Medical Assistant

About the role

Prepare patients prior to physician examinations and assist in exams and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Greets patients in the waiting room and escorts them to the exam room
• Prepares patients for examination; takes vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respirations, height, weight, and pulse oximetry)
• Documents chief complaint, past medical surgical, social, and family histories and updates as needed in the patient’s electronic medical record
• Prepares the patient for the exam and assists the physician as needed with exams, ultrasounds, and procedures
• Makes sure all pertinent pre-clinic laboratory or other pertinent data is in the chart at the time of visit (e.g., hospital follow-ups, Kaspers, etc.)
• Reviews and updates immunization records
• Has a working knowledge of setting up and assisting with minor surgery, suturing, casting, social service exams, gynecologic exams, toenail removal, and cryosurgery
• Performs phlebotomy, urinalysis, and other in-office laboratories
• Prepares slides for urinalysis, KOH, and wet prep microscopic exam
• Practices Universal Precautions at all times utilizing available safety equipment (gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, gowns, etc.)
• Maintains well-cleaned/sanitized and stocked rooms and laboratory area
• Manages inventory of medical supplies and equips exam rooms with appropriate supplies
• Cleans and sanitizes instruments regularly
• Performs in-office diagnostic testing such as EKG, Diabetic Retinopathy, and PFT along with CLIA-waived testing
• Uses computer knowledge for operating lab computer to assist in entering laboratory tests and retrieving results of such
• Knows how to properly administer injectable medications, using proper intramuscular, subcutaneous, intradermal technique, proper needle size, and correct injection sites
• Prepares and administers immunizations, allergy, or other injections
• Absorbs phone triage and scheduling patient appointments as needed
• Knows how to inform appropriate personnel on when supply inventory for exam rooms and/or lab are low
• Maintains current license and certification if applicable
• Aids in lifting patients as needed, always using proper body mechanics and lifting techniques
• Covers clerical positions with filing and telephone operations when employees are on break, lunch, and away for other absences when necessary
• Obtains patient insurance pre-authorization for all medications, referrals, and procedures
• Performs all other duties as assigned
• Maintains a detail-oriented and highly organized mindset
• Maintains confidentiality at all times
• Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and following standards and procedures and complying with legal regulations
• Updates job knowledge regularly by participating in educational opportunities and /or reading professional publications
• Strives to have strong communication skills, speaking clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listening and getting clarifications; responding well to questions
• Is knowledgeable on medications, disease processes, diets, etc. to effectively educate patients; and properly answers patient’s questions

Qualifications

• High school diploma and either significant on-the-job experience or certification as a medical assistant

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk or hear
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell
• Occasionally lifts and /or moves up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate