Medical Assistant I

Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Medical Assistant (MA) has duties and responsibilities related to patient care in the ambulatory clinic environment. The individual displays responsible behaviors, communicates effectively to others and functions as a member of the healthcare team. The MA functions under the direct supervision and authority of the provider when performing clinical tasks during patient care. The MA reports to the nursing supervisor, who is responsible for administrative supervision, staff development, and orientation of the MA to the areas policies and procedures. The MA must demonstrate competency in all skills related to the performance of patient care. The MA maintains an inventory of examination/procedure room supplies, assists in the organization of efficient patient flow, and organizes the clinic environment to assure patient safety. The MA demonstrates problem-solving skills as they relate to patient care activities, provides guidance for and acts as a role model for Medical Assistants in the clinical area.

 

CULTURAL HUMILITY, COMPLIANCE & QUALITY ASSURANCE STANDARDS 

• Actively engage in continuous critical self-reflection and life-long learning to understand, accept and celebrate the differences of both our staff and our patients.  These differences include but are not limited to LGBTQ, communities of color, HIV individuals, immigrants, the medically underserved, individuals across the socioeconomic divide, people living with disabilities and any patient that needs our care.  

• Identifying and working to positively improve employee and client satisfaction by upholding CrescentCare’s mission and values through respectful dialogue, constructive feedback and strategic planning.  

• Cooperate with the Agency’s Quality Assurance and Improvement Program. Includes actively participating in all required trainings, and in creating a culture of quality improvement. Cooperation with the quality program will be considered for performance reviews.   

• Cooperate with the Agency’s Compliance Practices. Includes immediately reporting issues, actively participating in required trainings, following HIPAA regulations, and assisting in creating a culture of compliance. Also includes compliance with written standards and all applicable federal and state laws. Cooperation with compliance will be considered for performance evaluations.   

• Not currently listed as excluded or sanctioned by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG), the General Services Administration (GSA), or excluded from participation in any federal program.  Agrees to promptly notify supervisor in the event of any such debarment, exclusion, conviction, threat or indictment occurring during the term of employment.   

• Comply with the Agency’s Compliance Practices, which include reporting conduct or events that potentially violates any laws or the Agency’s written compliance standards.  will be met by disciplinary action, up to and including possible termination.   

• Adhere to all practices specified in the Employee Handbook and Agency Operating Procedures.  

 

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Clinical: Participates in the care of the patient, under the direct supervision of the Physician and in collaboration with the healthcare team. 

• Collects patient information and assessment data. Obtains and records patient’s vital signs: temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, weight and height. Reports assessment findings to practitioner, and records accurately on appropriate documentation forms in a timely manner. Obtains additional data from patient and significant other based on initial data collection. Performs chart review prior to clinic visit to obtain historical data. 

• Monitors patient status recognizing and reporting abnormal findings or changes in condition. 

• Organizes patient care activities based on assessment findings. 

• Confirms and clarifies written orders prior to implementation of delegated tasks. 

• Maintains and uses principles of aseptic techniques and infection control when performing clinical duties and tasks. 

• Under clinical supervision, performs delegated procedures/clinical tests common to the specialty area in a safe, effective, and efficient manner according to Clinical Practice Policy and Procedures. 

• Assists practitioner in identified patient procedures/treatments/examinations, (preparation, positioning, supplies, equipment). Proactively problem-solves and identifies solutions to barriers to safety. 

• Appropriately obtains and manages specimens, including: labeling, form completion, transport to laboratories, and log maintenance. Performs quality control for waived testing. Acts as a “trainer” for waived testing, and coordinates activities related to proficiency. 

• Recognizes emergency situations and implements emergency procedures according to clinic guidelines. Administers first aid, CPR, and maintains emergency equipment and supplies. 

• Provides appropriate patient education, health information materials and community resource lists as directed, and maintains educational supplies. Identifies patient’s need for additional information, and refers to appropriate healthcare resources. 

Unit Operations: In close partnership with health care team, assures smooth and efficient patient flow and clinical operation. 

• Assists patients to exam room and prepares patients for examination. Assists patients in wheelchairs and stretchers with transfers to and from exam tables, procedure tables, and scales utilizing proper body mechanics and safety measures. Identifies patients with special needs 

• Directs patients with medical complaints who call or arrive to the clinic to the patient’s physician for assistance. 

• Stocks and maintains exam rooms and clinic areas with standard levels of supplies, medications, linens, nourishments, forms and equipment. Recognizes patient care trends affecting unit supplies as well as the need to order additional supplies and notifies clinic manager or supervisor. 

• Operates clinical equipment according to equipment procedures including safety and quality control checks. Checks clinic area and rooms for malfunctioning equipment and general maintenance problems on a regular basis. Reports findings to appropriate person or arranges for repairs as required. 

• Ensures that soiled linen, needle containers and potentially infectious waste are appropriately disposed and removed from the clinic and exam area according to the infection control guidelines. 

• Performs related and delegated tasks, which includes requests for prescription refills, prior authorizations, taking and relaying messages, directing patient flow and running errands. 

• Works with healthcare team to assure smooth and efficient patient flow and clinical operation. Problem solves obstacles to throughput process and notifies manager and patients of wait time. 

• Knows the informal and formal department goals, standards, policies and procedures, which may include some familiarity of other departments within the school/division. Is sensitive to the interrelationships of both people and functions within the department. 

• Carries out duties and responsibilities under the supervision of the physician and clinic manager. Makes decisions and establishes work priorities on procedure-oriented operations 

• Identifies self-learning needs related to job description and seeks out appropriate resources to meet learning needs. 

• Acts as a resource and preceptor for Medical Assistants. 

• Participates in staff meetings by providing constructive input and facilitating problem-solving. 

• Identifies opportunities for performance improvement and provides input for the development of solutions. 

• Identifies and uses a variety of resources to validate patient care decisions. 

Age Specific Care 

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care or service based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the age of the patients served in her/his assigned service area. The required skills and knowledge may be gained through education training or experience. 

• Pediatric/Adolescent: Under 18  

• Adult: 18—64 years of age 

• Geriatric 65 and older 

 

 

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

• The minimum education level required for the position is High School Diploma or GED, completion of an accredited Medical Assistant training program, community college, and /or vocational school 

• BLS required 

• The minimum experiential level required for the position is 1 year in clinical setting 

• Ability to work flexible hours 

• Behavioral Health experience preferred 

• CMA credential preferred 

• Experience with the LGBT community preferred 

• Spanish and English-speaking (bilingual) preferred 

• Other duties as assigned 

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES  

• Necessary technical skills to use electronic health record, incident reporting system, email, and other information systems 

• Knowledge of billing and coding regulations, CMS regulations and FQHC billing guidelines 

• Knowledge of regulatory and legal requirements associated with billing activitie 

• Excellent analytic, problem solving and organizational skills 

• Must have knowledge of ICD10, and HCPCS coding and medical terminology, as well as an overall understanding of managed care products (HMO, PPO, etc.) and Government Payers 

• Experience with EHR  

• Excellent organizational skills 

• Superior attention to detail 

• Ability to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines 

• Must be motivated and be a self-starter 

• Excellent time management skills 

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to exercise judgment and discretion. 

• Ability to handle multiple projects and stressful situations 

• Ability to work independently in a proactive manner 

• Proficiency with computer and windows-based business software applications including Microsoft Office Suite 

• Understanding of pertinent regulatory guidelines such as HIPAA 

• Demonstrates customer service focus 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Work is office-based. 

• Working hours vary and may include evenings/nights, some Saturday clinics and multiple locations. 

• Shift may require working outdoors. 

• Work with a diverse population as served by a Federally Qualified Health Center. 

• Standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time. 

• Able to use a computer to chart patient information in the Electronic Health Record. 

• Physical ability to participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.