Medical Assistant I

Job Summary

Under direct supervision performs a variety of front and back office duties in the clinic. Provides initial preparation of patients prior to the physician's encounter; assists physician in patient care activities; performs procedures under the supervision of physician; provides health education under the supervision of physician. This position would be at the Fondren Kingwood location 2 days a week and 3 days a week at the Med Center location (Texas Orthopedic Hospital)

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Be present and prepared for clinic 15 minutes prior to clinic start time.
2. Assist physician during physical exams and procedures.
3. Ensure that charts for outside physicians are prepared for that day with appropriate forms and documentation.
4. Assist with scheduling appointments, scheduling surgeries, requesting medical information, test results, photocopying, filing, pre-certification and other tasks as assigned or required.
5. Assist with obtaining authorizations or referrals needed.
6. Maintain patient charts and ensures information is filed / scanned accurately.
7. Function as a collaborative team member; demonstrated commitment to group goals and teamwork.
8. Take vitals on all patients to include height, weight, blood pressure and temperature.
9. Complete patient history, medication documentation, and other orders as instructed by the provider.
10. Perform point of care testing, phlebotomy and specimen collection, assisting the provider with basic routine tests, injections, procedures, suture removal, dressing changes and the like.
11. Assess clinical equipment. Notify management of issues or concerns.
12. Operate equipment as intended, in a safe and competent manner that is compliant with OSHA standards
13. Dispose of hazardous and biohazardous waste in a manner that complies with all OSHA standards and hospital and practice protocols.
14. Enter other pertinent patient data into Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or chart as requested by the provider.
15. Accurately documents point of care results to ensure charges are sent by the close of business.
16. Work within scope and with providers to answer patient phone questions and complete refill encounters with appropriate documentation in the chart or EMR.
17. Answer phones, screen calls, and communicate messages accurately and in a timely manner.
18. Restock and prepare exam rooms for the next day according to par levels. Notify staff member(s) responsible for ordering supplies when appropriate.
19. Return patient phone call and emails in a timely, efficient, and friendly manner.
20. Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.
21. Function as a collaborative team member; demonstrates commitment to group goals and teamwork; establish and maintains constructive working relationships with patients, patient family members, coworkers, physicians, managers, hospital staff, case managers, insurance adjustors and anyone else that the employee interacts with while conducting business .
22. Completes other duties as assigned by physician or management team.

Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is required.
2. Two (2) years of relevant back-office or completion of a formal medical assistant training program.
3. BLS certification within two years of hire date is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Previous experience using a business office suite, such as Microsoft Office, is preferred.
2. Knowledge of medical terminology required.
3. Must have knowledge of electronic medical records software and procedures.
4. Knowledge of HIPAA and OHSA requirements.
5. Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
6. Strong organizational and planning skills.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

Competencies

1. Customer/Client Focus.
2. Flexibility.
3. Teamwork Orientation.
4. Time Management.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibility.

Work Environment
This position works in orthopedic medical practice hospital setting. The environment is generally indicative of a typical office setting. However, the hazards of sharp instruments and bloodborne and other pathogen types is ever present.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The position walks, sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves continually during working hours. The position is subject to lifting objects weighing over 50 pounds, pushing wheelchairs, and transporting and supporting residents. The employee must be constantly alert for resident safety.


Expected Hours of Work
The expected work hours are 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday with rare, but possible weekend work as required. Travel will be required between Baytown and Texas Orthopedic Hospital in the med center.