Medical Assistant/Practice Assistant II

Mass General Brigham•Newton, WA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Assistant/Practice Assistant II provides and coordinates patient services in an ambulatory, hospital-based specialty practice under the direction of the Practice Manager. The position is 10% clinical and 90% non-clinical. Clinical work includes taking vital signs and documenting pertinent information in the electronic medical record. Non-clinical work includes patient scheduling, referral management, patient outreach, medication coordination, and maintaining patient-related databases. The role interacts with patients, clinicians, pharmacies, and other support staff. The position supports patient assessments, prepares examination rooms, provides patient literature as directed, and maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR regulations. Administrative work includes scheduling, documentation, managing calls, processing medication refill requests, completing clerical tasks, collecting copayments, and obtaining prior authorizations. The assistant also supports clinic operations, referral coordination, care-team collaboration, patient outreach, and specialty medication inventory management, including medications such as Vivitrol and Suboxone. The work is onsite at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington Street. The schedule is 32 hours per week on the day shift. The role may involve exposure to communicable diseases, blood, hazardous materials, human waste, and other unpleasant elements. Physical activity includes frequent standing, walking, lifting, carrying, balancing, reaching, handling, and fingering; lifting of 35 pounds or more is performed with an assisted device.

Requirements

Completion of a formal post-secondary clinical training program, such as Medical Assistant, EMT, Paramedic, or Nursing Assistant; alternatively, matriculation in or graduation from an Associate’s or Bachelor’s nursing degree program (RN).
Nursing students must have completed fundamentals of nursing, a skills lab, and at least one medical/surgical nursing clinical rotation.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of insurance prior authorization processes.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with others and address issues professionally and appropriately.
Strong customer service skills, including the ability to work with patients experiencing complex behavioral health and substance use challenges.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical record systems.
Ability to work in patient-care environments that may involve exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials such as blood, human waste, and other unpleasant conditions.
Physical ability to perform the listed job activities, including frequent standing, walking, lifting, carrying, balancing, reaching, handling, and fingering.

Nice To Haves

Certificate, diploma, or associate degree in Medical Assisting from an accredited program.
CPR training.
Epic experience.

Responsibilities

Assist medical staff with patient assessments, including obtaining vital signs.
Prepare examination rooms and keep them stocked with necessary supplies and equipment.
Provide patient literature on substance use disorders, treatment options, and medication management as directed by medical staff.
Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and 42 CFR regulations.
Schedule patient appointments and coordinate with healthcare providers.
Assist with medical record documentation and enter patient data into electronic health record systems.
Manage incoming calls and inquiries from patients, healthcare professionals, and external parties.
Process medication refill requests and coordinate with pharmacies.
Complete filing, faxing, and scanning tasks.
Collect copayments and obtain prior authorizations.
Collaborate with medical staff and team members to support efficient clinic operations.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of clinical areas, including disposal of biohazardous materials.
Follow infection control protocols and clinic policies and procedures.
Manage referral work queues and ensure timely referral processing.
Coordinate referral scheduling and communication with patients and providers.
Conduct outreach regarding referrals, preventive care, follow-up appointments, and treatment engagement.
Track referral outcomes, outreach efforts, and barriers to care.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary care-team members and participate in team meetings, case reviews, and care coordination activities.
Support patients and families as they navigate treatment and support services.
Coordinate ordering, procurement, inventory management, and storage of specialty medications, including Vivitrol and Suboxone.
Maintain medication schedules and inventory records.
Coordinate with providers and pharmacies regarding medication questions, refills, and adherence concerns.
Document medication-related activities and generate reports as needed.
Comply with regulatory requirements, pharmacy laws, and institutional medication-management policies.