Medical Assistant (Float)

About the role

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 is 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. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is 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.

Responsibilities

• Measure patient height, weight, and vital signs.
• Screen for and document pain, distress, and clinical depression scores required for each patient visit.
• Complete the “rooming” process including escorting patient to exam room.
• Review/verify medication lists and preferred pharmacy information with patient for accuracy and enter/update information in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) at each encounter.
• Review/verify patient allergies and update in EMR at each encounter.
• Review health histories and other assigned historical information with the patient since the last visit and update in the EMR at each encounter.
• Complete all required screening questionnaires and enter data in the EMR.
• Prepare patients for examination and/or treatment, assuring rooms/chairs are turned over to promote efficient provider workflow and patient throughput.
• Review need for prescriptions/refills at each encounter.
• Manage prescription refill extension requests per Tennessee Oncology policy and procedure.
• Call in prescriptions/refills according to Tennessee Oncology policies, at the direction of the provider or under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Call patients with lab results and verbatim instructions, at the direction of the provider and under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Assist with telephone triage by screening incoming calls/messages; return phone calls at the direction of the provider and under the supervision of an LPN/RN, adhering to approved protocols/decision-making trees/algorithms.
• Assist with provider-performed procedures/exams and act as a chaperone (e.g., bone marrow biopsies, skin biopsies, etc.).
• Assist in the treatment room with port access, injections, vital signs, comfort rounds, assigning/cleaning chairs, etc.
• Assist with nursing evaluations under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Prepare and administer approved ID, SQ, IM, and/or PO medications as ordered by providers and according to Tennessee Oncology practice standards and policies.
• Access drug cabinets and assist with completion of daily/weekly/monthly activities under the supervision of an LPN/RN (excluding controlled substance inventory counts).
• Access and flush implanted ports, after competency validation, under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Collect laboratory specimens (blood, urine, sputum, nasal/oral swabs) after competency validation.
• Assist with patient education as outlined/approved by the provider or under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Verify accuracy of or work 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.
• Assist with completing forms for patients (e.g., FMLA, Disability, Prior Approval) according to Tennessee Oncology policies and within scope of practice.
• Assist with insurance prior authorizations for scheduled visits, referrals, and/or medications.
• Stock exam rooms, treatment room, and other clinical areas to meet daily needs.
• Prepare and maintain supplies and equipment for clinic.
• Inform direct supervisor of clinic needs and concerns related to the work environment.
• Participate on committees as requested.
• Attend all mandatory in-services and meetings.
• Complete all required/assigned training, continuing education, and competency validations on time.
• Adhere consistently with Tennessee Oncology policies, procedures, and standards.
• Consistently role model Tennessee Oncology code of conduct, mission, and values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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, including answering phone and 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.

Education and Experience

• 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 Tennessee Oncology approved BLS provider card required within 3 months of hire.

Physical Requirements

• Standing: Regularly
• Walking: Regularly
• Sitting: Frequently
• Fingering or manual dexterity: Regularly
• Repetitive finger motion: Regularly
• Lifting or exerting force: Up to 50 pounds
• Reaching or stretching: Regularly
• Crouching or stooping: Frequently
• Speaking: Regularly
• Hearing: Regularly
• Seeing (with correction): Regularly