Medical Assistant

A Medical Assistant is a healthcare professional and an essential member of the patient-centered healthcare team. This individual is responsible for pre-visit planning, standard rooming responsibilities, assisting with procedures, discharge instructions and other duties as assigned. The medical assistant is instrumental in helping the patient feel at ease while collaborating with the provider throughout the patient's visit. The medical assistant may be required to cross train and float as needed to maintain optimal clinic operations.

ESSENTIAL BEHAVIORS:

Build Trust: Operate with transparency, no hidden agenda; place confidence in colleagues, give proper credit to others. Follow through on agreed upon actions. Treat sensitive or confidential information appropriately. Keep emotions under control. Exhibit ethical and moral behavior in everyday business conduct.
Foster Communication: Demonstrate ability to carefully listen to others at all levels of the organization. Seek and listen to feedback and be approachable. Express thoughts and ideas effectively. Display and promote cross cultural sensitivity.
Display Stewardship: Understand business implications of decisions. Conserve organization resources. Look for ways to improve and promote quality. Take personal responsibility. Use resources in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As part of the Care Team, Medical Assistants are responsible for direct and indirect patient care activities, including but not limited to:

• Operate as part of the Care Team with assigned RNs and Providers.
• Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms and restock rooms as necessary.
• Requires accurate and timely documentation in the EHR. Assist in maintaining accurate records for procedures performed, tests administered, and results received.
• Perform vitals by obtaining HT, WT, BP, HR, O2, Temp, and Pain Scale rating.
• Perform routine CLIA waived lab procedures.
• Assist in maintenance of medical records and data collection.
• Pre-planning for each visit, including checking for preventative screenings due.
• Administer medications and immunizations as ordered.
• Complete medication prior authorizations.
• Follow RN and Provider orders as instructed.
• Obtain a concise medical history from patients.
• Prepare patients for medical tests and examinations.
• Assist physicians during examinations.
• Explain medical procedures to patients.

• Sterilize medical instruments.
• Assist on the triage phone within the Medical Assistant's scope of practice as needed.
• Perform phlebotomy.
• Provide patient education and information.
• Maintain monthly department inventory and expirations.
• Support department programs including but not limited to: Immunization Program, Reach out and Read
• Participate in clinical committees, quality improvement studies, audit preparation, etc. as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow HIPAA regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Training):

• 1 year or more of experience in a clinical position with demonstrated core competencies in performing skills such as: injections, immunizations, EKG, obtaining vital signs, obtaining blood glucose reading, routine medication administration, aseptic technique, phlebotomy and infection control guidelines, or the completion of an accredited medical assistant program.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).
• High School Graduate.
• Proficient PC skills with exposure to electronic medical records systems.
• Good written and verbal communication skills required. Able to interact with people easily (clients, families, providers, office staff, etc.), must put the client's needs ahead of own.
• Perform applicable functions within the Electronic Health Record and other software such as Excel and Word.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow HIPAA regulations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to develop rapport and maintain positive relationships with a variety of patients, staff and providers.
• Ability to understand and react with cultural sensitivity to client needs.
• Ability to pass a drug screen
• Ability to pass a caregiver's background check

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; use hands to manipulate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
Work is performed in an office environment utilizing various office equipment including, but not limited to, a computer, copy machine, fax machine, and multi-line phone. Ability to communicate effectively over the telephone, by computer and in person is expected. Ability to perform well in a fast-paced work environment, and to adjust to changes is expected. Reliability is highly valued.