Medical Assistant - Otolaryngology Full-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Sycamore, IL

About The Position

The Medical Assistant supports physicians, nurses, and other licensed medical staff by facilitating efficient patient flow, assisting with patient care activities, and performing related administrative functions. The role is responsible for maintaining clean and safe patient care areas, promoting patient satisfaction through professional and friendly interactions, and safeguarding patient confidentiality. The Medical Assistant follows Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, values, Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. The position includes preparing patients and exam rooms, obtaining and documenting vital signs and visit information, alerting clinicians to significant changes or acute symptoms, and anticipating equipment and supply needs. The Medical Assistant also assists with procedures, maintains supplies and equipment, follows room preparation and safety protocols, and collaborates with the patient care team to support safe, effective, and efficient clinic operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Current certification in an accepted medical assistant credential, or written proof of meeting candidate eligibility requirements to take an eligible certification exam from AAMA, AMT, NCCT, NHA, or NRCMA.
Complete one of the listed medical assistant certifications within the first six months of employment, with up to two test attempts; certification is a condition of employment.
American Heart Association-accredited Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
Zero to two years of experience in a relevant role.
Strong computer skills.

Nice To Haves

Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant training program.
One to two years of ambulatory care experience.
Experience with an electronic medical record.

Responsibilities

Facilitate efficient patient flow by escorting patients to exam rooms, confirming identity with two identifiers, and preparing them for examination.
Obtain accurate vital signs according to organizational standards and document the reason for the visit, allergies, smoking history, and pharmacy information.
Promptly inform the provider and registered nurse of significant changes in vital signs or acute symptoms.
Anticipate and set up equipment or supplies needed for visits; clean and prepare exam rooms for the next patient.
Respond to operational needs, prioritize tasks, and help expedite visits while maintaining patient flow.
Assist practitioners with medical and surgical procedures according to established protocols, including ECGs, venipuncture, immunizations, procedure tray setup, specimen collection, and CLIA-waived testing as directed by a provider.
Prepare and stock exam rooms, following established protocols for disinfecting and sterilizing equipment and instruments.
Participate in environmental safety rounds.
Maintain vaccine and medication inventory; monitor and maintain equipment and instruments according to clinic guidelines.
Assist with ordering supplies and correctly dispose of expired items.
Follow office opening and closing procedures.
Accept delegated responsibilities, offer assistance to others, and attend and participate in staff meetings.
Communicate appropriately and effectively with patients and the patient care team, both in person and by phone.
Perform delegated procedures common to the specialty area safely, effectively, and efficiently.
Perform other duties assigned by the Supervisor or Manager.