to operate personal computer, and basic medical and laboratory equipment. Occasional lifting and carrying related to clinic duties.
• Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Capable of using medical equipment, office machines and personal computers for word processing, data entry and retrieval.
• Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read computer monitor output and results of basic medical tests accurately. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
• Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment. Normal clinic and safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to meet deadlines.