Medical Assistant I

First Choice Community Healthcare•Albuquerque, NM

34d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Nurse Flow Manager within the Health Center, the Medical Assistant I functions at the entry level of a Medical Assistant in clinical and clerical support as part of a patient care team of providers and nurses who provide direct patient care at the health centers. By the end of the first 6 months, with training provided, the Medical Assistant I should have mastered essential duties defined below and be ready to advance to a Medical Assistant II.

Requirements

High School graduate or GED certificate and Graduation from a technical school as a Medical Assistant or equivalent.
CPR Certification must be obtained within first 6 months of hire and maintained.
Knowledge of: Patient interviewing techniques Basic medical terminology Vital signs/ abnormal values Patient charting Exam room maintenance Provider orders Instillation of drops and ointments in the eye or ear. Oral medications Communication skills Basic lab EKG OSHA guidelines, blood borne pathogens and universal precautions. Various positions and methods used for different exams Eye exams Introduction to autoclave Basic Insurance, coding and Billing terminology Various instrument parts (i.e., handles, locks, teeth, serrations) and classifications Instruments used for various types of examinations The procedures for the care and sterilization of non-disposable instruments and the care and the disposal procedures for disposable instruments Procedures for performing subcutaneous, intradermal, and intramuscular injections Procedure for obtaining a drug from a vial or ampoules Needle sizes and syringe type necessary for injection type Categories, forms, and uses of drugs Procedures for obtaining sterile, clean catch, timed, and drug screening specimens Procedures for performing urinalysis, including physical characteristics, chemical (dipstick), and microscope preparation ECG procedure for patient preparation, lead placement and obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram TJC and related accreditation and certification Knowledge and familiarity with compliance program. Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations.
Ability to: Obtain a blood pressure and knowledge of cuff sizes and recognition of normal and abnormal readings. Take a pulse; recognize normal and abnormal readings, and knowledge of various locations that can be used. Obtain a respiratory rate and the knowledge of normal and abnormal readings. Obtain height and weight information to include pediatric/adult. Obtain temperatures via oral, rectal and axillary methods. Obtain throat culture swab. Communicate effectively with patients and their families to make their visit a pleasant experience. Use a multi-line telephone system. Use a computer to enter and access patient data to complete a discharge plan. Work on multiple tasks within established deadlines. Ability to work under the direction of a provider and follow instructions for work completion. Take the initiative to resolve patient concerns and problems. Work well with diverse groups of people. Work well as a team member. Maintain confidentiality of records and information. Follow routine verbal or written instructions.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Administrative Uses the practice management program to register, schedule and verify appointments, as needed.
Reviews the next day’s schedule and prepares for patient visit.
Verifies patient insurance.
Explains fee schedules and collects any required co-payment.
Receives and greets patients and visitors.
Calls and assists patients into examination rooms.
Collects any lab results, outside records and needed paperwork for the visit.
Prints labels.
Prepares encounter forms and charting notes.
Schedules referral appointments.
Demonstrates effective communication and written skills.
Mails out results.
Clinical Interviews patients and records information to document patient reason for visit and any health problems.
Obtains patient’s medical history differentiating between subjective and objective information.
Obtains patients vital signs and report abnormal readings to the provider.
Follow universal precautions in accordance with FCCH policies and procedures.
Completely fills out lab requisitions and labels all specimens for in-house and “send out” labs.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA.
Assists provider with exams and procedures.
Perform visual exams using eye chart.
Perform EKG’s.
Prepare exam rooms for any expected procedures.
Clean and sanitize exam rooms after each visit and as needed.
Clean, wrap, and label instruments for autoclave.
Maintain exam rooms with medical forms and supplies.
May serve as an interpreter as appropriate.
Explain discharge plans to patient.
Administration of medication through inhalation, ears, eyes, orally and by injection after required trainings have been completed and having been observed and signed off by a provider or licensed health professional.
Performs subcutaneous and intramuscular immunizations after completion of an immunization/injection class and been observed and signed off by a provider or licensed health professional.
Performs in-house test such as strep, BGL, hematocrit (HCT), chemstrip UA, HCG, hemoglobin A1C’s and urine drug screens.
Other duties as assigned.