Medical Assistant

Job Description
Job SummaryPerforms clinical and administrative duties in an ambulatory setting under the supervision of a physician. Duties may include venipuncture, medication and vaccine administration, documentation of vital signs, and assisting providers with patient exams. Position may float to other sites/locations within the system. Minimum QualificationsEducation/Training

• High school graduation or equivalent; completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program preferred.

Experience

• 6 months experience working in an ambulatory care medical office or equivalent required. For Cardiology offices only: 6 months experience working in an ambulatory care medical office or equivalent required, or Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology/Science or related major OR successful completion of a Cardiac Technician course; experience working with electronic medical records preferred.

License/Certification/Registration

• CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) by American Association of Medical Assistants, or RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) through American Medical Technologists or equivalent required within 6 months of hire; CPR certification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Clinical competency as verified. Excellent customer service/patient interaction skills. Basic computer skills preferred.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists provider with patient preparation for examination, minor office procedures and with the examination and education of patients. Supports other members of the clinical team, assuring optimal patient flow; manages variable and unpredictable patient volume throughout the work day. Provides clerical support and serves as backup for the Patient Services Coordinator or other team members as needed.
• Participates in daily team huddles to review and prepare for scheduled patient visits. Screens all patients, regardless of visit type, for preventative care needs, ongoing support, barriers to care, safety concerns, and potential fall risk. Conducts surveillance for transitions of care, emergent care, or follow up tasks such as retrieval of documents associated with referrals/testing, Conducts motivational interviews that include screening and/or coaching on disease management ability, motivation to change, learning care needs, community outreach needs. Identifies potential behavioral health needs of patients using appropriate screening tools and notifies provider of findings.
• As part of a High Reliability Organization, reports actual and potential problems concerning patients, families and associates using established reporting protocols for MedStar Health and/or work location.
• Ensures ongoing compliance with regulatory and quality/safety standards by maintaining and auditing temperature logs, ensuring medication supplies are current/ unexpired , checking and maintain emergency equipment and all related tasks.
• Participates in population management activities including an awareness of the populations they serve and engages the patient in self management support, goal setting, pre-visit planning, and the capturing of information that leads to health care improvement activities.
• Performs selected patient and laboratory testing consistent with the scope of the practice, including but not limited to pregnancy testing, urinalysis, microbiology (streptococcal testing and cultures), tuberculosis skin testing, electrocardiography, pulmonary function tests, and vision and hearing testing (dependent upon provider and site requirements). Removes sutures/staples after the provider has examined the patient and written the appropriate order.
• Documents clinically related activities accurately in the patient’s medical record; performs required patient follow-up: to include pap smears, Pb levels, HIV, mammograms, and STD’s. Collects and processes specimens, completes requisitions, and documents in log book or other applicable forms/records.
• Provides escort for patients and assists with patient discharge activities. Provides chaperoning for patients per policy.
• Fulfills infection prevention and environmental responsibilities as assigned, which many include: Light cleaning during clinic hours and cleaning of equipment. Updates appropriate records of scheduled equipment maintenance, and manages drug and medical supply inventories.
• Provides telephone screening services to gather information from patients, determine appropriate disposition and document per established telephone screening protocols.
• Under onsite provider supervision may insert intravenous catheter for physician initiated IV fluid therapy or administration of intravenous medications. Under direct onsite physician supervision, may insert, remove and monitor foley catheter for procedures and prepare and administer oral drugs and injections limited to intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular.
• Utilizes the EMR to propose patient medication refills for provider approval. Completes requisitions for tests (if applicable). Contacts insurance companies for Pre-authorizations for patient medications and specialty referrals including insurance authorization.
• Ability to float to other sites/locations within the system to be able to perform all duties at multiple entities.
• Attends all scheduled meetings including, but not limited to, regular staff meetings and training classes for safety, infection control, OSHA, CLIA, CPR and others as required.
• Demonstrates behavior consistent with MedStar Health mission, vision, goals, objectives and patient care philosophy.
• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

About MedStar Health
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. Our 30,000 associates and 5,400 affiliated physicians work in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest visiting nurse association in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education and professional development of our whole team. MedStar Health offers diverse opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.