Medical Assistant

Job Description

Job Title

Medical Assistant

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision of the provider and/or nursing leadership, the Medical Assistant performs a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to assist in the quality and compassionate care provided to patients. These duties may include but are not limited to the greeting and escorting of patients to the exam room, obtaining medical histories, the measurement and recording of vital signs, preparing patients for an examination/procedure, and assisting the provider during the examination/procedure.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Please Note: The following duties & responsibilities may not apply to all ambulatory areas):

Patient Care:

1. Escort patient to room and prepares patient for examination, procedure, and treatment.

 2. Obtain vital signs and record in the electronic health record (EHR).

3. Obtain and record patient history employing critical thinking skills.

4. Prepare for, set up and assist with examinations, procedures, and treatments per protocols, policies, and procedures.

5. Prepare, administer, and document oral, parenteral medications and immunizations as ordered by the supervising provider. Consistently follow the six rights of medication administration. Maintains accurate immunization and medication administration records.

6. Document care provided during patient visit in the EHR.

7. Recognize and respond to emergencies.

8. Actively monitor & respond timely to patient requests via telephone encounter, In Basket message and/or My Chart according to identified time frames and documents responses in the EHR.

9. Enter medication, radiology, and lab orders in the electronic health record per protocol for provider sign off.

10.Discharge patient providing after visit instructions to patient and/or caregiver as directed by the provider.

11.Prepare medication refill/request for provider review and signature in HER

Diagnostic:

1. Collect and transport specimens.

2. Perform CLIA-waived tests.

3. Perform electrocardiography, respiratory and other testing based on department needs. 4. Perform phlebotomy, including venipuncture and capillary puncture.

Consultation:

1. Serve as a liaison between patients and medical staff in the event of problems or complaints.

2. Schedule, coordinate, and monitor appointments.

3. Schedule outpatient procedures.

4. Apply third party and managed care policies, procedures, and guidelines.

5. Obtain insurance pre-authorizations.

6. Enters referrals for provider sign off.

Quality Assurance:

1. Participate in departmental/divisional Quality Assessment and Quality Improvement Programs.

2. Practice Standard Precautions, including hand washing and disposal of biohazardous materials.

3. Apply principles of aseptic and sterile technique.

4. Clean instruments and equipment per policies and procedures.

5. Comply with all HFHS and departmental specific safety standards.

6. Maintain compliance with regulatory standards regarding practice, environment, and documentation.

Instruction:

1. Function as a health care advocate to meet individual’s needs.

2. Inform individuals of office policies and procedures.

3. Inform the patient within the scope of practice and as directed by supervising physician in health maintenance, disease prevention, and compliance with patient’s treatment plan. 4. Identify community resources for health maintenance and disease prevention to meet individual patient needs.

Other:

1. Uphold goals, policies, procedures, and expectations of Henry Ford Health.

2. Support the mission, vision, and values of Henry Ford Health.

3. Perform basic clerical duties including answering the phone, maintaining records, and filing.

4. Perform basic materials management functions to include ordering and stocking of supplies. Assist with maintaining a clean and orderly environment.

5. Maintain examination/treatment rooms, including inventory of supplies and equipment.

6. Maintain core and applicable specialty competencies as defined by Henry Ford Health.

7. Other duties as assigned within scope of practice.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Basic computer knowledge and keyboarding skills preferred.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of clinical skills as related to ambulatory patient care preferred.
• Ability to problem-solve preferred.
• Possess effective interpersonal and communication skills preferred.
• EPIC (Electronic Medical Record) experience preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Graduate of a Medical Assistant program with completion of a formal clinical externship (160 hour minimum).
• OR Graduate from a Medical Assistant program without completion of a clinical externship but with a minimum one-year experience in clinical medical assisting within the past five (5) years.
• OR Current Professionally Recognized Medical Assistant Certification with a minimum of one year of experience in clinical medical assisting.
• OR Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
• OR Licensed Paramedic/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with at least one[1]year clinical experience in clinical medical setting within the past five (5) years.
• OR Military trained medical personnel with at least one-year clinical experience in clinical medical setting within the past five (5) years.
• AND Must Successfully complete all components of Ambulatory orientation as defined by Henry Ford Health.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED:

• Current BLS-C upon hire or successful completion by end of orientation.

Must meet or exceed core customer service responsibilities, standards and behaviors as outlined in the Henry Ford Health Customer Service Policy and summarized below:

• Communication
• Ownership
• Understanding
• Motivation
• Sensitivity
• Excellence
• Teamwork
• Respect

Must practice the customer skills as provided through on-going training and in-services.

• Must possess the following personal qualities:
• Be self-directed
• Be flexible and committed to the team concept
• Demonstrate teamwork, initiative, and willingness to learn
• Be open to new learning experiences
• Accepts and respects diversity without judgment
• Demonstrates customer service values

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in a patient care setting with possible exposure to communicable diseases. Manual dexterity required to complete performance of duties. Walks, stands, stoops, and may require some heavy lifting of patients and/or equipment.