Medical Assistant

Job Title: Medical Assistant Department: Physician Office

General Statement of Duties: Assists in the delivery of healthcare services and patient care management.

Supervision Received: Reports to Mid Level Provider / Clinical Supervisor

Supervision Exercised: None

Typical Physical Demands: Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time. Requires a full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients. Lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds. Moves, with assistance, patients weighing up to 300 pounds. Requires manual and finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Requires normal hearing. Requires normal vision range and the absence of color-blindness. Requires exposure to bodily fluids.

Typical Working Conditions: Possible exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, and other conditions common to the clinic environment. Must use hazardous material precautions when such exposure exists. Frequent exposure to computer screens for extended period of time.

Position Responsibilities: (This list may not include all of the duties assigned.)

1. Performs selected nursing and administrative duties.

2. The Medical Assistant’s primary responsibility is to assist the physician or mid-level provider in all functions to ensure safe, courteous, and efficient care for all patients.

3. Prepares patients for examination and treatment. Takes patient histories and vital signs (if applicable) and records in the patient’s electronic medical record.

4. Prepares exam and treatment rooms with necessary supplies and instruments. Monitors and maintains equipment and supplies, including sterilization of equipment. Maintains clinical environment.

5. Administers injections, applies dressings, and performs selected nursing procedures as directed by physician.

6. Assists physician in preparing for and performing procedures.

7. Phones in patient prescriptions ordered by the physician and document such in the patient’s medical record.

8. Schedules tests, treatment, and related services as directed by the physician. Obtains referrals when necessary.

9. Responds to incoming telephone calls pertaining to the patient’s health and records significant phone calls in the patient’s paper and/or electronic medical record. Communicates patient information to the physician by either a written message or by an electronic document. Notifies receptionists of any work-in appointments. Instructs patients regarding medication and treatment.

10. Orders or transmits information for external services, when applicable, through the computer as ordered by the physician. Instructs patients on the collection of specimens.

11. Prepares charts and orders necessary testing for the next clinic day. Files reports and dictation in the electronic medical record.

12. Participates in continuing education programs and related professional activities and maintains professional affiliations

13. Covers for other personnel during lunch and breaks.

14. Follows clinics policy and procedures regarding Compliance and HIPAA.

15. Carries out other similar or related duties to ensure smooth operation of the office and optimal delivery of health care services.

16. All staff must do floor work and patient care first, before paperwork and charting, working as a team. No staff member can decide she or he will only do certain parts of the job duties. All staff must be on the floor until all floor work is done and all patients discharged. Failure to complete these duties will be grounds for termination. All staff members must do their paperwork in the
    central nurse area, and be visible and available to help with any patient care duties as they arise. No one is to seek a solitary place to do paperwork or charting.

17. It is the MA’s responsibility to follow through and know which charts are done, which remain to be done, and not rely on their supervisor to check behind them to see what charts remain incomplete. At the end of the day, each MA is to make sure all charts are complete. If there is not enough time to finish charts, the MA is to take responsibility for ensuring that the charts that are incomplete are noted and finished the next day.

18. All prescriptions must validated by Nurse Practitioner or Dr. Bailey if the CRNP is not available. All allergy and medicine interactions with a warning when prescribed must be cleared through the CRNP (first) or Dr. Bailey if CRNP is not available before the prescription is sent.

Independence of Operation: Performs duties independently, in accordance with established standards and policy. Work assignments are subject to review and general direction.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Skills and Abilities: Skill in assisting in a variety of treatments and medications as directed. Skill in taking vital signs. Skill in maintaining records and recording test results. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures. Ability to communicate clearly. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Knowledge of medical practice and care to assist in giving patient care. Knowledge of examination, diagnostic, and treatment room procedures. Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.