Medical Assistant I

POSITION SUMMARY: The Medical Assistant I provides paraprofessional medical assistance services to patients within the department and assists physician(s), physician assistant(s), nurse practitioner(s), certified nurse midwives, and nurses in patient care. Receives general supervision from a licensed physician, physician assistant (PA),nurse practitioner (NP), or certified nurse midwife (CNM)(within his/her scope of practice) who is physically present in the treatment facility during the performance of assigned duties or procedures.   The supervising physician, PA/NP/CNM may provide written or oral instructions to be followed by a medical assistant in the performance of tasks or supportive services.  Such instructions may provide that a physician's assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse may assign and supervise tasks authorized by the physician.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides assistance in the taking of patient’s personal information, medical/surgical/social      history and the reason for the visit (e.g. chief complaint, medication reconciliation, food allergies and any allergies or known reactions to medications, etc.)
2. Takes vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation, heart rate), height/weight  and current pain level (using 0-10 chart or Wong Baker).
3. Performs health screenings: EKG, EEG, nerve conduction study, vision tests and other tests ordered by Physician, NP/PA within the scope of the MA with appropriate competency (if required).  
4. Accurately documents data collected into the departments Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.  Effectively utilizes EMR in support of the visit for orders provided by the Physician, PA, NP, or CNM including but not limited to routine department functions (e.g. ordering diagnostic testing, calling in prescription refills to pharmacy, specialty referrals, transmitting prescriptions, documenting telephone encounters, scanning results and key documents and scheduling appointments).   Ensures related reports, results and any other pertinent information are available in patients’ chart prior to their scheduled appointment.
5. Keeps exam rooms adequately stocked with appropriate supplies and equipment in the applicable quantity. Performs inventory checks and places appropriate orders to replenish stock.

1. Prepares exam rooms and patients appropriately for examinations and minor office procedures and 

assists as directed by the Physician, NP/PA/CNM, using and maintaining sterile technique when appropriate or required.   Provides instruction to the patients per the Physician PA/NP/CNM orders.  Performs clean-up post-exam/procedure using universal precautions, maintaining proper handling and disposal of sharps, bio-hazard waste and laboratory/pathology specimens as per PMHD policies.

1. Administers medications (within MA scope of practice) per the physician,  NP/PA/CNM orders using correct verification protocol as per PMHD policy.
2. Maintains logs and required checks as directed by the Department Director (e.g. inventory, pathology, expiration, refrigerator, etc.).
3. Maintains ethics and safeguards integrity of medical records, patient’s rights, Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).  Protects department/practice by adhering to professional and regulatory standards as well as PMHD policies & procedures.
4. Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.  Capable of building and maintaining positive working relationships with patients, co-workers, physicians, NP/PA, and other PMHD representatives.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITES

1.  Principles and practices of work safety especially related to communicable diseases, including  Universal Precautions, OSHA and CLIA.
2. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; basic mathematical calculations.
3. Prioritize activities relative to assigned duties and effectively communicates with their lead and/or director.
4. Effectively takes phone messages, uses scanner, printer, label maker
5. Type 20 words per minute
6. Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
7. Other duties as assigned from time to time.
8. Upon successful completion of Scribe program, offered through PHMD, individual may be required to function as a Scribe.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High School diploma or GED equivalent
2. Training and education obtained by completion of a medical assistant program that results in       an approved medical assistant certificate.  
3. Knowledge of medical terminology
4. Basic understanding of common diagnostic tests (e.g. CBC, CMP, U.A).
5. Understanding of service authorizations (e.g. TARS, Medi-Care, Medi-cal Managed Care,      PPO, HMO)
6. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

1. Current Healthcare Provider BLS certification.
2. Current medical assistant certification by an entity approved by the Medical Board of California with an expiration date required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1.  Walk, bend, kneel or twist when assisting patients, handling supplies/equipment; perform simple grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation/dexterity, lifts weight (25lbs), able to use proper body mechanics.
2. Manual dexterity with fine motor skills, ability to operate and handle equipment used in the department.
3. Ability to stand for several hours at a time and climb stairs (2 flights)
4. Visual and auditory acuity at a level sufficient enough to meet the needs of job task with the use of corrective devices if needed.

 AGE OF POPULATION SERVED

Newborn               Infant/Pediatric           Adolescent      Adult   Geriatric     xALL/ No Patient Care