A Medical Assistant assists physicians and other medical specialists with routine administrative or clinical tasks. Organizes patient records, schedules appointments, and prepares medical equipment. May specialize in administrative or clinical work, or specialize in a particular area of medicine, i.e. assisting in the office of an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). Works in medical offices.
The primary function of the Medical Assistant/Certified Medical Assistant is to provide direct and indirect support to the clinician in the delivery of patient care. The Medical Assistant/Certified Medical Assistant prepares the exam room, chart, and patient to be seen by the clinician and performs/implements orders for diagnostic tests. S/he accurately administers medications, including immunizations by all routes except IV. S/he arranges outside referral appointments and provides patient education under the direct supervision of the clinician when appropriate. The Medical Assistant/Certified Medical Assistant must function under the direct supervision of an on-site physician, surgeon, podiatrist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife. The Medical Assistant/Certified Medical Assistant is expected to consult frequently with the supervising clinician and to inform the clinician of the information given or actions taken.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Escorts patients to exam rooms, interviews patients, measure vital signs Collects and records patient data, and basic information about presenting, and previous conditions. Prepare the exam room and workstation for clinician; cleans and stocks rooms in between patients. Assures efficient patient flow by ongoing assessment of clinician schedule and working with other staff to minimize patient waiting time. Prepares the patient and assists the clinician with exams and procedures when needed, including position, draping, shaving, and disinfecting. Administers injections, including immunizations, after verification by RN or clinician. Administers medications orally, sublingually, topically, vaginally or rectally, after verification by RN or clinician. Administers scheduled medications after verification by RN or clinician. Performs diagnostic and laboratory tests including but not limited to audiometry, EKG, spirometry, in-house CLIA-waived tests according to SCHC competency standards and protocols. Collects, by non-invasive techniques, and preserve specimens for testing, including urine, sputum, semen and stool. Performs age-appropriate screening as needed or as directed by clinician, including visual acuity Removes sutures and/or staples from superficial incisions or lacerations. Applies and removes bandages and dressings to superficial incisions or lacerations. Applies orthopedic appliances such as knee immobilizers, envelope slings, orthotics, and similar devices. Obtains impressions for orthotics, padding and custom-molded shoes. Selects and adjusts crutches; and instruct patient in proper use of crutches. Performs ear lavage to remove impacted cerumen. Assists patients in ambulation and transfers. Cuts the nails of otherwise healthy patients. Provides patient information and instructions. Assures all documents for scanning contain patient identification. Performs end of shift tasks for room closure, cleans equipment, and ...
