Medical Assistant - University of the Cumberlands

About the role

Prepare patients prior to physician examinations and assist in exams and procedures within a faith-based, federally qualified community health center (FQHC) providing primary care to underserved populations in southeastern Kentucky.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients in the waiting room and escort them to the exam room.
• Prepare patients for examination by taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respirations, height, weight, and pulse oximetry).
• Document chief complaint, past medical, surgical, social, and family histories, and update as needed in the patient’s electronic medical record.
• Properly prepare the patient for exams, ultrasounds, and procedures, and assist the physician as needed.
• Ensure all pertinent pre-clinic laboratory or other data is in the chart at the time of visit (e.g., hospital follow-ups, Kaspers).
• Review and update immunization records.
• Set up and assist with minor surgery, suturing, casting, social service exams, gynecologic exams, toenail removal, and cryosurgery.
• Perform phlebotomy, urinalysis, and other in-office laboratory tests.
• Prepare slides for urinalysis, KOH, and wet prep microscopic exams.
• Practice Universal Precautions at all times using available safety equipment (gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, gowns).
• Maintain well-cleaned, sanitized, and stocked exam rooms and laboratory areas.
• Manage inventory of medical supplies and equip exam rooms with appropriate supplies.
• Clean and sanitize instruments regularly.
• Perform in-office diagnostic testing such as EKG, Diabetic Retinopathy, PFT, and CLIA-waived testing.
• Operate lab computers to enter and retrieve laboratory test results.
• Administer vaccines, injectable medications, and immunizations using proper techniques (intramuscular, subcutaneous, intradermal).
• Assist with phone triage and scheduling patient appointments as needed.
• Perform closing office procedures, including turning off equipment, cleaning exam rooms, and restocking supplies.
• Inform appropriate personnel when supply inventory for exam rooms or lab is low.
• Maintain current license and certification, if applicable.
• Assist with lifting patients using proper body mechanics and techniques.
• Cover clerical positions, including filing and telephone operations, during staff absences.
• Obtain patient insurance pre-authorization for medications, referrals, and procedures.
• Participate in care coordination, communicating professionally with community organizations, health plans, facilities, and specialists.
• Engage in Continuous Quality Improvement activities to ensure high-quality patient care.
• Participate in advocacy programs and performance review processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Follow all office policies and procedures, including administrative, clinical, quality assurance, and personnel guidelines.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and keep supervisors informed about attendance and job assignments.

Qualifications

• High-school diploma required.
• Significant on-the-job experience or certification as a medical assistant.
• Completion of a recognized medical assistant program preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Computer proficiency for electronic medical records and lab systems.
• Knowledge of medications, disease processes, diets, and patient education techniques.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and embrace population health management.

Skills

• Pleasant and cooperative attitude.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of proper techniques for administering injections, phlebotomy, and minor procedures.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Grace Health is a faith-based, federally qualified community health center (FQHC) providing primary care to underserved, underinsured, and uninsured individuals. The work environment is typically moderate in noise level, and employees are expected to comply with legal regulations to maintain a safe, secure, and healthy workplace.