CMA - Allergy Technician

Description

Job Summary:

This position requires certification as an MA in NC.  Provides high quality care to patients with allergies by performing allergy testing, administering allergy injections, symptom management, etc. Supports efficient department operations by managing inventory of medication and supplies, maintaining medical records and assisting others as needed/directed.

Essential Functions:

1. Identifies patient allergies by testing patients according to practice protocols and physician's preferred testing method; conducting breathing studies; documenting results in patient’s medical record; etc.
2. Supports allergy treatment plans by preparing allergy serums, mixing vials of antigens, etc. as ordered by physician, using appropriate method to administer allergy therapies; documenting reaction (if any) to allergy treatments in patient’s medical record; calling in prescriptions to pharmacies; packaging and sending allergy medication for self-administration; educating patients about symptom management and treatment; etc.
3. Maintains adequate levels of antigens, serums, supplies and forms by establishing par levels; performing regular inventory; ordering as needed; checking shipments against packing slips; restocking shelves; etc.
4. Minimizes risk of adverse reaction/allergic crises by confirming patients’ identities with at least two (2) patient identifiers (e.g., photo ID, telephone number, date of birth, etc.); safely disposing of expired medication; calling patients with expired medication; paying close attention to details (dosage, volume, etc.) when preparing allergy medication; ensuring timely administration of allergy therapies; etc.
5. Minimizes risk of infection and cross-contamination by following sterile procedure guidelines; adhering to bloodborne pathogen standards and universal safety precautions, using personal protective equipment, etc.
6. Prepares patient for testing/injection by putting the patient at ease; obtaining medical history; recording vital signs; etc.
7. Ensures the completeness and integrity of department medical records and supports charge capture/billing objectives by selecting appropriate CPT and ICD-9 codes; adhering to practice protocols for documenting information in patients’ medical records; verifying completeness, legibility and accuracy of all documentation; etc.
8. Supports continuity of care by taking/returning calls from allergy patients; following scripted questions designed to obtain information needed by physician to recommend course of action; documenting conversation in detail; consulting with a physician; conveying physician’s plan of care to patient, recognizing and responding to emergency situations as appropriate for her/his scope of practice.
9. Supports efficient office operation by ensuring exam rooms are clean and ready for patients before practice hours begin; adhering to appointment schedule as closely as possible; using any open slots in the appointment schedule for other essential functions listed above or to assist physicians or other departments/staff as needed or directed by her/his supervisor.
10. Maintain licensure and/or certification by obtaining CMEs and training as required, keeping up membership in professional associations, participating in staff meetings and in-services, attending conferences, meetings and workshops as directed or permitted, reading relevant journals, etc,

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Certification as a Medical Assistant or EMT required
• High school diploma or equivalenertificatt, 
• Experience not required however, one (1) year healthcare experience; group practice setting preferred

Key Competencies:

1. Attention to detail
2. Verbal communication skills
3. Customer service orientation
4. Medical terminology
5. Documentation skills
6. OSHA/bloodborne pathogen knowledge
7. Computer skills (especially practice PMS)
8. Technical knowledge (various types of injections)
9. Teamwork/team participation
10. Work ethic