Medical Assistant

Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc. • Lexington, KY

9d

About The Position

The Medical Assistant supports efficient and courteous patient registration, transfer, and discharge in accordance with established policies and procedures. The role compiles and types medical information for patient records and statistical reports and maintains accurate patient accounts receivable. It also performs a wide range of patient-care activities and accommodation services to support patients’ comfort and well-being in accordance with physicians’ orders.

The position combines clinical support with administrative and billing duties. Clinical work includes taking and recording vital signs, preparing patients and examination areas, assisting with examinations and treatments, collecting specimens, administering medications as directed, and maintaining clinic cleanliness and safety. Administrative work includes registering patients, processing payments and account transactions, assisting with insurance and billing information, operating office and communication equipment, scheduling appointments as needed, and preparing correspondence and reports.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Up to one year of experience.
• Three to six months of on-the-job training is required to attain proficiency in assigned duties and responsibilities if not certified.
• Obtain patient history and take vital signs to assist the physician with examination and treatment.
• Prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas.
• Perform selected tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment.
• Screen and follow up on patient test results.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by the physician and maintain medication records.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate of a Medical Assistant Training Program preferred.
• Medical Assistant certification from an accredited program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic patient-care procedures as required.
• 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.
• Provide 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 and respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Prepare used equipment for re-sterilization.
• Follow legal requirements for reporting to police, the health department, and other agencies.
• Accompany or transfer patients to departments such as the laboratory or X-ray.
• Clean and stock examination rooms.
• 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 payor 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 payors.
• Contact insurance carriers or agencies to obtain precertification for ancillary, admission, and surgical procedures.
• Operate office equipment, including copiers and fax machines, and other assigned equipment.
• Operate communication systems, including placing and answering telephone calls and paging or contacting staff.
• Make and maintain appointment schedules for clinic physicians, as needed.
• Secure required signatures on reports and records relating to release of information, according to policies and procedures, as needed.
• Contact patients, physicians, or others for information needed to complete insurance or other billings.
• Type memos and correspondence as needed.
• Compile periodic and statistical reports and other data as directed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED