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 Medical Assistant is a multi-skilled health professional who works inter-dependently with other health care professionals to provide quality health care to patients. The Medical Assistant is educated and trained to perform both administrative and clinical skills in a medical care environment.
POSITION SUMMARY
A non-exempt position responsible for performing a variety of medical duties; both the clinical and administrative areas including assisting physicians with patient care and handling clerical, environmental, and organizational Responsibilities and Duties
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs patient care functions as assigned which may include but are not limited to the following: review of patient schedules, organization of patient flow, accompanying patients to exam/procedure rooms, assisting patients as needed with walking, dressing, collecting specimens, performing vital signs, preparing for exam, collecting patient history, performing screenings per provider guidelines, assisting physicians/nurses with various procedures, charting, relaying instructions to patients/families, and answering telephone calls. Performs clerical functions as assigned which may include but are not limited to the following: sending/receiving patient medical records, obtaining lab/radiology reports and hospital notes, performing data entry and chart notes as needed and within scope of practice, completing forms/requisitions as needed, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, ensuring accuracy of patient demographics, and updating charts to ensure that information is complete/accurate. Performs environmental functions as assigned which may include but are not limited to the following: cleaning exam/procedure rooms between patient visits to maintain infection control, ordering, sorting, storing supplies, and restocking exam/procedure rooms as needed. Performs organizational functions as assigned which may include but are not limited to the following: respecting/promoting patient rights and privacy, responding appropriately emergency situations. Performs clinical medical assisting functions that vary according to state law, which may included but are not limited to the following: checking vital signs, physical examination preparations, clinical pharmacology, intramuscular injections, subcutaneous injections, phlebotomy services, prescription verifications with physician's orders, biohazard waste disposal and monitoring, laboratory procedures according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines and quality control methods, CLIA-waived testing, specimen handling, emergency triage, and first aid. Medical assistants must adhere to the MA scope of practice in the laboratory. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Special Skills and Abilities Demonstrates effective use of medical terminology. Demonstrates effective use of the electronic medical record system. Demonstrates knowledge and awareness of policies and procedures. Demonstrates effective problem solving, critical thinking, planning, and decision making skills. Able to handle stressful or difficult situations. Demonstrates dependability and initiative as a member of a team. Demonstrates effective customer service and communication skills. Demonstrates effective time management skills including priority setting. Ability to interact with diverse groups of patients, members of the public and other health care providers. Ability to follow instructions as directed. Ability to work cooperatively within health system, among multidisciplinary team members. Qualifications and Skills
EDUCATION
High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED), medical assistant diploma from an accredited vocational institution, or community college course in medical assisting. Current documentation of a National Certification for the registered medical assistant (RMA) through the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or for the certified assistant through the American Association of Medical assistants (AAMA) Must possess a current CPR certification.
EXPERIENCE
Education background as noted in Education Section of this description. Ability to operate computers and general office equipment. Basic knowledge of electronic medical records. Required
