Medical Assistant - Hepatology

University of California San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

22h

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Practice Manager and guided by the policies and procedures of Ambulatory Services, the Hospital Assistant III assists in the delivery of care to patients seen in the practice. The incumbent performs assigned patient care procedures in support of care services and adheres to Medical Center Telephone and House Standards. This role supports both front and back office responsibilities, including scheduling, pre-registering, verifying insurance, obtaining referrals and authorizations, and coordinating required medical and financial information. The Medical Assistant works as a team member with other staff, projects a professional and courteous demeanor, supports efficient patient flow, and provides assistance to multiple physicians. The role communicates with referring physicians’ offices, serves as a liaison to outside providers, and manages insurance authorizations, pharmacy refills, complex treatment authorizations, and hospital admission arrangements.

Requirements

Certification from an approved Medical Assistant program, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Current American Heart Association CPR Certification, or ability to obtain prior to hire.
Minimum of one year of recent experience in a busy healthcare environment.
Insurance verification and authorization experience.
Strong computer skills, including keyboarding and proficiency in Word and Excel.
Ability to work effectively with multiple forms of communication, including email, fax, and phone systems.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, team physicians, and referring physicians.
Ability to sit at a computer terminal for extended periods of time.
Demonstrated reliable attendance.
Professional appearance and demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Current American Heart Association CPR Certification (or ability to obtain prior to hire).

Responsibilities

Clinical Support Maintain exam rooms in accordance with Medical Center standards.
Perform routine clinical functions and document in the patient chart, including vital signs, height, weight, pain screening, and chief complaints.
Document interpreter use and coordinate interpreter services (in person, phone, or video).
Assist nurses, providers, and patients in preparation for exams and procedures.
Provide patient education in collaboration with physicians.
Participate in orientation and training of new staff.
Serve as a chaperone during examinations as needed.
Float within the department as requested.
Monitor patient flow throughout the clinic.
Obtain specimens and perform simple point-of-care testing, including QA/QC.
Update mandatory logs (e.g., temperature log, disaster cabinet log, crash cart log).
Facilitate referrals as ordered by physicians.
Obtain insurance authorizations for medications, visits, and procedures.
Assist physicians with written patient communications.
Ensure medication cabinets remain locked.
Utilize the Electronic Health Record (APEX) within scope of practice, including: Documenting vital signs and patient history information Entering medications and allergies Ordering and documenting point-of-care testing Entering and pending scripted provider orders Opening medication refill and telephone encounters Scheduling laboratory, radiology, and other tests with provider orders Managing staff messages
Comply with Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies related to infection control, safety, administrative and clinical practice, and regulatory requirements.
Communication Maintain professional telephone communication consistent with Medical Center standards.
Uphold House Standards to support a professional and helpful work environment.
Notify providers of delays and service issues; communicate delays to patients and staff as appropriate.
Share pertinent information with health team members.
Identify and communicate issues to nursing staff or supervisors.
Offer suggestions for operational improvement.
Assist patients with concerns using conflict management skills.
Operations and Maintenance Maintain clean and well-stocked exam rooms, hub rooms, and lab areas.
Order and maintain supplies and lab equipment.
Review lab logs and print results for providers as requested.
Obtain authorizations for medications, procedures, and film/slide reviews.
Schedule complex procedures and coordinate patient services.
Coordinate meal and rest periods to ensure clinic coverage.
Adhere to infection control and equipment cleaning procedures.
Participate in quality improvement and customer service initiatives.
Registration and Clerical Services Collect and update patient demographic, insurance, and billing information; verify insurance eligibility.
Open and update patient accounts.
Collect co-payments and other applicable payments.
Prioritize timely patient registration and support clinic flow.
Schedule new and established patient appointments in APEX according to provider productivity standards.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and UCSF policies.
Triage telephone calls, route messages, and manage same-day appointment and refill requests.
Cover in-baskets and phone messages when team members are absent.
Assist with filing and scanning documentation.
Service Excellence and Professional Standards Demonstrate service excellence consistent with UCSF Medical Center standards, including Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence.
Use effective communication skills with patients, families, and staff.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and teamwork.
Adhere to privacy, confidentiality, safety, and infection control policies.
Support departmental quality metrics and organizational targets.
Maintain a clean and orderly work environment and report unsafe conditions.