Medical Assistant I

About the Role

The Medical Assistant I functions at the entry level of a Medical Assistant in clinical and clerical support as part of a patient care team of providers and nurses who provide direct patient care at the health centers. By the end of the first 6 months, with training provided, the Medical Assistant I should have mastered essential duties and be ready to advance to a Medical Assistant II.

Responsibilities

Administrative

• Uses the practice management program to register, schedule, and verify appointments, as needed.
• Reviews the next day’s schedule and prepares for patient visit.
• Verifies patient insurance.
• Explains fee schedules and collects any required co-payment.
• Receives and greets patients and visitors.
• Calls and assists patients into examination rooms.
• Collects any lab results, outside records, and needed paperwork for the visit.
• Prints labels.
• Prepares encounter forms and charting notes.
• Schedules referral appointments.
• Demonstrates effective communication and written skills.
• Mails out results.

Clinical

• Interviews patients and records information to document patient reason for visit and any health problems.
• Obtains patient’s medical history differentiating between subjective and objective information.
• Obtains patients' vital signs and reports abnormal readings to the provider.
• Follows universal precautions in accordance with FCCH policies and procedures.
• Completely fills out lab requisitions and labels all specimens for in-house and “send out” labs.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA.
• Assists provider with exams and procedures.
• Performs visual exams using eye chart.
• Performs EKGs.
• Prepares exam rooms for any expected procedures.
• Cleans and sanitizes exam rooms after each visit and as needed.
• Cleans, wraps, and labels instruments for autoclave.
• Maintains exam rooms with medical forms and supplies.
• May serve as an interpreter as appropriate.
• Explains discharge plans to patient.
• Administers medication through inhalation, ears, eyes, orally, and by injection after required trainings have been completed and having been observed and signed off by a provider or licensed health professional.
• Performs subcutaneous and intramuscular immunizations after completion of an immunization/injection class and been observed and signed off by a provider or licensed health professional.
• Performs in-house tests such as strep, BGL, hematocrit (HCT), chemstrip UA, HCG, hemoglobin A1C’s, and urine drug screens.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School graduate or GED certificate.
• Graduation from a technical school as a Medical Assistant or equivalent.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• CPR Certification must be obtained within first 6 months of hire and maintained.

Skills

• Patient interviewing techniques.
• Basic medical terminology.
• Vital signs and recognition of abnormal values.
• Patient charting.
• Exam room maintenance.
• Provider orders.
• Instillation of drops and ointments in the eye or ear.
• Oral medications.
• Communication skills.
• Basic lab procedures.
• EKG.
• OSHA guidelines, bloodborne pathogens, and universal precautions.
• Various positions and methods used for different exams.
• Eye exams.
• Introduction to autoclave.
• Basic insurance, coding, and billing terminology.
• Various instrument parts (i.e., handles, locks, teeth, serrations) and classifications.
• Instruments used for various types of examinations.
• Procedures for the care and sterilization of non-disposable instruments and disposal of disposable instruments.
• Procedures for performing subcutaneous, intradermal, and intramuscular injections.
• Procedure for obtaining a drug from a vial or ampoules.
• Needle sizes and syringe types necessary for injection type.
• Categories, forms, and uses of drugs.
• Procedures for obtaining sterile, clean catch, timed, and drug screening specimens.
• Procedures for performing urinalysis, including physical characteristics, chemical (dipstick), and microscope preparation.
• ECG procedure for patient preparation, lead placement, and obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram.
• TJC and related accreditation and certification.
• Knowledge and familiarity with compliance programs.
• Ability to obtain a blood pressure and knowledge of cuff sizes and recognition of normal and abnormal readings.
• Ability to take a pulse; recognize normal and abnormal readings, and knowledge of various locations that can be used.
• Ability to obtain a respiratory rate and knowledge of normal and abnormal readings.
• Ability to obtain height and weight information to include pediatric/adult.
• Ability to obtain temperatures via oral, rectal, and axillary methods.
• Ability to obtain throat culture swab.
• Effective communication with patients and their families.
• Use of a multi-line telephone system.
• Use of a computer to enter and access patient data to complete a discharge plan.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks within established deadlines.
• Ability to work under the direction of a provider and follow instructions for work completion.
• Initiative to resolve patient concerns and problems.
• Ability to work well with diverse groups of people.
• Teamwork skills.
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Follow routine verbal or written instructions.

Working Conditions

A person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks although under pressure depending on patient and organization demands. There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

• Good dexterity to operate personal computer and basic medical and laboratory equipment.
• Occasional lifting and carrying related to clinic duties.
• Capable of using medical equipment, office machines, and personal computers for word processing, data entry, and retrieval.
• Must be able to read computer monitor output and results of basic medical tests accurately.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
• Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment. Normal clinic and safety precautions and practices are required.
• Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area.
• Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to meet deadlines.