Dermatology Assistant - Per Diem

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health•Lebanon, NH

About The Position

Under the direction of the nurse leader and supervising provider, the Dermatology Assistant provides both clinical and documentation support to ensure efficient, high-quality dermatologic care. This role combines the responsibilities of a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) and a Clinical Scribe, with additional dermatology-specific clinical duties such as biopsy preparation, assisting with procedures, and post-visit coordination. The Dermatology Assistant plays a key role throughout the entire patient encounter — from room preparation and patient intake, to scribing and assisting during procedures, to ensuring all documentation, orders, and follow-ups are complete. This position requires attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Prior experience as a medical scribe, medical assistant, or patient care assistant preferred.
Demonstrated ability to accurately document medical encounters in an electronic medical record system.
Strong proficiency with computers, typing, and data entry.
Excellent organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.
Ability to learn dermatologic terminology, procedures, and specimen handling requirements.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment.
Strong attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to patient confidentiality.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

Greet patients and assist with the rooming process.
Prepare exam rooms, ensuring they are clean, stocked, and ready for use.
Provide patients with gowns and explain where to place clothing and personal belongings.
Assist patients with mobility or wheelchairs as needed.
Review the visit flow with patients and inform them of any learners (medical students, residents, etc.) participating in their care.
Ensure patient charts are accurate and up to date before provider entry.
Prepare patient forms with demographic information.
Assist patients in completing questionnaires.
Maintain patient charts in compliance with Health Information Services (HIS) requirements.
Perform daily quality checks on point-of-care testing machines, medication refrigerators, and emergency stations as appropriate.
Order, obtain, and restock supplies while monitoring expiration dates.
Perform low-level disinfection and adhere to infection prevention and safety standards.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment for patients and staff.
Accurately and thoroughly document all aspects of the visit in real time as the provider performs exams, procedures, and patient education. Documentation includes:
Patient history and physical exam findings.
Procedures and treatments performed.
Risks, benefits, and patient education.
Provider-dictated diagnoses, prescriptions, and follow-up instructions.
Take and securely upload clinical photos through the approved app and into the EMR.
Prepare instruments and supplies for dermatologic procedures (e.g., biopsies).
Assist with biopsies and other minor dermatologic procedures under provider supervision.
Handle, label, and deliver specimens to the appropriate laboratory following established policies.
Maintain professional, non-intrusive interactions with patients throughout the visit.
Conduct training for new Derm Assistants as needed.
Oversee and maintain clinical templates and provider-specific EMR tools.
Communicate effectively with providers, nurses, and the multidisciplinary team to support patient flow and safety.
Pend provider orders, including medications, labs, and biopsy orders.
Schedule follow-up visits or place recalls as directed by the provider.
Print and deliver After Visit Summaries (AVS) to patients.
Make follow-up calls to check on patients when requested by providers.
Ensure specimens are delivered promptly and accurately to the lab.
Restock and clean exam rooms following patient visits.
Return medications to appropriate storage per Medication Storage and Handling Policy.
Maintain readiness for regulatory compliance and participate in safety huddles and quality improvement activities.
Escort patients throughout the clinic as needed.
Assist in the setup and breakdown of procedural rooms.
Participate in daily safety and workflow huddles.
Handle incoming calls professionally, assisting with scheduling or routing as needed.
Participate in medication conveyance (excluding controlled substances) per policy.
Demonstrate consistent use of safety and communication tools (e.g., SBAR, repeat back).