Medical Assistant 1 - Pediatric Primary Care at Airline

FMOLHS•Gonzales, LA

About The Position

The Medical Assistant 1 assists with patient examinations and treatment under the direction of a physician. The role includes interviewing patients, obtaining and recording vital signs and other patient information, and may involve collecting blood samples and preparing specimens or swabs for laboratory analysis. The Medical Assistant coordinates patient flow, appointments, procedures, tests, and referrals; may triage phone calls and call in non-narcotic prescriptions as directed; and regularly communicates with patients and families. The position works under close supervision of the physician and clinic manager. Responsibilities include identifying patients, protecting confidential health information, accurately documenting patient visits, administering and documenting waived tests and medications under appropriate supervision, preparing and maintaining examination rooms and supplies, assisting with minor procedures, and providing basic clinical care to patients of all ages. The role also coordinates diagnostic testing and follow-up, communicates test results and treatment-plan changes as instructed, provides approved patient and family education, and responds to questions and concerns. The Medical Assistant follows compliance, safety, quality-assurance, and infection-control procedures; participates in quality improvement; uses resources efficiently; and takes responsibility for continuing education and professional development. Additional duties may include clerical support, answering phones, maintaining charts and referrals, verifying benefits, and supporting clinic and community health activities.

Requirements

Completion of a medical assistant program or one year of experience in a clinical capacity.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, electronic health records, and other software programs.
BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

Identify patients by confirming their name and date of birth before patient interactions.
Protect confidential patient health information using practices that support HIPAA regulations.
Complete and accurately document patient visit notes, including relevant histories, vital signs, immunizations, allergies, medications, and health and wellness information as directed.
Safely administer and document waived testing under the direct supervision of a physician.
Prepare, stock, and clean examination rooms and maintain patient-care supplies and equipment.
Prepare and administer medications according to physician or physician assistant orders and organizational policies.
Assist physicians with minor surgical procedures and follow procedures for obtaining, handling, and processing specimens and cultures.
Provide basic clinical care to all age groups according to the clinical skills checklist.
Coordinate patient flow, schedules, and wait times to support physician efficiency.
Instruct patients and families about diagnostic procedures, medications, nutrition, and health and wellness using approved materials.
Retrieve and send requested patient health information to authorized individuals in a timely manner and in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
Notify patients of test results, medication changes, and other treatment-plan changes as instructed by the practitioner, within 48 hours of test results.
Call medication prescriptions into the appropriate pharmacy as ordered and according to organizational policies.
Coordinate physician-ordered diagnostic testing and communicate with other healthcare providers regarding patient care.
Respond appropriately to questions and concerns from patients and families.
Follow corporate compliance procedures, accrediting-body standards, and applicable ethical and religious directives.
Understand potential chemical hazards, know how to access MSDS information, respond appropriately to emergencies, and document events in the electronic safety system.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, including gathering and trending data and supporting process changes.
Follow policies and procedures and comply with safety, quality-assurance, and infection-control standards.
Use equipment, supplies, facilities, and other resources prudently and efficiently.
Take personal responsibility for continuing education and professional development.
Seek ways to support practice operations, including clerical duties as needed.
Support practice activities such as the annual Flu Clinic, job-site projects, and community health events.
May answer phones, file and prepare charts, check referrals in and out, maintain referral databases, verify and confirm benefits, and coordinate paperwork for patient needs.