Assistant, Medical I

Medical Assistant Position at Kedren Community Care Clinic

A Medical Assistant (MA) at Kedren Community Care Clinic (KCCC) performs a wide variety of duties and responsibilities in a manner that places emphasis on quality of care and customer service. The incumbent must work collaboratively with all clinical services staff in support of direct patient services, exhibiting flexibility and a "can-do" attitude. Patient services are the key priority in this position requiring the MA to serve as a point of contact with other internal and external departments, all with the goal of fostering an environment which promotes patient comfort and trust. This position must exemplify the core values and mission of the organization, always exercising utmost discretion, diplomacy and tact in patient/staff interactions.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required
• Graduate of a Medical Assistant Program/Certified Medical Assistant preferred
• Current, valid CPR certification
• Familiarity with Community Health Clinics (FQHC)
• Minimum 6 months to 1 year of experience as Medical Assistant, non-profit setting highly desirable
• Knowledgeable of an electronic health record (EHR) system
• Valid California Driver's License and proof of personal liability auto insurance as required by California State Law

Essential Job Functions:

• Prepares for patient appointments by reviewing and updating patient records prior to appointment using clinic's EHR. This includes checking for updates of recent diagnostic test results, lab results, approved/denied referrals, telephone encounters, and all correspondence received. Also reviews patient chart in EHR to determine needed services and whether referrals are in process or have been completed since last visit.
• Maintains exam rooms according to protocols: Cleans rooms between patient visits to ensure patients' comfort and compliance with infection control standards; ensures all necessary supplies are stocked. Promptly reports to clinic manager when supplies are low to ensure timely re-ordering of supplies.
• Appropriately prepares patient for visit and alerts licensed provider via EHR when patient is ready to be seen. When a licensed provider is unavailable, the MA keeps the patient updated on the status of their appointment and when necessary assists the patient in re-scheduling or scheduling follow-up visits. Instructs patient as to general clinic policies, patient's rights and responsibilities as needed.
• Provides initial medical screening: Greets patients and directs to appropriate exam room after recording weight, height, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, obtain basic medical history, and completes screening questionnaires; accurately documents in EHR according to general accepted medical standards.
• Carries out all provider orders including administration of immunizations, injections, oral medications, and procedures. Verifies the correct medication and dosage with licensed provider prior to administering. Verification of competency is required.
• Assists providers upon request during examination of patient and according to general accepted medical standards. Practices universal precautions with respect to established safety protocols. Facilitates communication between the provider(s) and patient as needed, including language translation as appropriate.
• Discharges patients after directed by provider. During the discharge process, MA must provide patients with visit summaries, lab orders, diagnostic imaging orders, medication prescriptions, follow up appointments, and checks out patients in EHR.
• Utilizes time in a constructive and efficient manner by assisting in such duties as scanning of patient documents in EHR, restocking rooms/shelves/trays, checking supplies and ensuring that all areas and exam rooms are clean and orderly.
• Performs general clerical duties in support of patient services according to the needs of the clinic and as directed by the Clinic Manager or Director of Nursing and provider(s). These include but are not limited to answering phones, photocopying, mailing letters, faxing, typing, scanning, completing patient forms, etc. Works with EHR practice management system to assist Front Office Clerks with orderly and efficient patient flow. Provides administrative back-up support to Clinic Manager, Lead NP and/or Medical Director as assigned and as necessary for smooth and efficient operation of the clinic.
• Accepts floating assignments to other areas of KCCC (e.g. Lab, Amity, Bldg. B, AOP, Wellness, etc.) as needed and assigned.
• Maintains work station according to protocols. Performs routine quality check of equipment and promptly reports damaged or missing equipment from patient rooms.
• Ensures clinical areas are organized with respect of standards in safety and quality patient care.
• Works collaboratively with Clinical staff and other departments in solutions-oriented problem solving with the goal of providing quality patient care.
• For safety and security reasons, the MA is responsible for knowing the whereabouts of a patient any time the patient is in clinical areas. In the event a patient or clinic emergency, the MA may be called to activate the proper 'code', assisting provider(s) and clinical staff with the appropriate emergency response. In the event of evacuation, the MA will assist in the evacuation of patients being seen by her/his provider(s) as scheduled.
• Performs EKGs and acts as backup for lab technologist, when directed by licensed provider, Supervising NP, Lead MD and/or Medical Director.
• Attends staff and medical meetings, off and on-site including weekends as required
• Performs all duties and service in full compliance with Kedren Community Care Clinic Policies and Procedures.
• Performs all duties in support of a successful EMR use and implementation.
• Assist and trains new hire staff
• Demonstrates exemplary customer service
• Performs additional duties, as assigned by Clinic Manager, Supervising NP, Lead MD and/or Medical Director and in support of quality assurance and improvement.
• Attend and participate in annual trainings, staff meetings and in-services as required by KCCC.

Physical Demands and Environmental Requirements:

• Medical Assistants may spend 80% of their professional day walking, standing, moving and manipulating equipment, as well as lifting and moving objects, equipment and supplies. It is reasonable to anticipate lifting 20-25 pounds in any given day. Lifting up to 40-50 pounds may occasionally be required, depending on the specific style or type of care provided.
• In the performance of certain patient care tasks, the Medical Assistant may be expected to have sufficient manual dexterity in order to safely perform various skills and techniques. Tasks and expectations may vary by clinical site and medical practice.
• Medical Assistants may also be expected to have a level of visual and auditory acuity sufficient to meet the needs of their job tasks.
• Essential duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, and communicable diseases.

Expectations:

• Excellent communication skills at a quality level necessary for taking patients' medical histories, understanding provider and supervisor's instructions, and accurately documenting patient's medical information within EHR. Ability to effectively communicate with patient population and staff while demonstrating a high degree of patient care.
• Beginner to intermediate computing and phone skills.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends; demonstrates flexibility in regards to job duties and assignments.
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a high-stress and fast-moving environment.
• Culturally sensitive and demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with ethnically diverse populations.
• Working knowledge of "Universal Precautions" and "Standard Precaution"
• Possess a thorough understanding of the importance of confidentiality and non-disclosure according to the general standards set forth by HIPAA.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Demonstrates professional behavior at all times
• Observes department guidelines to conduct personal business during breaks and lunch hour.
• Observes department guidelines to limit personal phone use and does not use the phone/computer for personal calls, internet search and email for personal use

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills:

• Consistently demonstrates behavior as described in KCCC's mission.
• Recognizes the needs of others and acts in the best interest of others.
• Demonstrates courtesy, mutual respect and compassion in dealing with others.
• Initiates and presents positive solutions to problems.
• Acknowledges and respects differences when they exist and find ways to communicate more effectively.
• Demonstrates adaptability to changes in a positive and professional manner.
• Maintains positive working relationships and fosters a cooperative work environment.