medical assistant

Responsibilities

• Supports the delivery of high-quality patient care in an ambulatory setting.
• Performs duties within the scope of education, training, and demonstrated competency.
• Completes pre-visit planning by reviewing and updating the patient record prior to appointments.
• Identifies needed services based on established protocols and communicates point-of-care reminders to providers through the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Escorts patients from the waiting area to the examination room and prepares patients for examinations and treatment according to clinic-specific workflows.
• Obtains and documents vital signs, height, weight, pain scores, chief complaints, medication reconciliation, medical and surgical histories, family history, allergies, and other required information in the EMR.
• Completes required patient questionnaires and documents patient concerns and complaints accurately.
• Supports efficient patient flow throughout the practice, clinic, or office.
• Reviews health maintenance and chronic illness needs and performs or initiates appropriate services in accordance with protocols and standing orders.
• Performs point-of-care testing, including blood pressure, EKGs, pulse oximetry, hemoglobin A1c, glucose, urinalysis, urine pregnancy testing, rapid strep testing, and other approved diagnostic procedures.
• Aids providers with physical examinations and other clinical procedures.
• Administers vaccines and places PPDs in accordance with applicable practice or clinic protocols.
• Initiates pharmacy benefit verification as required.
• Identifies and communicates abnormal findings, test results, or patient concerns to the appropriate provider or nurse in a timely manner.
• Completes appropriate post-visit activities, including ensuring specimens are accurately labeled, documented, and submitted to the laboratory.
• Tracks laboratory orders and results and follows up to ensure results are documented in the EMR.
• Contacts patients regarding laboratory testing, orders, reminders, and other appropriate follow-up needs.
• Updates the EMR with the status of outstanding orders and follow-up activities.
• Reports abnormal laboratory results promptly to the physician or nurse.
• Follows up on referrals for specialty care and other services.
• Tracked consultation reports and ensures appropriate documentation is entered into the EMR.
• Conducts patient outreach and reminders related to referrals and follow-up care.
• Supports coordination of care and promotes appropriate utilization of healthcare services, including educating patients about when to seek routine, urgent, or emergency care.
• Documents identified barriers to care and communicates concerns to the appropriate members of the care team.
• Provides patients with clear instructions regarding procedures, diagnostic testing, examinations, and required preparation.
• Educates patients regarding care coordination, follow-up recommendations, and appropriate use of emergency services.
• Schedules diagnostic testing, follow-up appointments, and other services as directed.
• Pre-registers patients for future visits.
• Verifies patient demographic and insurance information and obtains prior authorizations when required.
• Supports patient outreach and reminder activities.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and organized clinical environment.
• Performs assigned administrative and office duties that support efficient clinic operations.
• Prepares and mails patient reminders, correspondence, and other communications as directed.
• Manages time effectively and uses non-patient-care periods productively to prepare for future patient and operational needs.
• Supports practice workflows and demonstrates flexibility as operational needs change.
• Participates actively as a member of the healthcare team and contributes to a positive, respectful work environment.
• Maintains quality assurance, patient safety, environmental safety, and infection prevention and control standards in accordance with Brown University Health policies and procedures.
• Protects patient privacy and maintains confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.
• Performs all duties in a manner consistent with established clinical standards, policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Demonstrates a commitment to patient- and family-centered care and supports the goals of the patient-centered medical home.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Graduate of a formal Medical Assistant training program of at least nine months or a minimum of three years of Medical Assistant experience in a comparable ambulatory healthcare setting within the past five years.
• Prior experience with electronic medical records and appointment scheduling software preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.