Medical Assistant

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established in 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology’s mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home.

About the role

A clinical position providing patients with direct safe, quality care throughout their treatment and disease process under the direction of the MD or NP/PA (provider) and/or the oversight of a direct supervisor (LPN and/or RN).

Responsibilities

• Measures patient height/weight and vital signs.
• Screens for and documents pain, distress, clinical depression scores required for each patient visit.
• Completes “rooming” process including escorting patient to exam room.
• Reviews/verifies medication lists and preferred pharmacy information with patient for accuracy and enters/updates information in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) at each encounter.
• Reviews/verifies patient allergies and updates in EMR at each encounter.
• Reviews health histories and other assigned historical information with the patient since the last visit and updates in the EMR at each encounter.
• Completes all required screening questionnaires and enters data in the EMR.
• Prepares patients for examination and/or treatment assuring rooms/chairs are turned over in a manner that promotes efficient provider workflow and patient throughput.
• Reviews need for prescriptions/refills at each encounter. Manages prescription refill extension requests per Tennessee Oncology (TO) policy, procedure, standards.
• Calls in prescriptions/refills according to TO policies, at the direction of the provider or under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Calls patients with lab results and verbatim instructions, at the direction of the provider and under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Assists with telephone triage by screening incoming calls/messages, returns phone calls at the direction of the provider and under the supervision of an LPN/RN adhering to approved protocols/decision-making trees/algorithms.
• Assists with provider-performed procedures/exams/acts as a chaperone (i.e., bone marrow biopsies, skin biopsies, etc.).
• Assists in the treatment room with port access, injections, vital signs, comfort rounds, assigning/cleaning chairs, etc.
• Assists with nursing evaluations under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Prepares and administers approved ID, SQ, IM, and/or PO medications as ordered by providers and according to TO practice standards and/or policies.
• Accesses drug cabinets and assists with completion of daily/weekly/monthly activities under the supervision of an LPN/RN (excluding controlled substance inventory counts).
• Accesses and flushes implanted ports, after competency validation, under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Collects laboratory specimens (blood, urine, sputum, nasal/oral swabs after competency validation).
• Assists with patient education as outlined/approved by the provider or under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Verifies accuracy of or works collaboratively with front office staff to schedule appointments and/or arrange referrals at the direction of a provider or under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Assists with completing forms for patients (i.e., FMLA, Disability, Prior Approval, etc.) according to TO policies and within scope of practice.
• Assists with insurance prior authorizations for scheduled visits, referrals, and/or medications.
• Stocks exam rooms, treatment room, and other clinical areas to meet daily needs.
• Prepares and maintains supplies and equipment for clinic.
• Informs direct supervisor of clinic needs and concerns related to the work environment.
• Participates on committees as requested.
• Attends all mandatory in-services and meetings.
• Completes all required/assigned training, continuing education, and competency validations on time.
• Adheres consistently with TO policies, procedures, standards.
• Consistently role models TO code of conduct, mission, and values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of Medical Assistant Training Program or 6-months recent Medical Assistant experience in a healthcare setting required.
• Medical Assistant Certification preferred (CMA, CCMA, NCMA, NRCMA).
• Current TO approved BLS provider card required within 3 months of hire.

Skills

• Proven ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of organization policies, procedures, and systems.
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements for safe handling of blood and body fluids.
• Skill in computer applications.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in gathering and reporting information.
• Skill in venipuncture.
• Skill in professional customer service, i.e., answering phone, greeting patients.
• Ability to work effectively with staff, and other internal and external sponsor and agencies.
• Demonstrates a positive, respectful, empathetic attitude at all times.

Physical Requirements

Physical Activity Required Amount of time None Less than 1/3 (Occasionally) 1/3 to 2/3 (Frequently) More than 2/3 (Regularly) Standing X Walking X Sitting X Fingering or manual dexterity X Repetitive finger motion X Lifting or exerting force Up to 50 pounds X Reaching or stretching X Climbing or balancing Crouching or stooping X Speaking X Hearing X Seeing (with correction) X