Medical Assistant

Overview

The Medical Assistant is responsible for efficient and courteous registration, transfer and discharge of patients within established policies and procedures; thoroughly compiles and types of medical information for patients' records and statistical reports and maintains current and accurate patient account receivables. The Medical Assistant is responsible for performing a wide variety of patient care activities and accommodative services for the comfort and well-being of patients in accordance with physicians' orders.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic patient care procedures as required.
• Participates in conferences and serves on committees as requested.
• Participates in patient and family education as necessary.
• Prepares for and assists with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
• Takes and records vital signs, height, and weight.
• Performs catheterizations and provides catheter care.
• Administers oral and intra-muscular medications.
• Cares for patients receiving oxygen therapy.
• Applies sterile and non-sterile compresses and bandages.
• Tests urine for sugar, acetone, and pH.
• Assists with physical examinations.
• Applies ace bandages and hot and/or cold compresses.
• Collects specimens including blood, urine, stool, and sputum.
• May perform venipunctures and EKGs as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in the clinic.
• Remains alert and responds appropriately in emergency situations.
• Prepares used equipment for re-sterilization.
• Understands legal requirements for reporting to police, health departments, and other agencies and follows all reporting requirements.
• Accompanies or transfers patients to other departments such as the laboratory or x-ray department.
• Cleans and stocks examination rooms.
• Manages time effectively to expedite patient flow.
• Assists with minor outpatient surgery procedures.
• Greets patients courteously, determines their needs, and offers assistance.
• Registers patients by performing necessary procedures, including preparation of records, reports, notices, service charge slips, and payor information.
• Interviews patients, relatives, or others responsible to determine payment arrangements and refers unusual cases to the immediate supervisor.
• May assist self-pay patients in making suitable arrangements for balances due beyond initial deposits or third-party payments.
• Answers inquiries regarding patient accounts and advises patients on insurance benefits.
• Receives payments and deposits, issues receipts, and maintains proper accounting of funds received.
• Posts charges daily to the proper patient account.
• Posts payments to accounts daily.
• Determines billing methods for third-party payors.
• Contacts insurance carriers and agencies to obtain precertification of ancillary, admission, and surgical procedures.
• Operates various office equipment, including copiers, fax machines, and other assigned equipment.
• Operates communication systems, including placing and answering telephone calls and contacting staff as needed.
• May make and maintain appointment schedules for clinic physicians.
• May secure required signatures on reports and records relative to release of information in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Contacts patients, physicians, or others for information necessary to properly complete insurance or other billing requirements.
• Types memos, correspondence, and other documents as needed.
• Compiles periodic and statistical reports and other data as directed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Graduate of a Medical Assistant Training Program preferred.
• Up to one (1) year of experience required.
• Three (3) to six (6) months of on-the-job training required to attain proficiency of assigned duties and responsibilities if not certified.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Obtain patient history and take vital signs to assist physician with examination and treatment.
• Prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas.
• Perform selected tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment.
• Screen and follow up on patient test results.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by the physician.
• Maintain medication records.

Licenses & Certifications

• Medical Assistant certification from an accredited program preferred.