Medical Assistant I - Forest Community Health Center

Job Title

Under the supervision of a Community Health Center Manager, assists health care providers with examinations and procedures to ensure an expeditious flow of patients through the clinic. Upon direction of the provider conducts various tests to identify health problems in patients. May determine eligibility for center services. Tasks include perform chart preparation, conducting initial interviews, preparing patients for examinations, administering medications, injections and standardized tests, and recording results. Check patient insurance eligibility and refer patients to healthcare enrollment assistance sites. Ability to provide clerical services and clinical services as required to maintain an effective practice flow. Cross trained to work both clerically and clinically. May assist in training new employees and medical students to health center operations.

Essential Functions

Receives patients and their families at a health center or screening site. Coordinates initial interview, gathers background information, and assists in the completion of various forms and applications. Answers routine questions regarding operations and related services.

Prepares patients for examination by escorting them to examination rooms, documenting complaints and symptoms. Taking vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, pulse and pulse oximetry. Measures height, weight and pediatric head circumference. Records vital statistics and relevant visit information in patient electronic health record (EHR).

Arranges for specialized testing, which may include communicating with patients and case managers regarding issues related to authorizations and benefits, as well as medical procedures and specialist referrals and diagnostic tests. Completes necessary paperwork and EHR documentation, contacts specialist's offices, hospitals, labs or other facilities to make appointments as needed. Contacts patients or caregivers to inform them of appointments. Completes paperwork, notifies patients or caregivers and assists in tracking of referrals to ensure necessary care is completed. Forwards to proper personnel to complete referral authorizations as needed.

Administers standardized tests or performs procedures ordered by providers such as developmental screening, EKGs, peak flow meter testing, ear irrigations and vision/hearing tests. Assist health care professionals who are conducting medical examinations as required.

May perform clerical tasks such as answering phones, assisting patients in completing paperwork, screen for insurance coverage, update client information, verify appointments, collect payments, perform bookkeeping tasks and schedule appointments.

Collects specimens such as blood, urine and throat swabs per provider and/or standing order upon proof of competency. Perform CLIA duties and functions as Safety Monitor as needed. Collects or receives samples and conducts CLIA Waived tests per Ingham Community Health Center (ICHC) quality assurance training and documents within EHR. May prepare specimens to be sent to outside laboratories.

Administers medications and injections safely following established standards, policies and procedures.

Documents all care and communication within the EHR per training and established procedure. Perform prior authorizations for medication and referrals to specialty care.

Provides care following established procedure under the Patient-Centered Medical Home model of care.

Prepares assigned clinic area for daily activities to meet provider and patient needs according to established protocols and established checklists. Order materials, supplies, medications, test kits and other items needed.

Assists other support staff as necessary and performs a variety of clerical, record keeping and account keeping assignments.

Provides all care and communication according to the Health Department Core Values.

Attends staff meetings and trainings as assigned.

Other Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Must adhere to departmental standards in regard to HIPAA and other privacy issues.
• During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to, but not limited, to those in his/her job description.

Employment Qualifications

Education: Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduation from a recognized Medical Assistant program and credentialing as a Medical Assistant such that they meet the federal CMS guidelines for Meaningful Use compliance. Current CPR training must be maintained during employment. Experience: Prefer six months experience in a clinic setting. Other Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to communicate and respond to inquiries both in person and over the phone.
• This position requires the ability to operate a PC/laptop and to enter & retrieve information from a computer.
• This position requires the ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress.

Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.

Requirements and Working Conditions

Working Conditions:

• This position works in an indoor environment. There is no planned exposure to prominent lights, noises, odors, temperatures or weather conditions.
• This position is required to travel for meetings and appointments. Some appointments may be held at personal residences where levels of cleanliness and safety vary.
• This position operates non-powered hand tools such as medical equipment, etc.
• This position is exposed to communicable diseases, blood, other body fluids, etc.
• This position is exposed to individuals in crisis. These individuals may suffer from mental or emotional illness, have violent tendencies or be unconcerned with their personal safety and hygiene.

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, traverse, climb, balance, twist, bend, stoop/crouch, squat, kneel, crawl, lift, carry, push, pull, reach, grasp, handle, pinch, type, endure repetitive movements of the wrists, hands or fingers.
• This position's physical requirements require little to no stamina in traversing, climbing, balancing, squatting, kneeling and crawling.
• This position's physical requirements require periodic stamina in sitting, twisting, bending, stooping/crouching, lifting, pushing and pulling.
• This position's physical requirements require continuous stamina in standing, walking, carrying, reaching, grasping, handling, pinching, typing, enduring repetitive movements of the wrists, hands or fingers.
• This position performs light work requiring the ability to exert 20 pounds or less of force in the physical requirements above.
• This position primarily requires close visual acuity to perform tasks within arm's reach such as: viewing a computer screen, using measurement devices, inspecting and assembling parts, etc.