Medical Assistant III, Primary Care

Medical Assistant

Under direct supervision of the on-site provider, assists in the delivery of patient care. Performs delegated medical tasks, assists providers and nursing staff with patient care and may perform clerical duties. This position will utilize the electronic medical record (EMR) for documentation purposes. Fulfillment of job duties requires access to medication storage areas and to transport medications to/ from medication storage and delivery areas. Fully participate in the day-to-day operations and patient flow and acts as a resource for Medical Assistant I. Demonstrates leadership by collaboration, teamwork, communication, accountability, customer service, and advanced knowledge of clinical skills.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

• Greets patients in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner always.
• Follows communication protocols. Responds to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts resolution. Pursues service recovery when customers' expectations have not been met.
• Gathers and documents brief history and chief complaint in the medical record. Accurately complete and document patient questionnaires, health screenings, and chief complaint in the EMR, ensuring high-quality and compliant documentation that supports optimal care. Act as a clinical resource for Medical Assistant I & II.
• Follows established practice workflows to facilitate efficiency and timely service to patients.
• Prepares patient for examination by the health care provider. Performs and documents vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature) and risk screening on all patients per hospital and/ or practice policy. Reports out of range values in vital signs and risk screening to the provider. Assists provider with procedures
• Performs routine clinical testing, including but not limited to obtaining blood and urine specimen, vision testing, hearing screening, incentive spirometry, EKG, point of care testing, and vital signs. Follows established guidelines or protocols where applicable to obtain necessary testing based on the chief complaint prior to the exam.
• Provides pre-printed patient education /material as directed by the provider.
• Performs high level disinfection of equipment and/or instrument and environment per hospital and/ or practice procedure. Ensures equipment used in clinical area has a current clinical engineering sticker and is ready for use. Submits tickets for service and monitors status until resolved.
• Orders clinical supplies as needed from the supply management system. Stocks/restocks supply and exam rooms maintaining necessary supplies in clinical area.
• Provides care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served. Assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to population-specific and age specific needs. Provides the care needed as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures. Is aware of social drivers of health as they impact overall health of the patient and the community.
• Administers select medications and injections under direct supervision of provider as per practice and/or hospital policy. Assist in the immunization program and tracks data in a computer program.
• Participates in patient outreach including pre-visit calls, follow-up screenings, and other care coordination activities such as contacting pharmacies, interprofessional team members, and other providers' offices as appropriate to meet patient care needs.
• Participates in practice specific population health focused tactics to improve quality outcomes for clinic-specific population. Participates in new population health initiatives relevant to the MA role.
• Completes medication or equipment prior authorizations independently.
• Functions effectively in all medical assistant roles specific to clinic. Works independently and serves as a resource for others. Serves as preceptor for new medical assistant and medical assistant students within the clinic.
• May obtain prior authorizations for incoming referrals, performs benefit checks, and provides basic financial counseling.
• Enhances the patient and family experience by informing of possible delays, as well as being aware of potential barriers to a positive patient experience and remediating or escalating using the chain of command.
• Timely review of business communication, such as In Basket, email, and telecommunications. Addresses directly per established practice workflows and hospital policy
• Seeks opportunities to expand knowledge of templates and schedules, e.g. assisting manager with template building, monitoring adherence to practice scheduling guidelines.
• Takes an active role in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, e.g. completes clean sweeps and participates in regulatory tracers. Maintains a safe environment of care and reports safety concerns.
• May become familiar with specific EMR business workflows including registration, facility fee, specialty specific, claim edit, and referrals to facilitate compliance with requirements quality business operations.
• Participates in personnel skill development and competency development and training as requested by the manager.
• Assists manager with coordinating peer review for MA team members.
• Serves as a preceptor to MAI and MAII and/or a practice competency validator as requested by manager.
• Assists manager with the development and evaluation of clinical processes and orientation program relevant to the medical assistant role.
• Serves as a staff resource for issues related to clinical, front desk and/or call center operations.
• Participates in process improvement efforts. Assists with data collection, audits, development of action plans and supports implementation of process changes.
• Participates in team huddles/staff meetings; plays active role in shared governance structure.
• Actively contributes to practice operations such as supply management, equipment maintenance, and staff scheduling.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program. Special circumstances to consider an exception may include: (1 year of supervised work experience in a medical assisting field within the last 3 years). These should be vetted by Human Resources Director and Department Director. Current National certification through AAMA, NHA, AAH or AMT. Certification Includes: Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant or Registered Medical Assistant. Three (3) years of medical assisting and medical practice experience. Current BLS certification.

Adheres to organizational policies, procedures and guidelines. Knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques, blood and body fluid precautions. Ability to communicate effectively with patients, team members within the practice, and other members of the organization. Demonstrates ability to work on a team and effectively communicate with colleagues and patients. Demonstrated effective communication skills that promote teamwork among colleagues and support positive interactions with patients.

University of Maryland Medical Center