Medical Assistant

SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Ambulatory Clinical Manager, Practice Manager, or designated supervisory personnel, and the direction of a Licensed Independent Practitioner, the Medical Assistant provides clinical and administrative support in an ambulatory care setting. Responsibilities include preparing patients for examinations, obtaining vital signs, assisting with clinical procedures, maintaining accurate medical records, and supporting efficient patient care operations.

The Medical Assistant delivers compassionate, patient- and family-centered care to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations, recognizing age-specific, developmental, and cultural needs. All responsibilities are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, and Brown University Health's mission, vision, and values.

Brown University Health employees are expected to demonstrate the organization's core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence in their interactions with patients, families, colleagues, and the community.

Employees are also expected to demonstrate the organization's core Success Factors:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs duties within the scope of training, competency, and established practice guidelines while maintaining professionalism and respect.
• Follows established clinical workflows and office protocols to promote quality patient care, operational efficiency, and a positive patient experience.
• Conducts pre-visit planning by reviewing and updating patient records, including recent test results, consultations, correspondence, and other relevant clinical information. Identifies necessary services based on practice protocols and communicates point-of-care reminders to providers through the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Prepares patients for examinations and treatments by escorting them to examination rooms, obtaining and documenting vital signs, recording weight and pain scores, reviewing chief complaints, reconciling medications, updating medical histories, and completing required questionnaires and documentation in the EMR.
• Supports efficient patient flow throughout the practice, clinic, or office to minimize delays and maintain continuity of care.
• Reviews preventive health maintenance and chronic disease management needs, performing or initiating appropriate services in accordance with established protocols and standing orders.
• Performs clinical testing and point-of-care procedures, including blood pressure measurements, electrocardiograms (EKGs), pulse oximetry, hemoglobin A1C testing, blood glucose testing, urinalysis, urine pregnancy testing, rapid strep testing, and other authorized diagnostic procedures.
• Obtains and accurately documents patient allergies, medications, and medical, surgical, and family histories. Initiates pharmacy benefit verification when appropriate.
• Assists physicians and other healthcare providers with physical examinations and clinical procedures while maintaining aseptic technique and adhering to established safety and infection prevention standards.
• Administers vaccinations and places purified protein derivative (PPD) tests in accordance with applicable practice protocols and established guidelines.
• Completes post-visit responsibilities, including properly labeling, documenting, handling, and submitting blood samples and other specimens for laboratory testing.
• Monitors laboratory orders and results to ensure accurate documentation in the EMR. Conducts patient outreach regarding outstanding tests and orders, updates patient records, and promptly reports abnormal results to the appropriate physician or nurse.
• Coordinates and tracks specialty referrals and additional healthcare services. Monitors consultation reports, updates the EMR, and contacts patients regarding referral appointments and follow-up requirements.
• Reviews and monitors pending prescription refill requests and assists with follow-up as appropriate.
• Cleans, disinfects, and prepares examination rooms between patient visits, ensuring that necessary equipment and supplies are available.
• Educates patients about medical procedures, diagnostic testing, preparation requirements, preventive care, and appropriate healthcare utilization. Reinforces the importance of coordinated care and documents barriers that may affect treatment or follow-up.
• Schedules diagnostic tests and follow-up appointments, completes patient pre-registration, verifies demographic and insurance information, and assists with obtaining prior authorizations when required.
• Maintains adequate inventory of medical supplies, monitors stock levels, and places supply orders as needed. Cleans and maintains medical equipment, promptly reports damaged or missing equipment, and monitors expiration dates to ensure expired medications and supplies are removed and reported appropriately.
• Provides administrative support, including preparing and mailing appointment reminders, patient correspondence, and other necessary communications.
• Demonstrates effective time management by prioritizing responsibilities, maintaining productivity, and using available time to prepare for upcoming patient care needs.
• Adheres to established quality assurance, workplace safety, environmental health, and infection prevention policies and procedures.
• Protects patient privacy and confidentiality by maintaining compliance with applicable regulations and organizational policies.
• Maintains a positive, professional attitude and actively contributes to a collaborative, team-based approach to patient care.
• Supports the principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home by demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement in patient care delivery.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BASIC KNOWLEDGE

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Completion of an accredited or formal Medical Assistant training program lasting at least nine months, or a minimum of three years of Medical Assistant experience in a comparable ambulatory care setting within the past five years.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and consistently follow established policies, procedures, and clinical protocols.
• Proficiency in using computers, scanners, electronic medical records (EMR), and other relevant healthcare software applications.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and effectively with patients, healthcare providers, supervisors, and colleagues.
• Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of age-specific patient care needs across the lifespan, including developmental stages, aging processes, and cultural considerations.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three years of Medical Assistant experience in an ambulatory care setting within the past five years, or recent completion of a formal Medical Assistant training program lasting at least nine months, with graduation occurring within the past two to three years.
• Previous experience using electronic medical records (EMR) and appointment scheduling software preferred.

• WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Work is performed in healthcare environments, including physician offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and other clinical settings.
  • Position involves direct patient interaction and the use of medical equipment. Employees must follow established safety protocols, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to minimize potential workplace hazards.
  • Requires intermittent standing and walking throughout the workday.
  • May involve exposure to electrical equipment and other healthcare-related environmental hazards.
  • May require assisting with patient positioning and lifting or moving supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

Pay Range:

$18.13-$29.90

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

The Miriam Hospital - 164 Summit Ave Providence, Rhode Island 02906

Work Type:

M-Th 8:30am-5pm

Work Shift:

Day

Daily Hours: 

8 hours

Driving Required:

No