Medical Assistant I, Pulmonary

Medical Assistant

Under direct clinical supervision of the on-site provider, assists in the delivery of patient care. Performs delegated medical tasks, assists physician and nursing staff with patient care and may perform clerical duties. Where electronic system is in use, will utilize the electronic medical record (EMR) for documentation purposes. Fulfillment of job duties requires access to medication storage areas and to transport medications to/ from medication storage and delivery areas. Under direct operational supervision of the manager or designee, participates in the day-to-day operations and patient flow as assigned.

Primary Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

Patient Experience

• Greets patients in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner always, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.
• Follows communication protocols. Responds to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts resolution. Pursues service recovery when customer's expectations have not been met.

Clinical Duties

• Accurately complete and document patient questionnaires, health screenings, and chief complaint in the EMR, ensuring high-quality and compliant documentation that supports optimal care.
• Follows established practice workflows to facilitate efficiency and timely service to patients.
• Prepares patient for examination by the health care provider. Performs and documents vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature) and risk screening on all patients per hospital and/or practice policy. Reports out of range values in vital signs and risk screening to the provider. Assists provider with procedures. Performs routine clinical testing, including but not limited to obtaining blood and urine specimen, vision testing, hearing screening, incentive spirometry, EKG, point of care testing, and vital signs. Follows established guidelines or protocols where applicable to obtain necessary testing based on the chief complaint prior to the exam.
• Provides pre-printed patient education/material as directed by provider.
• Performs high level disinfection of equipment/instruments and environment per hospital and/or practice procedure.
• Stocks/restocks supply and exam rooms maintaining necessary supplies in clinical area.
• Ensures equipment used in clinical area has a current clinical engineering sticker and is ready for use.
• Provides care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served. Assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to population-specific and age specific needs. Provides the care needed as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures. Is aware of social drivers of health as they impact overall health of the patient and the community.
• Based on established competencies, administers select medications and injections under direct supervision of provider as per hospital and/or practice policy. Assists in the vaccination programs, including giving injections and tracking data in an approved database.
• Participates in patient outreach including pre-visit calls, follow-up screenings, and other care coordination activities such as contacting pharmacies, interprofessional team members, and other providers' offices as appropriate to meet patient care needs.
• Participates in practice specific population health focused tactics to improve quality outcomes for clinic-specific population. Participates in new population health initiatives relevant to the MA role.
• Completes prior authorization of medication or equipment prior authorizations independently.

Administrative Duties

• May assist with front desk operations with oversight to include but not limited to: patient check in and check out, scanning and filing, patient phone calls, and fee disclosures.
• Enhances the patient and family experience by informing of possible delays, as well as being aware of potential barriers to a positive patient experience and remediating or escalating using the chain of command.
• Timely review of business communication, such as In Basket, email, and telecommunications.
• Plays active role in compliance with regulatory and practice and/or hospital policy requirements. Maintains a safe environment of care and reports safety concerns.

Additional Duties

• Participates in personnel skill and competency development and training as requested by practice manager.
• Responsible for self-learning; attends educational offerings and in-services independently.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Education & Experience - Required

• 1. High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2. Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program. Special circumstances to consider an exception may include: (1 year of supervised work experience in a medical assisting field within the last 3 years; or 2 years of supervised work experience in a medical assisting field within the last 5 years). These should be vetted by Human Resources Director and Department Director.
• 3. Current BLS certification.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques.
• Knowledge of blood and body fluid precautions.
• Ability to perform basic clinical skills such as obtaining vital signs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, team members within the practice, and other members of the organization.
• Demonstrates ability to work on a team and effectively communicate with colleagues and patients.