Medical Assistant

Summary

The Infusion Center (IC) Medical Assistant (MA) works under the direction of the IC Registered Nurse (RN) staff to facilitate the delivery of safe, quality patient care; in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and accurately record in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) baseline measurements necessary for the safe delivery of care such as: Vital Signs, height and weight, allergies; as well as psychosocial and home care issues like home medications, safety, comfort, travel screening, etc. Monitor safety parameters during infusions and record in the EMR as well as immediately report abnormalities to the RN, including Vital Signs, nausea and / or vomiting, any reports by the patient of signs and or symptoms of an infusion reaction including: flushing, sweating, clammy skin, diaphoretic, chest pain, shortness of breath or dyspnea, dizziness, rash, hives, or swelling, or others as directed by the RN. Function as an integral part of the infusion care team during patient crisis or emergency situations by answering the telephone, moving other patients from the area, assisting EMS in accessing the building and finding the correct patient location, and or performing Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) per Basic Life Support (BLS) training and guidelines.
• Perform removal of peripheral IV access with appropriate bandage for discharge. Perform peripheral lab draws to obtain specimens. Perform administration of injections. Perform administration of oral medications. Perform simple dressing changes. Clean and prepare infusion chairs and rooms for usage by the next patient per policies and/or guidelines.
• Retrieve patients from the waiting room and escort them to their designated infusion location. Provide patients with comfort items such as: blankets, pillows, snacks, reading material, assistance with the TV, drawing or opening the privacy curtain, and raising or lowering the window blinds. Answer patient call lights and provide assistance ambulating and using the restroom. Escort discharged patients out of the building and insure they safely enter their vehicle for transport home.
• Facilitate communication of patient information with providers or other care givers including: copying, faxing, emailing, maintenance requests, and or written notes. Facilitate completion of the Senior Office Assistant's (SOA's) clerical tasks as designated by them on a daily basis. Maintain stock levels of non-medication nursing supplies in the mobile medication carts, medication room, and the store room. Assist with breakdown and shelving of incoming stocks and supplies.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow up on EMR task list and work list items as appropriate.
• Acts independently, using a high knowledge base of the specialty in order to performs decision making using discretion and judgment which requires critical thinking and communication skills, frequently in stressful situations.
• Under the direction of a provider order and the Intensive Care (IC) RN, is involved patient testing and care based on evolving and changing guidelines.
• Assists in maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients and co-workers.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and ensures patient's rights in accordance with proper procedures and in compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act).
• Performs administrative duties as required, such as, organizes office, orders supplies, creates correspondence, answers the telephone, updates/files/scans information into patient's medical records.
• Maintains a system for accurately recording, coding, and reporting patient conditions in the medical record.
• Participate in annual review for quality and completeness.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Certifications and Licensures

• Credential: MA CERT: Medical Assistant
• Equivalent Experience: In conjunction with high school diploma as required by Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to be employed, must possess one of the following active certification/licensure:
  1. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologist (AMT)
  2. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) OR equivalent Medical Assistant Credential such as (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA, etc.).
  3. Medical First Responder, Emergency Medical Tech Basic/Specialist, or Paramedic through the State of Michigan.
  4. Registered Radiologic Technologist through American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
• Essential: true
• Credential: BLS: Basic Life Support
• Equivalent Experience: Within 1 month of hire or transfer
• Qualification Source: AHA
• Essential: true

Required Education

• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Equivalent Experience: Prefer completion of an Associate's Degree in a Healthcare Related field.
• Education Specialization: Essential: true

Other Information

• Experience, Training and Skills: A minimum of 3 years in clinical experience in a health care facility or medical office and/or specialty practice.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of reading, writing, mathematical and computer skills. Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
• Experience as normally acquired through working in oncology or general surgery practice.

Physical/Mental Requirements and Typical Working Conditions

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
• Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without an assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
• Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
• Physical Demand Level: Light. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 11-20 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 10 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls.