MG Medical Assistant

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Ambulatory Clinical Manager, Practice Manager, The Medical Assistant provides clinical and administrative support in an ambulatory care setting. The Medical Assistant performs duties in accordance with established policies, procedures, and clinic-specific workflows while promoting safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

The Medical Assistant supports patients across the lifespan, including pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations, while recognizing individual developmental, cultural, and patient-specific needs. The role promotes patient- and family-centered care consistent with Brown University Health’s mission, vision, and values.

Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization’s core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence in all interactions with patients, families, colleagues, and the community.

Employees are also expected to demonstrate the organization’s core Success Factors:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus
• Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care and Clinical Support

• Prepare patients for examinations and treatments according to clinic-specific workflows and established protocols.
• Escort patients from the waiting area to the appropriate examination room and promote efficient patient flow throughout the practice.
• Obtain and document vital signs, weight, pain scores, chief complaints, medication reconciliation, medical history, surgical history, family history, allergies, and other required clinical information in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Complete patient questionnaires and health screenings as required.
• Review health maintenance and chronic illness needs and perform or initiate services according to established protocols and standing orders.
• Assist providers with physical examinations and clinical procedures.
• Perform clinical procedures using appropriate aseptic techniques and standard precautions.
• Administer vaccines and place PPDs in accordance with practice and clinic protocols.
• Perform point-of-care testing as authorized and trained, including blood pressure, EKGs, pulse oximetry, hemoglobin A1C, glucose, urinalysis, urine HCG, rapid strep testing, and other applicable tests.
• Document patient health concerns and clinical findings accurately and promptly in the EMR.
• Ensure specimens are properly collected, labeled, documented, and transported to the laboratory.
• Monitor laboratory results and ensure results are entered into the medical record.
• Track orders and results and contact patients regarding outstanding laboratory work, testing, or other follow-up needs.
• Immediately report abnormal laboratory or diagnostic results to the appropriate physician or nurse.
• Follow up on specialty referrals and other services, track consultation reports, and ensure the EMR is updated appropriately.
• Contact patients regarding referrals, appointments, laboratory testing, and other required follow-up.
• Monitor prescription refill requests and route them according to established workflows.
• Initiate pharmacy benefit verification as appropriate.
• Provide patients with clear instructions regarding procedures, testing, preparation requirements, and follow-up care.
• Educate patients regarding care coordination and appropriate use of emergency services.
• Identify and document barriers to care and communicate concerns to the appropriate clinical team member.

Pre-Visit Planning and Care Coordination

• Perform pre-visit planning by reviewing and updating patient records before appointments.
• Review recent test results, consultations, correspondence, health maintenance needs, and other relevant clinical information.
• Identify services needed based on established practice protocols.
• Communicate point-of-care reminders and identified care gaps to providers through the EMR.
• Schedule diagnostic testing, follow-up appointments, and specialty services as needed.
• Pre-register patients for future visits and verify demographic and insurance information.
• Obtain referrals and prior authorizations as required.
• Track outstanding orders, referrals, and results to support timely and coordinated patient care.

Patient Access and Administrative Support

• Greet patients and provide professional, courteous customer service.
• Perform patient registration and check-in/check-out functions.
• Answer telephone calls and respond to patient inquiries within the scope of the position.
• Schedule and coordinate patient appointments.
• Obtain referrals and authorizations.
• Process patient forms, correspondence, and other administrative documentation.
• Complete discharge and checkout processes.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of demographic, insurance, referral, authorization, diagnosis, and billing information.
• Support patient financial processes by collecting and appropriately processing co-payments, deductibles, and self-pay balances at the time of service.
• Provide general clerical and administrative support to the practice.
• Prepare and mail patient reminders, letters, and other correspondence.
• Assist with administrative duties and other office functions as assigned.

Patient Flow, Safety, and Environment

• Maintain efficient patient flow by coordinating clinical and administrative activities throughout the patient visit.
• Clean and prepare examination rooms between patients and ensure rooms are appropriately stocked for scheduled appointments.
• Monitor medical supplies and equipment and place orders as needed.
• Maintain adequate supplies in examination rooms and clinical work areas.
• Clean and maintain medical equipment according to established procedures.
• Immediately report broken, missing, or malfunctioning equipment to the appropriate manager.
• Check expiration dates on medications and supplies and remove and report expired items according to policy.
• Maintain quality assurance, patient safety, environmental safety, and infection prevention and control standards in accordance with hospital and department policies.
• Protect and maintain patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.

Teamwork and Professional Responsibilities

• Work effectively and respectfully within the scope of education, training, and demonstrated competencies.
• Follow established practice, clinic, and office workflows to promote quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude and actively participate as a member of the patient care team.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to adapt to changes that support the goals of the Patient-Centered Medical Home.
• Manage time effectively and use periods of lower patient volume to complete assigned tasks and prepare for future patient care needs.
• Orient and serve as a resource to new employees regarding department policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a formal Medical Assistant training program required

Certification

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Medical Assistant certification required

Experience

• Graduate of a formal Medical Assistant training program or a minimum of three (3) years of Medical Assistant experience required.
• Candidates without formal Medical Assistant training may be considered if they have at least three (3) years of related experience in a comparable healthcare role, such as LPN, medical student, EMT, paramedic, or similar position.

Other Requirements

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work effectively with patients, families, providers, and members of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain patient confidentiality and follow established clinical and organizational policies and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in a healthcare environment, including physician offices, ambulatory clinics, and other ancillary healthcare settings.
• Position involves regular direct patient contact and use of medical equipment.
• Potential workplace hazards are minimized through adherence to established safety procedures, use of appropriate protective equipment, and compliance with infection prevention and control standards.
• Requires intermittent walking and standing throughout the workday.
• May involve exposure to electrical, energy, biological, and other healthcare-related hazards.
• May require lifting, transferring, positioning, or assisting patients.
• May require lifting and moving supplies or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions safely and effectively with or without reasonable accommodation.

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EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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