Medical Assistant - Certified

Trinity Health•Ypsilanti, MI

14d•Onsite

About The Position

Under physician direction and supervision, this role prepares patients for office visits by taking vital signs, recording information, obtaining chief complaints, and escorting patients to exam rooms. The Medical Assistant ensures patients are ready for provider visits, reviews medical records for necessary results and forms, and assists physicians with procedures and specimen processing. They perform in-office testing such as EKGs, vision tests, strep tests, urinalysis, suture removals, injections, and immunizations. Additionally, they assist with completing patient forms for third parties, arrange hospital admissions and test scheduling, and maintain clinical areas and drug sample areas according to regulatory standards. The role involves maintaining exam rooms with necessary supplies and ensuring equipment is functional and clean. Patient phone triage may also be a responsibility. The Medical Assistant is responsible for documenting patient calls and advice, assisting with prescription refills and patient callbacks, and supporting the managed care referral and pre-authorization processes. They schedule appointments with other physicians or ancillary departments and arrange for inpatient admissions. Ensuring the clinical work environment meets regulatory requirements and assisting with medical record audits are also key functions. The role requires maintaining patient confidentiality, evaluating factors related to safety and efficiency, and adhering to customer service standards. They must identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution, behaving in accordance with the organization's Mission, Vision, and Values. Safety is paramount, and the Medical Assistant must be knowledgeable of age-specific patient needs and interact in a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive manner. Attendance at monthly staff meetings and other requested meetings is expected, with potential travel to other SJMHS sites. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

CMA, RMA, CCMA, or NCMA certification through an NCCA accredited program, or LPN or RN through the State of Michigan.
Eligible to register to take the exam through one of the approved providers prior to date of hire, and successfully attains CMA, RMA, CCMA or NCMA certification within 6 months from date of hire.
The approved provider list includes the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the National HealthCareer Association (NHA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Familiarity with common prescription drugs.
Ability to demonstrate competency in obtaining accurate vital signs and in the performance of in-office procedures.
Must participate in and be knowledgeable in mandatory safety education and environment of care (e.g., infection control, universal precautions, medical waste disposal, quality control and proficiency testing for office equipment, proper handling of specimens, electrical safety, sterilization techniques).
Experience with managed care plans and the associated requirements of patient referrals.

Nice To Haves

2 years previous clinical experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Formal education in medical terminology and anatomy & physiology.

Responsibilities

Prepares patient for office visit, including obtaining medical records, ensuring necessary reports and test results are available, and escorting the patient to the exam room.
Obtains and documents patient vital signs and chief complaint.
Assists patients with gowning as necessary.
Assists physician or provider with examinations or procedures.
Processes specimens according to established protocols.
Completes in-office tests as directed by physician/provider, such as EKGs, injections, immunizations, vision tests, and strep cultures.
Maintains exam rooms to ensure equipment is in good working condition, supplies are available, and the room and contents are clean.
Ensures rooms are safe for all ages of patients/visitors.
Assists physician/provider with the completion of patient forms for third parties (e.g., Workers Comp, disability).
May assist with copying of records for release of information requests.
Assists physician and providers with prescription refill calls and patient callbacks.
Assists with managed care referral process, pre-authorization, and pre-certification processes.
Schedules patient appointments with other physicians or ancillary testing departments at the direction of the physician.
Arranges for inpatient admission to the hospital.
Ensures that clinical work environment meets Joint Commission and other regulatory agency requirements.
May be requested to assist with the medical record audit process.
Documents patient phone calls and advice/treatment given in the patient medical record.
Assists physician with keeping problem lists and medication lists up to date.
Assists physician with preventive medicine tracking (e.g., mammograms, Halc for diabetics, well-baby and well-child exams).
Develops and maintains appropriate patient logs and records for tracking test results, physician review, and patient communication.
Assists physician and Office Coordinator in the development and maintenance of procedures for patient testing recall systems (e.g., HalC for diabetics, Coumadin logs).
May assist with medication, laboratory, and radiology order entry (including ECGs) into the EHR if credentialed.
Maintains patient confidentiality of information.
Evaluates factors related to safety, effectiveness, efficiency, environmental concerns, and cost.
Receives and evaluates incoming telephone calls according to Best Practice Model and customer service standards.
Involves physician and/or providers as appropriate to ensure patient triage protocols are followed.
Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships.
Approaches conflict in a constructive manner.
Identifies problems, offers solutions, and participates in their resolution.
Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of SJMHS.
Assumes responsibility for performing job duties in the safest possible manner.
Is knowledgeable of age-specific needs of patients.
Interacts with patients and others in a non-judgmental and nondiscriminatory manner that is sensitive to cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity.
Attends monthly staff meetings and contributes/participates actively.
Attends other requested meetings as appropriate.
May require travel to other SJMHS sites within SE Michigan.
Performs other duties as assigned.