Medical Assistant

Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc.•Barbourville, KY

About The Position

The Medical Assistant supports clinic operations by registering, transferring, and discharging patients in accordance with established policies and procedures. The role compiles and types medical information for patient records and statistical reports, maintains accurate patient accounts receivable, and performs a variety of patient-care activities and services to support patient comfort and well-being in accordance with physicians’ orders. The position combines clinical and administrative duties. Clinical work includes obtaining patient histories and vital signs, preparing patients and treatment areas, assisting with examinations and procedures, collecting specimens, performing selected tests, administering medications as directed, and maintaining equipment and supplies. Administrative work includes patient registration, appointment scheduling, payment processing, account postings, insurance and billing assistance, communications, records, and reports.

Requirements

High school diploma required; experience may be substituted for education.
If not certified, three to six months of on-the-job training is required to attain proficiency in assigned duties and responsibilities; the posting also lists up to one year of work experience as required, with education substitutable for experience.
Ability to obtain patient histories and take vital signs to assist physicians with examinations and treatment.
Ability to prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas.
Ability to perform selected tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment and to screen and follow up on patient test results.
Ability to prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician and maintain medication records.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a Medical Assistant Training Program is preferred.
Medical Assistant certification from an accredited program is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform basic patient-care procedures.
Participate in conferences and serve on committees as requested.
Participate in patient and family education as necessary.
Prepare for and assist with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
Take and record vital signs, height, and weight.
Perform catheterizations and provide catheter care.
Administer oral and intramuscular medications.
Care for patients receiving oxygen therapy.
Apply sterile and non-sterile compresses and bandages, including ace bandages and hot or cold compresses.
Test urine for sugar, acetone, and pH.
Assist with physical examinations and minor outpatient surgery.
Collect blood, urine, stool, and sputum specimens; perform venipunctures and EKGs as needed.
Maintain cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in the clinic; clean and stock examination rooms.
Respond appropriately to emergency situations.
Prepare used equipment for re-sterilization.
Follow legal requirements for reporting to police, health departments, and other agencies.
Accompany or transfer patients to departments such as the laboratory or x-ray.
Manage time to expedite patient flow.
Greet patients, determine their needs, and offer assistance.
Register patients and prepare records, reports, notices, service charge slips, and payer information.
Interview patients, relatives, or other responsible parties to determine payment arrangements and refer unusual cases to the immediate supervisor.
Assist self-pay patients with suitable arrangements for balances due beyond initial deposits or third-party payments, as needed.
Answer patient-account inquiries and advise patients about insurance benefits.
Receive payments and deposits, issue receipts, and account for funds received.
Post charges and payments to patient accounts daily.
Determine billing methods for third-party payers.
Contact insurance carriers or agencies to obtain precertification for ancillary, admission, and surgical procedures.
Operate office equipment, including copiers and fax machines, and operate communication systems to place and answer calls and page or contact staff.
Make and maintain clinic physician appointment schedules, as needed.
Secure required signatures on reports and records related to release of information, according to policies and procedures, as needed.
Contact patients, physicians, or others to obtain information needed to complete insurance or other billings.
Type memos, correspondence, and other materials as needed.
Compile periodic and statistical reports and other data as directed.
Obtain patient histories and vital signs to assist physicians with examinations and treatment.
Prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas.
Perform selected tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment, and screen and follow up on patient test results.
Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician and maintain medication records.