PCA - Patient Care Associate

Scheduled Weekly Hours

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 32

About the role

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) in a medical office setting provides direct patient support and clinical assistance to providers and nursing staff in an ambulatory care environment. This role is responsible for preparing patients for visits, obtaining and documenting clinical information, assisting with basic procedures, and supporting efficient patient flow throughout the practice. The PCA contributes to a positive patient experience by delivering compassionate, professional care while ensuring clinical areas are safe, organized, and compliant with regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for visits, obtain and document clinical information, assist with basic procedures, and support efficient patient flow throughout the practice.
• Room patients, take vitals, triage patient phone calls, review charts, schedule patients, respond to provider messages.
• Prepare exam rooms for providers between patient contact, obtain prior authorizations, assist in the in-bound/out-bound referral process, assist in scheduling new and established patient appointments as needed.
• Communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals using professional communication skills and promote leading practices phone standards.
• Evaluate patient phone calls, assist in inbox management according to SMA policy, monitor and work appropriately in Electronic Medical Record environment and office workflows.
• Adapt to a busy office environment to meet care standards, prepare patients for examinations and procedures, document patient information, maintain a clean, safe, and organized clinical environment, ensure compliance with infection control, safety, and privacy regulations (including HIPAA).
• Provide patient education and instructions as directed by the provider or nurse, schedule and confirm patient appointments, follow-up visits, and referrals as needed, support efficient patient flow by coordinating with clinical and administrative staff, respond to patient inquiries, both in-person and by phone, in a professional and timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and clinic operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a medical office, ambulatory care, or healthcare preferred (or equivalent clinical experience).
• Ability to obtain and accurately document vital signs and basic patient information.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and basic clinical procedures.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR/EHR) systems and basic computer skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and ability to follow established policies and procedures.

Skills

• Previous experience in an ambulatory or outpatient medical office setting.
• Familiarity with multiple EMR/EHR systems.
• Customer service experience in a healthcare or patient-facing environment.
• Knowledge of infection control practices and basic safety protocols.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative healthcare team.
• Comfort in supporting diverse patient populations, including pediatrics, adults, and geriatric patients.