Certified Senior Medical Assistant - Primary Care (Friendswood)

Houston Methodist•Friendswood, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Senior Medical Assistant (Sr. MA) provides high-quality support for patient care and services under the direct supervision of a physician and/or registered nurse. The role requires expert knowledge and competent performance of advanced medical assistant tasks for assigned patient populations, while working within the medical assistant scope of practice. The Sr. MA may oversee scope-of-practice activities such as serving as a Hand Hygiene Validator or EMR super-user. The Sr. MA assists with examinations, procedures, diagnostic studies, treatments, and dressing changes. The position also performs administrative duties in accordance with CLIA, HIPAA, NCQA, government standards, and company policies and procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, ensuring medical-necessity compliance, and verifying eligibility for care. The Sr. MA independently serves as a preceptor and clinical resource, training and orienting colleagues as appropriate. Houston Methodist Primary Care Group provides care across more than 40 locations in the Greater Houston area and offers access to specialty care and hospital services through the Houston Methodist health system. This position is a day-shift role. Uniforms and scrubs are required, and department-approved attire may also be worn. Travel within the Houston metropolitan area may be required; travel outside the area is not required. Employees may be required to be on call during emergencies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent education.
Five years of medical assistant experience involving highly complex chronic-disease management or work in a specialty discipline.
Current Certified Medical Assistant credential through AAMA, NAHP, NCCT, or NHA; alternatively, Registered Medical Assistant or EMT certification.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or instructor certification through the American Heart Association.
Demonstrated skills and competencies necessary to perform the assigned job safely, as assessed through ongoing competency assessments and performance evaluations.
English speaking, reading, and writing proficiency sufficient to perform essential job functions, particularly those affecting patient or employee safety and security.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, family members, and coworkers using a customer-service focus and positive language.
Knowledge of medical practice, patient care, examinations, diagnostic and treatment procedures, medical equipment, and instruments.
Ability to develop and maintain clinical quality assurance and accurate medical records.
Good reasoning and judgment, a learning attitude, and ability to solve problems.
Ability to provide safe, patient-centered, compassionate, and competent care.
Computer proficiency for documentation and work-related purposes.
Completion of required ongoing training and education, including department-specific requirements, and maintenance of current certifications.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, coworkers, and the public.
Ability to work effectively with peers as part of a team.
Understanding of the patient population in relation to the clinical disease process.
Advanced assessment competencies appropriate to the level of practice.

Nice To Haves

Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential through ACA.

Responsibilities

Model and promote a positive work environment and help the interprofessional care team achieve department results.
Lead and initiate problem resolution within the work unit, anticipate needs for assistance, and respond to requests for support.
Communicate and report pertinent patient-care information to members of the interprofessional health care team.
Teach peers to think critically by explaining the rationale for decisions and following up consistently.
Serve independently as a preceptor and clinical resource, guiding and mentoring colleagues and providing structured feedback.
Provide care to clinic patients under the direct supervision of a physician, registered nurse, or clinic leadership procedures.
Complete pre-visit planning and obtain or request appropriate documentation when possible.
Anticipate the needs of the patient population in collaboration with the provider team.
Obtain and document vital signs and chief complaints; perform medication review and discuss or review medical and social history as appropriate.
Document care, diagnostic measurements, treatments, and procedures in the patient's electronic medical record in accordance with policies and procedures.
Follow up with patients regarding care recommendations, medications, laboratory and X-ray results, specialty visits, primary care visits, and referrals to resources such as dieticians and diabetes educators.
Promote patient use and activation of MyChart and coordinate care with hospitals, emergency departments, consulting physicians, and community resources, including handling patient inquiries.
Role-model behaviors that support improved patient satisfaction.
Report patient observations, conditions, problems, and abnormal clinical findings to the physician and/or nurse.
Protect the privacy and safety of patients and families.
Perform routine tests such as EKGs, rapid strep tests, urinalysis, and urine pregnancy tests.
Sterilize instruments and equipment and prepare, clean, and maintain examination and treatment rooms, supplies, and equipment.
Use supplies efficiently; stock examination rooms, take inventory, and order supplies.
Manage time and prioritize daily tasks to minimize incidental overtime, and coordinate colleagues to meet department demands.
Develop team members' skills and contribute to improved performance and outcomes.
Participate in professional development and department-based educational activities and performance-improvement initiatives.
Maintain and update a My Development plan.