Medical Assistant

Covenant Health•Lewiston, ME

21h

About The Position

Serves as a Medical Assistant in a medical practice or Urgent Care, primarily assisting providers and providing backup reception support. Clinical care is limited to the medical assistant’s scope of practice and is directed by the provider. The role performs clinical tasks and procedures, supports patient assessment and care plans, documents patient information, collects specimens, and follows infection-control practices. It also involves patient intake and communication, answering calls, maintaining records and supplies, participating in huddles and staff development, and completing required competencies and compliance courses. In an orthopedic practice, the Medical Assistant works with patients who have undergone joint replacement and follows the care standards established by St. Mary’s Hip & Knee Replacement Interdisciplinary Team. The role completes required hip and knee replacement education in accordance with the team’s DNV Hip and Knee Replacement Program requirements. Other duties consistent with the role may also be assigned.

Requirements

Certification by a nationally recognized organization that includes a competency exam; listed organizations include the American Association of Medical Assistants, the National Center for Competency Testing, and the National Health Career Association.
Basic Life Support certification is required.
Working knowledge of office practice and procedures.
Ability to handle multiple priorities.
Computer skills.
Excellent patient relations and interpersonal skills.
Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
Effective telephone skills.
Medical terminology required.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited two-year Medical Assistant program is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform point-of-care testing, including urine dipstick urinalysis, urine pregnancy tests, finger-stick blood glucose, and rapid strep screening.
Perform routine venipuncture, operate a centrifuge, perform 12-lead EKGs, set up and assist with pelvic exams, and apply prefabricated and fiberglass splints.
Obtain accurate temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and weight for patients of all age groups.
Administer injections safely and accurately for patients of all age groups.
Assist providers with patient assessment and implementation of care plans.
Document visit reasons, vital signs, and other pertinent information in patient charts, ensuring entries are signed and dated.
Escort patients to exam rooms and assist as needed; welcome patients, introduce yourself, and keep them informed of delays.
Perform basic intake functions under provider direction and follow practice protocols for specimen collection.
Maintain infection-control protocols within the medical assistant’s scope of practice.
Notify an RN and/or provider about abnormal vital signs and high-risk complaints, including shortness of breath, chest pain, tongue or facial swelling, dizziness, or uncontrolled bleeding.
Communicate effectively with providers, coworkers, and other staff; seek assistance when needed and ensure patient questions are answered.
Provide patient education materials as directed by the provider.
Answer incoming calls professionally, identify yourself and the practice, gather information, direct calls, take messages, and address callers’ needs.
Assist in preparing and maintaining patient charts and other medical records; perform data entry as needed.
Maintain procedure carts and stock exam rooms, lab, and medication rooms; monitor, order, and replenish medical supplies as needed.
Assist with new staff orientation after six months of hire.
Report schedule conflicts or time constraints to the MA Lead.
Attend and participate in daily huddles; complete annual and critical competencies and required annual compliance courses on time.
Participate in the self-evaluation process and provide in-service education in areas of expertise.
Stay informed about changes and advancements in the field.
Support and promote the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
In an orthopedic practice, work with surgical patients who have had joint replacements and follow the care standards and education requirements established by St. Mary’s Hip & Knee Replacement Interdisciplinary Team.
Perform other duties consistent with the role.