Medical Assistant 3 (BUSH GEN MED)

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

10d•$37 - $46

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Nurse Manager and guided by Ambulatory Services policies and procedures, the Medical Assistant 3 assists in delivering care to patients in the practice by performing assigned patient care procedures. The role also supports front- and back-office operations, including scheduling, preregistration, insurance verification, referrals, authorizations, and coordination of medical and financial information. The assistant contributes to efficient patient flow, supports multiple physicians, communicates with referring physicians’ offices, and serves as a liaison to outside providers. Responsibilities include insurance and treatment authorizations, pharmacy refills, and hospital admission arrangements. Flexibility to cover multiple UCSF Health center clinics is required. The Medical Assistant works as part of a team and is expected to maintain a professional, caring, and courteous demeanor. The position follows department and Medical Center policies for clinical practice, safety, infection control, privacy, and service standards. Patient care duties include rooming patients as needed, recording vital signs and other information, assisting with exams and procedures, collecting specimens, and performing directed point-of-care testing. Vaccine administration may be performed after completing UCSF-specific training and competency requirements, with provider verification immediately before administration. The role also supports patient communication and coordination, maintains exam rooms and designated logs, helps manage delays and patient concerns, and assists other departments when necessary. Direct patient care is provided to infant, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations.

Requirements

Certification from an approved Medical Assistant program, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Current American Heart Association CPR certification.
At least 1 year of recent experience working in a busy health care environment.
Familiarity with insurance verification and authorizations.
Ability to sit at a computer terminal for extended periods and keyboard without restrictions.
Strong computer and basic keyboarding skills, with experience and ability to work effectively in Word and Excel.
Ability to prioritize and work efficiently with multiple forms of patient and provider communication, including email, fax, and phone systems.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills.
Strong writing skills, including the ability to compose basic office communications.
Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with patients.
Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with team physicians and referring physicians.
For Primary Care departments, CPT-1 certification is required. Applicants without CPT-1 certification may be hired as Hospital Assistant II and reclassified to Hospital Assistant 3 after obtaining California State CPT-1 certification.

Responsibilities

Monitor patient flow and obtain vital signs, height, weight, pain screening, and chief-complaint documentation; room patients as needed.
Use ApeX to document within the Medical Assistant scope of practice.
Assist nurses and providers with exam and equipment preparation, including biopsy and PAP procedures.
Update the HCM banner, carry out orders, provide after-visit summaries, schedule follow-up appointments, and discharge patients.
Obtain specimens and perform directed point-of-care testing, including quality assurance/quality control and EKGs; use ambulatory non-provider protocols to order and sign point-of-care tests.
Administer injectable vaccines after completing required UCSF training, testing, and observations, and after provider verification of the medication and dose immediately before administration.
Follow Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies for infection control, safety, administrative practices, and clinical care, including applicable TJC and Title 22 requirements.
Transport patients as directed and ensure their safety.
Document interpreter use and coordinate interpreting services for in-person, video, or telephone appointments.
Maintain required logs, including temperature, disaster cabinet, and crash cart logs.
Perform clinical activities accurately and in a timely manner; assist with specialty procedures as directed by the manager or director.
Perform assigned in-basket functions related to patient messages, laboratory work, authorizations, and other tasks.
Act as a chaperone when needed; notify providers of delays and service issues; help facilitate provider punctuality.
Communicate provider delays to the front-office team and help patients address issues and complaints using conflict-management skills.
Share relevant information and observations with other health team members.
Complete referrals, obtain insurer authorizations for medications, and assist physician staff with patient communications as needed.
Maintain clean, stocked exam rooms and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies as directed.
Demonstrate UCSF Living PRIDE service standards, effective communication, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, professionalism, and appropriate handling of confidential information.
Maintain orderly, clutter-free work areas; follow cleaning processes; report broken equipment or unsafe conditions; protect the facility and equipment.
Perform other assigned duties and assist other departments when necessary.
Follow state and other regulatory body policies and demonstrate accountability for department expectations and standards.