Medical Assistant

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary function of the Medical Assistant is to provide direct and indirect support to the clinician in the delivery of patient care. The Medical Assistant prepares the exam room, chart, and patient to be seen by the practitioner and performs/implements orders for diagnostic tests. S/he accurately administers medications, including immunizations by all routes except IV. S/he routinely arranges outside referral appointments and provides patient education under the direction of the clinician when appropriate. The Medical Assistant must function under the direct supervision of a physician, RN, or midlevel practitioner. The Medical Assistant is expected to consult frequently with the supervising practitioner and to inform the clinician of the information given or actions taken.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific Tasks and Duties

• Performs data collection for assessment purposes under the direction of an RN or clinician.
• Administers controlled substances that have been obtained by a licensed nurse or clinician.

Assisting the Clinician and Daily Activities 

• Prepares the exam room and work station for clinician; cleans and stocks rooms in between patients.
• Participates in the morning huddle according to predefined huddle criteria to prepare the chart for the clinician.
• Assumes responsibility for and delegates daily tasks as delineated in “Responsibility for Daily Tasks Summary”.
• Prepares the patient and assists the clinician with exams and procedures when needed.
• Administers injections and diagnostic test/referrals as ordered, including immunizations, completing lab and x-ray requisitions and other services ordered by the clinician.
• Documents all immunizations according to standards.
• Performs diagnostic and laboratory tests including but not limited to audiometry, EKG, spirometry, urine dips, acu-check, urine HCG, hemocue hemoglobin, etc. according to STP competency standards.
• Performs age appropriate screening as needed or as directed by clinician.
• Initiates appropriate emergency measures when patients are admitted for urgent care.
• Breaks down patient charts, assuring all diagnostics and referrals have been completed.
• Performs end of shift tasks for room closure and equipment.
• Assures efficient patient flow by ongoing assessment of clinician schedule, and working with other staff to minimize patient waiting time.
• Follows STP standards for Universal Precautions when working with potentially infectious materials (blood or body fluids).
• Works cooperatively with any triage nurse to assure that the clinician sees patients as quickly as possible.
• Schedules patients appropriately.
• Alerts designated person to needed supplies/equipment. 
• Reports any safety hazards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

General Agency Duties 

• Fosters an environment that promotes trust and cooperation among all staff of STP.
• Enforces clinic policies and procedures to ensure that the principles of STP are implemented.
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient and employee information to all except designated employees.
• Informs CMO of matters of general interest and problem areas as such are determined or discovered.
• Attends all STP mandatory meetings and other meetings as requested.

Customer Service 

• Participates in customer service related issues. Adheres to the following customer service values created for STP:

1. We are continued to providing quality care and strive to continually improve.
2. We strive to treat patients and each other with respect, courtesy and compassion.
3. We believe that it is everyone's responsibility to identify problems, take ownership and contribute to solutions.
4. We promote teamwork and cooperation to create an environment that maximizes efficiency and satisfaction.
5. We actively encourage open communication and mutual education.

PERSONAL/BEHAVIOR:

• Displays cheerful demeanor and makes positive comments when on duty. 
• Refrains from participation in harmful gossip, dysfunctional group interactions and divisive behavior.
• Displays courteous and professional behavior in all interactions with the public. 
• Works cooperatively with other staff members.
• Displays flexibility in accepting, changing or carrying out assignments.
• Adheres to dress code expectations, including fragrance-free requirements.
• Displays sensitivity in a multicultural environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to read, write, understand and spell in English, Spanish and medical terminology correctly.
• Knowledge of basic nursing care and procedures.  
• Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions.
• Ability to pass a written medication quiz.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Completion of a formal Medical Assistant program or demonstrates a comparable combination of training and experience.
• Current CPR certification, required.
• Minimum of 1 year experience

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience working in an outpatient clinic or doctor’s office.
• Experience working with common health care programs.