Medical Assistant - Womens Care

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; take 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 and assist the physician with exams, ultrasounds, and procedures.
• 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 laboratories.
• 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 rooms and laboratory area.
• 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 computer to enter and retrieve laboratory test results.
• Administer vaccines and injectable medications using proper intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal techniques.
• Assist with phone triage and scheduling patient appointments as needed.
• Perform closing office procedures: turn off equipment, clean exam rooms, restock supplies, and clean instruments.
• Inform appropriate personnel when supply inventory for exam rooms and/or lab is low.
• Maintain current license and certification if applicable.
• Assist with lifting patients using proper body mechanics and lifting techniques.
• Cover clerical positions with filing and telephone operations during staff absences.
• Obtain patient insurance pre-authorization for medications, referrals, and procedures.
• Participate in care coordination and communicate professionally with community organizations, health plans, facilities, and specialists.
• Engage in population management and address the needs of vulnerable patient populations.
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities to enhance patient care.
• Involvement in the review and evaluation of practice performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in Grace Health’s advocacy program.
• Follow all office policies and procedures, including administrative, clinical, quality assurance, and personnel.
• Maintain good attendance and timely documentation of all work assignments.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Keep supervisor informed about attendance and job assignments.
• Demonstrate flexibility in multitasking and work cooperatively with providers, administration, and peers.

Requirements

• High-school diploma.
• Significant on-the-job experience or certification as a medical assistant.
• Ability to assist in advancing Grace Health’s mission.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Strong communication skills; ability to speak clearly, listen actively, and respond effectively to questions.
• Knowledge of medications, disease processes, and diets to educate patients effectively.
• Pleasant personality and cooperative attitude.
• Computer skills for operating lab computers and electronic medical records.
• Working knowledge of setting up and assisting with minor procedures (e.g., suturing, casting, gynecologic exams).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with legal regulations for a safe, secure, and healthy work environment.
• Commitment to ongoing education and professional development.

Skills

• Completed a recognized medical assistant program.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in phlebotomy, urinalysis, and in-office laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of vaccine administration and injectable medications, including proper techniques and injection sites.
• Experience with in-office diagnostic testing (e.g., EKG, PFT, CLIA-waived testing).
• Ability to manage inventory and maintain exam rooms and laboratory areas.

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 health services to underserved, underinsured, and uninsured individuals in southeastern Kentucky. The work environment is typically moderate in noise level. Employees are expected to embrace a team-based approach to patient care and participate in care coordination, quality improvement, and advocacy programs.