Medical Assistant

About the Role

The Medical Assistant is responsible for assisting Medical Providers with day-to-day delivery of health care and patient care management at Dermatology Solutions Group, LLC (DSG), which provides professional management services to Southeastern Dermatology Group, P.A. (SEDG), a medical practice headquartered in Panama City, Florida. This position reports directly to the Office Administrator and receives indirect supervision from physicians, advanced nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and DSG management.

This role is patient-focused, with the objective of delivering superior patient care and ensuring positive patient experiences and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Ensures an excellent patient experience in all interactions, including phone, in-person, and online.
• Accurately documents and completes patient information in the health record, with electronic notes finalized the same day as the patient visit.
• Performs essential daily clinic duties, including but not limited to:
  • Preparing patients for examination and treatment by escorting them from the waiting area to the exam room.
  • Documenting patient history (HPI), determining chief complaint, verifying medical and surgical histories, current medications, and taking vital signs.
  • Reviewing and completing required surgical documents with recent test results and correspondence prior to surgery.
  • Conferring with medical providers regarding incomplete patient tests, consults, or other orders before visits.
  • Responding to patient communications and questions in a timely manner.
• Prepares, cleans, stocks, and maintains exam and treatment rooms daily.
• Cleans and sterilizes instruments; ensures appropriate instrumentation and equipment are available and ready for use.
• Prepares and maintains clinical supplies and equipment necessary for daily clinic needs and patient care.
• Ensures all proper consents are reviewed, initialed, signed, and dated by the patient prior to treatment.
• Administers injections and assists with examinations and office procedures as directed by medical providers.
• Performs suture removals as directed by medical providers.
• Ensures all assigned telephone encounters are addressed daily.
• Delivers or transmits patient e-prescriptions same day upon medical provider orders; responds to medication requests and questions same day or within 24 hours.
• Verifies patient/specimen information and records tissue specimens in the log.
• Triages and responds to patient communications, typically same day or within 24 hours.
• Assists with scheduling tests, treatments, and processing referrals to other providers.
• Creates, maintains, copies/scans, and files patient encounters, records, and other documents in the electronic patient record.
• Performs medication prior authorizations as necessary.
• Abides by Standards of Conduct and meets all compliance and training requirements.
• Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.
• Treats co-workers, medical providers, patients, and visitors with dignity and respect.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.
• Ability to travel to main office and satellite locations, where applicable.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED and current certification.
• One year of medical experience in a physician’s office or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred; highly-motivated new graduates may be trained.
• Maintenance of professional certification, if applicable.

Skills

• Knowledge of medical practice operations and patient care standards.
• Knowledge of examination, diagnostic, and treatment room procedures.
• Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions.
• Ability to assist in a variety of common office procedures.
• Ability to take vital signs, if applicable.
• Ability to develop and maintain clinical quality assurance.
• Ability to identify and proactively solve issues.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and record test results.
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to use good reasoning and judgment and react calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, co-workers, and the public.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic and medical terminology.
• Ability to work with electronic medical record technology as a primary means of documentation.
• Proficiency in operating a computer keyboard.

Physical Abilities

• Stand for extended periods; push, pull, reach, bend, sit, stoop, and stretch.
• Full range of body motion, including handling and lifting patients.
• Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and medical equipment.
• Normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate reports; specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to relocate to other jobs or office locations.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Work Environment

The work of this position is performed in an environmentally controlled office environment. The role requires the ability to work under pressure on multiple tasks with a diverse population, including staff, physicians, clients, patients, insurance companies, and other members of the public on a regular basis.