The duties of Certified/Registered Medical Assistants are widely varied throughout the organization. A Medical Assistant supports in both the clinical and administrative areas including assisting the Physicians, Mid-Level Providers, Registered Nurses, and Athletic Trainers with patient care and handling clerical, environmental and organizational tasks. Adheres to the Medical Assistant scope of practice.
SUPERVISON: This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities; however, it will act as a mentor/guide to employees in the Medical Assistant 1 and 2 job code within the practice.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITES
- Works under the direction of the Physician, or Mid-Level Provider to facilitate care and assures that patient's needs are met. Works directly with a Physician and mid-level provider when in office.
- Initiates surgery scheduling process, including data entry, health history verification, and surgical date selection.
- Coordinates pre-, peri-, and post-operative patient instructions. Assess and see patients at post-operative appointment.
- Reviews charts prior to appointments – obtains all films, reports or records necessary for patient visits, documents through the electronic record what x-rays are needed at time of visit.
- Reinforce, apply and document Physician’s instructions to patient including activity limitation, wound care, braces, studies/blood work, medications, and medical equipment.
- Schedules outside studies and makes referrals as ordered by the Physician. Obtains appropriate authorizations. Follows up on radiology studies, ensuring they were scheduled and completed and follow up appointment is scheduled.
- Communicates with other members of the health care team in order to ensure continuity of care and coordination of services. Acts as a patient and family advocate.
- Maintains patient dignity and privacy under HIPAA guidelines.
- Informs patients about the patient portal, enrolls patients in the portal, and uses the portal to communicate with patients.
- Copies and sends out signed therapy prescriptions, physical therapy protocols, handouts for patient instructions, and medical records requested as signed and directed by the Physician. Scans appropriate documents into the patient’s chart.
- Maintains safety for all patients and visitors, staying updated on OSHA guidelines and procedures, monitoring the cleanliness and sterility of instruments and equipment used in the office.
- Fulfills environmental responsibilities which may include disposing of soiled dressings, and used sharps appropriately. Cleans equipment appropriately between patients and at the end of the day. Stocks rooms and maintains autoclave as assigned.
- Completes fee ticket so that supplies that were given to the patient are billed appropriately.
- Telephone triage – collects appropriate information to determine need, answers questions as documented in the chart or per protocol refills medications per the medication protocol. Under the direction of a Physician, Mid-Level Provider, RN or Athletic Trainer, responds to the patient need.
- Assists MA3 and Surgery Schedulers with scheduling patient surgeries as necessary.
- When properly credentialed and trained, Medical Assistant 3’s may perform the following duties:
- As directed by the Physician, removes and applies casts appropriate for the orthopedic condition. Assesses problem casts and changes as necessary. Completely and accurately documents all services provided.
- Adheres to Clinical Treatment and Communication Documentation Standard Operating Procedure.
- Adheres to the Controlled Substance Workflow and Documentation Protocol.
- Sorts and distributes Physician mail, if appropriate.
- Provides leadership and acts as a guide/example for those in the Medical Assisting role.
- Assists in training new employees within the scope of job duties.
- Performs other duties or functions as assigned.
REQUIRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience:
- High School diploma or GED required.
- Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant program or equivalent courses in nursing or health care required.
- Current Medical Assistant Certification or Registration required, and ability to maintain certification or registration.
- Minimum two years of Medical Assisting or other applicable patient care experience, Orthopaedic or surgery scheduling experience is preferred.
- Has successfully completed a competency-based orientation program and CPR certification or acquisition within 90 days of employment is required.