Medical Assistant Palliative Care

Frederick Health•Frederick, MD

About The Position

The Medical Assistant performs clinical duties and some administrative functions under the direction of medical group providers. The role includes preparing patients for examinations, taking and recording vital signs and patient histories, and assisting with medical procedures. The Medical Assistant supports the Mission of Frederick Health and complies with its Standards of Behavior. The position supports patient care, practice operations, and quality and service initiatives. It includes patient communication and education, documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), assisting providers with examinations and procedures, maintaining treatment rooms and equipment, and contributing to continuous improvement and patient experience efforts. The role provides care to patients across all age groups, from neonates through geriatric patients, and requires knowledge of growth and development over the lifespan and the ability to provide age-appropriate care. This position has blood-borne pathogen exposure risk and requires medium physical work, including infrequent lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying up to 25 pounds while walking, and pushing or pulling loads as specified. Moderate walking and standing are also required. The position reports to the Practice Manager. Hourly pay is $20.00–$27.77, based on experience, skills, and education; pay may vary by specialty, and applicable non-exempt positions may receive shift differential and/or overtime.

Requirements

Certified or licensed Medical Assistant preferred; CNA, EMT, or LPN credentials are listed as alternatives.
One to two years of experience in a medical practice or clinical setting.
CPR certification.
Computer skills, preferably including EMR and Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of the organization's EMR is preferred.
Ability to work independently and in a team-based environment.
Demonstrated current knowledge and skills for appropriate care and contact with neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.
Knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan and ability to assess patient-status data, identify age-specific needs, and provide care in accordance with department policies and procedures.
Ability to perform medium physical work, including infrequent lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying up to 25 pounds while walking, and pushing or pulling up to 75 pounds infrequently or up to 115 pounds occasionally (no more than once per hour).
Ability to perform moderate walking and standing and tasks involving repetition, forceful exertion, or awkward postures.
Ability to work in an environment with blood-borne pathogen exposure.

Nice To Haves

Certified or licensed Medical Assistant credential.
Associate degree or higher in a healthcare field preferred.
Knowledge of the organization's EMR.

Responsibilities

Escort patients to examination rooms promptly to maintain patient flow.
Interview patients, obtain medical information, and record histories, medications, and allergies in the medical record.
Obtain and record vital signs in the EHR and notify the physician or midlevel of concerns.
Record medications and laboratory results in the EHR and update information at each visit.
Educate patients and families about treatment procedures, medications, and physician instructions.
Assist physicians during examinations and routine and complex medical procedures; prepare for procedures according to physician preference and establish and maintain a sterile field.
Perform minor medical procedures, including dressing changes, phlebotomy, and injections; remove staples, sutures, and drains when requested by a physician.
Collect laboratory specimens and prepare them for testing.
Document clearly, completely, accurately, and legibly in the EHR.
Process prescription refills as instructed, provide prescription information to pharmacies, accurately record prescription information in the EHR, and use eRX.
Direct calls appropriately, take accurate messages or respond using knowledge of medical policies and procedures, follow up promptly on phone messages, and document urgent concerns and their resolution in the EHR.
Review medical tests and results, promptly notify providers of abnormalities when indicated, and accurately file results in the EHR.
Prepare, clean, and stock treatment rooms; properly dispose of contaminated instruments and materials; and ensure supplies are within expiration dates.
Maintain supplies in examination and procedure rooms and ensure medical equipment is in proper working order through responsible inspection.
Clean and sterilize equipment.
Assist with orienting new staff to the practice, policies, and procedures.
Understand quality and service measures and goals and support improvement efforts.
Help translate population health and quality program requirements into operational workflows and work with site personnel to achieve quality and service measures.
Provide systematic, continuous, patient-centered care that supports patient-centered medical neighborhoods and primary care.
Help manage patient experience concerns and participate in customer service initiatives.
Comply with organizational quality-control and infection-control standards.
Participate in department performance-improvement activities and develop strategies for improved patient care.
Support leadership with day-to-day operations and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Employer-paid life insurance for eligible employees
Employer-paid short-term income replacement and long-term disability for eligible employees
Paid Time Off program for eligible employees
403(b) retirement plan with employer match for eligible employees
Free financial planning sessions for all employees
Educational assistance program
Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program