Description

Job Title:

Registered Medical Assistant

Department:

Clinic

PART I: POSITION OVERVIEW

Position Summary:

Ambulatory care is a unique healthcare setting. It is characterized by efficient, focused care of patients. The MA in the ambulatory care setting collects subjective and objective health status data from the patient or the patient’s care giver, and communicates this data to the health care provider. The Medical Assistant assists in the care of patients by contributing data to licensed health care professionals; and following through on the patient’s plan of care under the direction of licensed healthcare professionals. The Medical Assistant communicates the health care provider’s instructions for care to the patient or the patient’s caregiver by transmission of specifically defined information. Ambulatory care is a specialty practice area that is characterized by dealing with situations and issues that are not always predictable.

All job duties must be performed within the WRH Administration pre-defined Scope of Practice guidelines. The Medical Assistant provides care for clinic patients of all ages following established standards and practices. The Medical Assistant functions in a structured care setting and adheres to the policies and procedures established by Winner Regional Health. The Medical Assistant must demonstrate knowledge of clinical procedures for the patient and clerical/administrative functions of the clinic. The Medical Assistant must possess the ability to perform testing and to communicate patient status data appropriately relative to the age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed. The Medical Assistant may also perform phlebotomist blood withdrawals. The Medical Assistant also functions to greet and schedule patients. Other duties as assigned by the Site Supervisor. The Medical Assistant is knowledgeable of and skilled in business administrative office procedures and reception or front desk duties. The Medical Assistant practices under the responsibility and direct supervision of a person licensed to practice medicine.

Education/Experience:

Graduate of an accredited school of Medical Assisting. One year of clinical experience preferred.

Required Credentials (Licensure, Certification, or Registration):

South Dakota requires registration as a Medical Assistant with the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners if practicing in South Dakota. Possession of National Medical Assistant Certification required (CMA). Must be certified within 9 months of registration date or hire/transfer into MA role.

Employment Variables:

Care is delivered to clinic patients of all ages. Work hours vary according to clinic schedules. 

Initial Tuberculosis (TB) test and drug screening is required by Winner Regional Health. Rubella titer will also be drawn upon hire and immunization is required if no past exposure or indication of immunization.  

Required to wear name tag provided by WRH and to follow the dress code of WRH.  

Job Knowledge and Skills:

Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language and follow oral or written instruction. Excellent oral and written communication skills, work with customers and co-workers in a professional manner. 

Direct Supervisor:

Clinic Director

PART II: CODE OF CONDUCT

Honesty

We will do the right thing at all times, even if it is difficult, maintaining strong, ethical practices. We protect the confidentiality of others, including patients, staff and the facility as a whole. We will take responsibility for our actions.

Expertise

We will demonstrate superior judgment, training and skill, at all times, demonstrating professionalism while doing so. We will perform all aspects of our job to the best of our ability, utilizing all resources and tools available.

Approachability  

We will be non-judgmental, friendly, and open and willing to listen to everyone we come into contact with while performing our duties. We are humble and learn from others.

Respect

We will be understanding and sensitive to others’ feelings; caring and responding in a manner that sets them at ease, keeping the situation in perspective without minimizing others’ feelings or reactions. We will listen to others with full attention in a sincere, civil fashion, being careful not to be judgmental of the speaker. We maintain composure when facing conflict and avoid jumping to conclusions and defaming another’s name.

Teamwork

We willingly work together with a common approach, trusting and supporting members of our organization, using our skills and resources, sharing information to achieve a common aim.

PART III: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are critical or fundamental to the performance of the job. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable. Following are the essential functions of the job, along with the corresponding performance standards.

Care of Patient

• Collects patient data regarding patient’s condition for provider including subjective data and basic objective data such as vital signs.
• Greets patients and prepares them for provider examination.
• Screens patients for appropriate information and records information in patient chart.
• Instructs in collection of samples or tests.
• Instructs, medications and/or treatment.
• Maintains and reviews patient records, chart and other pertinent information.
• Administers medications by unit dosage.
• Prepares equipment and aids provider during treatment, examination, and testing of clinic patient.
• Performs basic laboratory procedures.
• Schedules and arranges for patient testing and admission.
• Verify/obtain pre-certification as needed.
• Cleans exam rooms, equipment and instruments according to protocol and maintains exam rooms for necessary supplies and materials.
• Demonstrates and maintains infection control standards.
• Establishes a safe work environment.
• Accesses written protocols when possible within Scope of Practice.
• Reports diagnostic findings to patients only after provider has reviewed and documents this information.
• Documents interactions with Provider/MD and obtains co-signature on verbal, telephone, and protocol orders when provider/MD is not available to record order directly in the chart.
• In the absence of an RN triage staffing model in the care center, transmits information between patient and provider.
• Helps with procedures.
• Urine Drug Screen Instructor.
• Breath Alcohol Technician.

Communication

• Communicates changes in patient status with provider and/or family members.
• Utilize effective communication and negotiation with the clinic patient.
• Networks with health team members by communicating and receiving data to provide continuity of care.
• Collaborates with other health team members in intra/inter departmental issue recognition and resolution.
• Gives pertinent and timely report to co-workers.
• Documents accurately and legibly.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Reacts calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Answers telephone and gives routine information in accordance with established procedures.
• Courteous, asks general nature/reason for calls and records problem(s) as described by patient using quotes when possible.
• Uses lay terminology.

Patient Record 

• Maintains filing system for physicians and other providers.
• Verifies accuracy of patient information in the file.
• Correctly files or distributes patient records including patient related correspondence, literature, and reports.
• Works with staff to route patient charts to proper location.
• Duplicates documents and forms as directed.
• Follows medical record’s policies and procedures.

Professional Attitude

• Respects physical privacy of patient.
• Delegates care appropriately.
• Functions independently, recognizing own expertise as well as available resources.
• Recognizes own limitations and seeks assistance as needed.

Polices and Procedures

• Complies with department and organizational policies and procedures related to emergency/crisis intervention, confidentiality, safety practices, reporting of incidents, risk management procedures and mandated reporting policies.

PART IV: COMPLIANCE

Compliance

• Must comply with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, rules, regulations and standards of conduct relating to the position. 
• The employee has a duty to report any suspected violations of the law or the standards of conduct to the Compliance Officer or the Chief Executive Officer.

PART V: PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

General Activity

In a regular workday, employee may:

Sit

5/8

Hours at a time; up to

1-2

Hours during the day

Stand

1/8

Hours at a time; up to

1-6

Hours during the day

Walk

.25

Hours at a time; up to

5-6

Hours during the day

Motion

Employee is required: (In terms of a regular workday, "Occasionally" equals 1% to 33%, "Frequently" 34% to 66%, "Continuously", greater than 67%.)

Bend/Stoop

Kneel, Duration 30 sec

Squat

Balance

Crawl, Distance

Twist

Climb, Height

Keyboarding/Mousing

Frequently

Reach above shoulder level

Physical Demand

Employee’s job requires he/she carry and lift loads from the floor, from 12 inches from the floor, to shoulder height and overhead. Employee’s job requires a pushing/pulling force to move a load (not the weight of the load).

Physical Demand Classification:

Carrying/lifting weight and pushing/pulling force:

Light-Medium

Occasionally

35 lbs. 

Frequently

10 lbs.

Constantly

Negligible 

Sensory Requirements:

Yes/No

Explanation (if Yes)

Speech

Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. 

Communicates with staff and patients on phone or in person. Responds to patient’s concerns and questions.

Vision (VDT)

Are there specific vision requirements for the job?

Must be able to read numbers and names. Must be able to distinguish colors and view a computer screen.

Hearing

Ability to receive detailed information through oral communications, and to make fine discriminations in sound; i.e., making fine adjustments on machine parts, using a telephone, taking blood pressures. 

Vital communication with other clinic staff and patients directly or via telephone.

Environmental Factors

Yes/No

Explanation (if Yes)

Working on unprotected heights

Being around moving machinery

Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity

No

Driving automotive equipment

No

Wearing personal protective equipment

Yes

Exposed to body fluids and waste

Exposure to atmospheric conditions (i.e. fumes, dust, odors, mists, gases, or poor ventilation)

No

Exposure to extreme noise or vibration

Exposure to blood, body fluids and waste

Yes

Exposed to body fluids and waste

Exposure to radiation

No

Exposure to other hazards (i.e. mechanical, electrical, burns, or explosives)

Yes

Exposed to needles and hazardous cleaning solutions

Emotional/Psychological Factors

Yes/No

Explanation (if Yes)

Stress: Exposed to stressful situations

Must be able to effectively deal with concerns of upset patients or other clinic staff.

Concentration: Must be able to concentrate on work tasks amidst distractions.

There are many phone and personal interruptions throughout the work day.

Must exert self-control. 

Must be able to display control and confidence under stress.

PART VI: EMPLOYEE STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

I have read and understand the job description for my position. I am able to perform all of the essential functions of this position.

I have read and understand the job description for my position and I request reasonable accommodation(s). (Please describe in detail how you propose to perform the essential functions of the position.)

I agree to comply with the Corporate Compliance and all laws, rules, regulations and standards of conduct relating to my position. As an employee, I understand my duty to report any suspected violations of the law or the standards of conduct to the Compliance Officer or the Chief Executive Officer.

Supervisor

Date

Employee Signature

Date

Revised: 06.2021