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

• 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 and hot and/or cold compresses.

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

• May perform venipunctures and EKGs as needed.

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

• Remains alert and responds appropriately in emergency situations.

• Prepares used equipment for re-sterilization.

• Understands legal requirements for reporting to police, health departments, and other agencies and follows all reporting requirements.

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

• Cleans and stocks examination rooms.

• Manages time effectively to expedite patient flow.

• Assists with minor outpatient surgery procedures.

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

• Registers patients by performing necessary procedures, including 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 regarding patient accounts and advises patients on insurance benefits.

• Receives payments and deposits, issues receipts, and maintains proper accounting of funds received.

• Posts charges daily to the proper patient account.

• Posts payments to accounts daily.

• Determines billing methods for third-party payors.

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

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

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

• May make and maintain appointment schedules for clinic physicians.

• May secure required signatures on reports and records relative to release of information in accordance with 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 a Medical Assistant Training Program preferred.
Experience

• Up to one (1) year of experience required.

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

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

• Prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas.

• Perform selected tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment.

• Screen and follow up on patient test results.

• Prepare and administer medications as directed by the physician.

• Maintain medication records.
Licenses & Certifications

• Medical Assistant certification from an accredited program preferred.