Medical Assistant I

Description

Job Title: Medical Assistant I

Position Code: C04N Non-Exempt

Department: Health Center Operations

Position Category (330): Other Medical Personnel (L12)

Position Category (RPHCA): Other Clinical Staff

Union Exempt: No

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. 

A. Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Nurse Flow Manager within the Health Center, the Medical Assistant I functions at the entry level of a Medical Assistant in clinical and clerical support as part of a patient care team of providers and nurses who provide direct patient care at the health centers. By the end of the first 6 months, with training provided, the Medical Assistant I should have mastered essential duties defined below and be ready to advance to a Medical Assistant II.

B. Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

As a member of a patient care team, the Medical Assistant assists in the preparation of the patient visit by:

Administrative 

1. Uses the practice management program to register, schedule and verify appointments, as needed.
2. Reviews the next day’s schedule and prepares for patient visit.
3. Verifies patient insurance.
4. Explains fee schedules and collects any required co-payment.
5. Receives and greets patients and visitors.
6. Calls and assists patients into examination rooms.
7. Collects any lab results, outside records and needed paperwork for the visit.
8. Prints labels.
9. Prepares encounter forms and charting notes.
10. Schedules referral appointments.
11. Demonstrates effective communication and written skills.
12. Mails out results.

Clinical

1. Interviews patients and records information to document patient reason for visit and any health problems.
2. Obtains patient’s medical history differentiating between subjective and objective information.
3. Obtains patients vital signs and report abnormal readings to the provider.
4. Follow universal precautions in accordance with FCCH policies and procedures.
5. Completely fills out lab requisitions and labels all specimens for in-house and “send out” labs.
6. Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA.
7. Assists provider with exams and procedures.
8. Perform visual exams using eye chart.
9. Perform EKG’s.
10. Prepare exam rooms for any expected procedures.
11. Clean and sanitize exam rooms after each visit and as needed.
12. Clean, wrap, and label instruments for autoclave.
13. Maintain exam rooms with medical forms and supplies.
14. May serve as an interpreter as appropriate.
15. Explain discharge plans to patient.
16. Administration of medication through inhalation, ears, eyes, orally and by injection after required trainings have been completed and having been observed and signed off by a provider or licensed health professional.
17. Performs subcutaneous and intramuscular immunizations after completion of an immunization/injection class and been observed and signed off by a provider or licensed health professional.
18. Performs in-house test such as strep, BGL, hematocrit (HCT), chemstrip UA, HCG, hemoglobin A1C’s and urine drug screens.
19. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

C. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. High School graduate or GED certificate and 
2. Graduation from a technical school as a Medical Assistant or equivalent. 
3. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

D. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

1. CPR Certification must be obtained within first 6 months of hire and maintained.

E. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of:

1. Patient interviewing techniques
2. Basic medical terminology
3. Vital signs/ abnormal values 
4. Patient charting
5. Exam room maintenance
6. Provider orders
7. Instillation of drops and ointments in the eye or ear.
8. Oral medications
9. Communication skills
10. Basic lab
11. EKG
12. OSHA guidelines, blood borne pathogens and universal precautions.
13. Various positions and methods used for different exams
14. Eye exams
15. Introduction to autoclave
16. Basic Insurance, coding and Billing terminology
17. Various instrument parts (i.e., handles, locks, teeth, serrations) and classifications
18.  Instruments used for various types of examinations
19. The procedures for the care and sterilization of non-disposable instruments and the care and the disposal procedures for disposable instruments
20. Procedures for performing subcutaneous, intradermal, and intramuscular injections
21. Procedure for obtaining a drug from a vial or ampoules
22. Needle sizes and syringe type necessary for injection type
23. Categories, forms, and uses of drugs
24. Procedures for obtaining sterile, clean catch, timed, and drug screening specimens
25. Procedures for performing urinalysis, including physical characteristics, chemical (dipstick), and microscope preparation
26. ECG procedure for patient preparation, lead placement and obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram
27. TJC and related accreditation and certification
28. Knowledge and familiarity with compliance program. Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations.

Ability to:

1. Obtain a blood pressure and knowledge of cuff sizes and recognition of normal and abnormal readings.
2. Take a pulse; recognize normal and abnormal readings, and knowledge of various locations that can be used.
3. Obtain a respiratory rate and the knowledge of normal and abnormal readings.
4. Obtain height and weight information to include pediatric/adult.
5. Obtain temperatures via oral, rectal and axillary methods.
6. Obtain throat culture swab.
7. Communicate effectively with patients and their families to make their visit a pleasant experience.
8. Use a multi-line telephone system.
9.  Use a computer to enter and access patient data to complete a discharge plan.
10. Work on multiple tasks within established deadlines. Ability to work under the direction of a provider and follow instructions for work completion.
11.  Take the initiative to resolve patient concerns and problems.
12.  Work well with diverse groups of people.
13.  Work well as a team member.
14.  Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
15.  Follow routine verbal or written instructions.

F. Age of Patients Served

1. Geriatric, Adult, Adolescent, Pediatric and Newborn

G. Working Conditions

A person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks although under pressure depending on patient and organization demands. There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

1. Physical Effort and Dexterity: Good dexterity to operate personal computer, and basic medical and laboratory equipment. Occasional lifting and carrying related to clinic duties. 
2. Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Capable of using medical equipment, office machines and personal computers for word processing, data entry and retrieval.    
3. Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read computer monitor output and results of basic medical tests accurately. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
4. Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment. Normal clinic and safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to meet deadlines.