The Medical Assistant (MA) provides direct and indirect patient care in the clinical setting under the direct supervision of a medical provider and under the direction of the Practice Administrator or designee, and the Clinic Coordinator or Charge Nurse. Demonstrates knowledge of the certified medical assistant scope of practice, incorporating elements of holistic patient centered team based care. This position requires a compassionate, organized, and detail-oriented professional who will assist physicians and other healthcare providers with patient care, administrative tasks, and clinical duties, while adhering to best practices, clinical protocols, and regulatory guidelines. All staff is considered to be an employee of St. Peter’s Health Medical Group first. Because of this, there is an expectation that they may float to other SPHMG areas when not needed in assigned area.

EDUCATION: National Certification from an accredited medical assistant program required within 6 months of employment. Maintains knowledge, skills, and abilities through ongoing education and on-the-job training. Required to complete and pass annual competency training.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: Current National Certified Medical Assistant designation required within 6 months of employment, valid and current Basic Life Support certification and re-certification every two years.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: 1 year of healthcare experience preferred. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Patient Care & Clinical Interventions:

Perform patient intake, including chief complaint, obtaining vital signs, medical history, medication reconciliation, verification and recording of pertinent clinical data, and clinical quality measures; administer appropriate screening tools, while providing excellent patient care.  Assist providers with examinations, procedures, and treatments. Administer medications, vaccines, and injections per provider orders, state regulations, and clinic protocols. Perform diagnostic testing and point-of-care testing and specimen collection (e.g., urinalysis, throat cultures, EKGs). Conduct wound care and dressing changes under provider supervision and per state regulations, and clinic protocols. Able to prioritize workload, respond to patient calls and messages in accordance with policy.  Use interventions and strategies that are appropriate to the population by taking into account culture, language, age, gender and other factors. Able to identify and report any health concerns or changes in a patient’s condition within their scope of practice. While not responsible for triaging, the CMA must recognize signs or symptoms that may require further evaluation by a healthcare provider and promptly communicate these concerns to the appropriate medical professional.  Serve as a patient advocate and assist patients in navigation along the care continuum with the goal of facilitating effective quality care and timeliness, resulting in improved patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Clinic Operations & Documentation

Maintain accurate and timely electronic health records (EHR) Document all assessments, interventions, and communications within the EHR. Utilize EHR, RightFax, and other healthcare technologies effectively Answer phones real-time, return patient messages, and coordinate communication between the care team and patients.  Ensure exam rooms are stocked, cleaned, and prepared for patient visits. Collaborate with care team, assist with walk-in, and scheduled clinic visits. Coordinate referrals, prior authorizations, prescription refills, and diagnostic testing orders as needed. Monitor practice schedule for changes or updates; schedule patient appointments, follow-ups, and referrals as needed Guide patients through the healthcare system and help patients arrive at scheduled appointments on time and prepared.

Quality Improvement

Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives Identify opportunities to enhance patient care and clinic operations  Works collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team, co-workers, physicians, and the community emphasizing a teamwork environment

Miscellaneous 

Other duties as assigned Required to accommodate for and attend 80% of all scheduled meetings/in-services Monitor environment for compliance with continual accreditation readiness Will not triage patients without a documented protocol, will not provide care they are not competent in doing, will not advise patient without direct provider instruction, and will not identify as a “nurse”