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. We are committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

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, and 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, and 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 sponsors and agencies.
• Demonstrates a positive, respectful, empathetic attitude at all times.

Physical Requirements

Physical Activity Required:

• Standing: Frequently
• Walking: Frequently
• Sitting: Occasionally
• Fingering or manual dexterity: Regularly
• Repetitive finger motion: Regularly
• Lifting or exerting force up to 50 pounds: Occasionally
• Reaching or stretching: Regularly
• Climbing or balancing: None
• Crouching or stooping: Occasionally
• Speaking: Regularly
• Hearing: Regularly
• Seeing (with correction): Regularly