Medical Assistant (Float)

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, our 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 nonexempt position providing patients with safe, quality care throughout their treatment and disease process under the direction of the MD or NP/PA (provider) and/or 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.
• Completes “rooming” process including escorting patient to exam room.
• Reviews medication lists and preferred pharmacy information with patient and enters/updates in Electronic Medical Record (EMR) at each encounter.
• Reviews patient allergies and updates in EMR at each encounter.
• Reviews health histories and other assigned historical information with patients since last visit and updates in EMR at each encounter.
• Completes all assigned/required screening questionnaires and records data in EMR.
• Prepares patients for examination and/or treatment assuring rooms/chairs are turned over in a manner that promotes efficient workflow.
• 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 any appropriate instructions, at the direction of the provider and under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Assists with telephone triage by screening incoming calls/voicemails, returns phone calls at the direction of the provider and under the supervision of an LPN/RN adhering to authorized/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 rooms with vital signs, comfort rounds, assigning 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.
• Accesses and flushes implanted ports, after competency validation, under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Collects laboratory specimens.
• Performs simple dressing changes under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Assists with patient education as outlined/approved by the provider or under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Removes flushed peripheral IV catheters, after competency validation, 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.
• Assists with insurance pre-authorizations for scheduled visits, referrals, and/or medications.
• Stocks exam rooms and/or infusion room 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 to TO policies, procedures, and standards.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of Medical Assistant Training Program and current Medical Assistant Certification strongly preferred.
• 6 months experience in a health-care related field or CMA/CCMA certification.
• 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 customer service, i.e., answering phone, greeting patients.
• Ability to work effectively with staff and other internal and external sponsors and agencies.
• Demonstrates a positive, respectful, empathetic attitude at all times.