Medical Assistant (Ortho) HRA-751

San Benito Health Care District•Hollister, CA

1d•$24 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the clinic operations manager and the site nurse, the medical assistant adeptly multitasks to fulfill various responsibilities including scheduling appointments, registering patients, collecting co-pays, recording pertinent patient data in the electronic health record (EHR) system, and ensuring a safe and sanitized environment. Moreover, they serve as a crucial communication nexus within the medical practice, demonstrating exceptional multitasking capabilities and outstanding customer service in all interactions.

Requirements

Completion of a Certified Medical Assistant Program required.
High school graduate or equivalent.
Current BLS Certification by American Heart Association or American Red Cross.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year experience in a medical office as a Medical Assistant highly preferred.
Bilingual in English and Spanish speaking and writing preferred.
Basic math, money handling, and accounting skills; knowledge of medical terminology; and health care insurance billing.

Responsibilities

Maintains courteous, professional relationships with providers, patients, families, peers, healthcare team members, and external agencies.
Answers the telephone properly using department name and personal first name slowly and clearly. Records and delivers messages accurately in the EHR system and in a timely manner to staff and providers.
Is knowledgeable in the use of PC and applications specific to the department. Demonstrates ability to use current EHR technology and information systems to enhance data collection and documentation.
Competent in the use of systems designed to check insurance eligibility and benefits and downtime procedures if the computer systems are not operating correctly.
Verifies accuracy of patient and insurance information upon scheduling appointment and registering patient into the clinic for treatment. Verifies insurance coverage of the clinic visit and any co-pay or deductible needing to be collected. If prior authorization is required, verifies that the prior authorization is in the chart prior to the patient visit.
Properly opens/closes cash drawer to accept payments and co-pays, accurately completes deposit, credit card transactions, printing of records and posting payments into the Meditech system. Follows established hospital policy for handling cash and collecting money for co-pays and deductibles.
Knowledge of all programs offered by the various clinics as well as what insurances are accepted by the clinics. Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate incoming referrals, internal and external referrals, enrollment requirements, and program coverage to the special clinic programs. Examples of programs; Child Health and Disability Program (CHDP), Connect to Care, Medi-Cal, various Medi-Cal coverage programs, limited scope Medi-Cal, commercial insurance, San Benito Medical Associates (SBMA), Every Woman Counts (EWC), Family Pact and Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP).
Schedules new, established, well women exams, CPSP, well child exams, pre-op and post op appointments, same day and emergency room follow-up appointments for office visits and using the appropriate and established appointment timeframes and providers.
Demonstrates procedure for scheduling patients for outpatient services, coordinates resources, and gives correct instructions of the process for completing pre-registration to attending the appointment.
Has knowledge of Workers’ Compensation processes and the information required to schedule the patient appropriately (required authorizations, creating and updating PR-2’s) and knows requirements for PR-4 exams.
Demonstrates knowledge of proper procedure for obtaining medical records from outside agencies or providers, completing proper paperwork and following through verifying that records are received.
Proficient in healthcare quality program(s) and is well-versed on processes for patient scheduling.
Reviews patient encounters and compares provider note, lab tests ordered and supplies distributed to patients, to the superbill to ensure all charges are captured. Enters charges into the Meditech system daily.
Adheres to established hospital procedures for maintain patient clinical records within the EHR system as mandated by regulatory agencies, including proper downtime clinic procedures with appropriate forms, upholds HIPAA standards for privacy and confidentiality in accessing patient health records, utilizing break the glass option, and acknowledges potential disciplinary actions for inappropriate record access.
Demonstrates adherence to expected productivity standards by promptly reporting any variances to the supervisor, including instances of overtime, incomplete tasks, or patient care issues.
Communicates the status of office patient flow and any issues, any delays/changes to patients that may affect their appointment time or duration with the supervising nurse and providers’.
Demonstrates process for in-house referrals through EHR system and documents appropriately in the patients chart the outcome of contacting the patient regarding appointment details.
Tracks outgoing referral with the site nurse’s direction to ensure appointments are attended by patient and consult notes are received from the specialist.
Communicates to all referring providers by faxing patient visit note and procedure documents in a timely manner within 24 hours of chart completion.
Sends out all written communication to notify patients of appointments and follow up care needed.
Completes all necessary forms patients require, including EDD, FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, supplemental insurance forms, etc. and assures provider portions are addressed.
Demonstrates ability to scan patient information and place in appropriate folder within the EMR and label correctly with title of scanned document.
Demonstrates proper procedure for assigning incoming faxes in the EHR systems’ “inbox” to the appropriate staff/provider for review.
Ensures that all recently ordered lab, diagnostic imaging, physician consults, and other testing results are available for the provider to review at the time of patient visit.
Tracks all pathology, labs, and imaging tests ordered by provider to assure patient compliance. Conducts follow-up on any provider/site nurse recommendations for future care.
Maintains orderly and cleanliness of patient waiting area.
Maintains inventory of front office supplies. Orders inventory from Purchasing as needed.
Places the patients in the exam room ensuring they are as comfortable as possible, explains the appointment process to the patient and what to expect from their visit.
Has knowledge of what can be an urgent issue and when to notify the site nurse or provider immediately.
Ensures through cleaning and restocking of treatment rooms and equipment prior to each patient visit, maintaining a hygienic and well-prepared environment for their treatment.
Demonstrates correct use of clinic equipment i.e. exam tables, exam lights, special procedures trays, vital sign machine, pulse oximetry, patient scales.
Maintains inventory of back office clinical supplies, rotates stock, and checks for outdated supplies. Orders inventory from Purchasing as needed.
Performs patient intake by reviewing medication lists, allergies, documenting vital signs, social history, patient chief complaint and any other pertinent information required by provider accurately in the EHR system prior to provider entering the patient room. Prepares patient, assists providers with examination and treatment of patients, and is accessible to them.
Assists providers with in-office medical procedures at the bedside.
Performs suture and staple removal, as directed by provider.
Has knowledge of post-operative complications and knowledge of what can be an urgent issue and when to notify the site nurse or provider immediately.
Demonstrates proper use of Language Line services.
If staff member provides translation services, medical terms, procedures, instructions, examinations procedures and findings, and all other communication is translated correctly and patients understand what is being translated.
Conducts CLIA waived laboratory tests as ordered by the provider, following hospital and CLIA lab policies and procedures. Completes annual lab competencies as assigned by the hospital laboratory, ensuring accurate documentation of in-house CLIA waived lab testing and results in the EHR system.
Demonstrates proper specimen handling, labeling, and transportation techniques.
All other clinical and non-clinical duties as assigned within their scope of practice.
Reviews incoming referrals and schedules patients with appropriate orthopedic provider.
Efficiently prepares each patients EHR for orthopedic visit. Confirms all pertinent medical records related to the visit are received, including any necessary insurance authorizations prior to the visit.
Schedules patient with collaborating providers for cardiac/medical clearances, as directed by specialty provider/site nurse.
Demonstrates thoroughness in reviewing patient EHRs to gather all necessary information for scheduling surgeries/procedures, including medication history, treating providers, lab/radiology results, and medical clearances. Communicates effectively with patients to review pre-anesthesia questionnaires and explain the surgery packet pick-up process. Provides clear explanations of procedures, preparation requirements, registration protocols, and post-operative instructions during packet pick-up.
Efficiently schedules pre-anesthesia testing (PAT) visits in EHR system for outpatient surgery.
Prepares surgical packets with required forms for provider to complete. Once returned, thoroughly reviews forms ensuring all sections were completed.
Ensures all scheduled surgical packets are complete, with scheduled post-operative appointment with provider and are promptly picked up by patient.
Prepares and assist providers with in-office orthopedic procedures at the bedside, i.e. casting, splinting, fracture reduction, joint injections, bandage removal, wound vacuum placement and removal, etc.
Efficiently performs post-op calls to patients 3 days after surgery and completes post-op questionnaire. Sends completed consultation notes, operative notes, and pathology results to referring provider for continuity of care on a daily basis.
Demonstrates ability to: o Safely remove fiberglass cast with cast saw. o Apply pre-made durable medical equipment properly, i.e. splints, slings, immobilizers, etc..
Conducts thorough patient assessments by gathering medical and social history, addressing chief complaints, performing comprehensive physical examinations, monitoring vital signs, and conducting CLIA waived testing when required. Ensures meticulous documentation of all gathered information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), strictly adhering to clinic policies and regulatory standards. Maintains accuracy and clarity in documentation, abstaining from the use of unauthorized abbreviations.
Performs procedures including by not limited to; height, weight, head circumference, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, hemoglobin/hematocrit, urinalysis, blood glucose, rapid strep, rapid flu, urine HCG, urinary catheter insertion/removal, suture and staple removal and special procedures as determined by competency.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of prescribed medications and immunizations, ensuring accurate administration as per provider instructions. Adheres to established policies, procedures, and regulations to administer medications, treatments, and vaccines with precision, minimizing errors and discrepancies. Additionally, meticulously documents vaccine details, including immunization information, in the relevant databases (ECW, CAIR, EZIZ) as required.
Monitor patients’ response to any medication administered, or treatments performed and documents patient outcome(s) appropriately in the EHR.
Provides education, training, and support to patients and their families regarding health conditions, treatment plans and healthy lifestyle choices.
Maintains a deliberate focus on prioritizing nursing care and interventions, with a strong commitment to patient well-being. They conscientiously identify and promptly communicate to the provider any unsuccessful nursing interventions, alterations in the patient’s condition, or indications necessitating immediate care. Actively seeks appropriate assistance in any situation requiring immediate attention.
Performs technical skills with knowledge of nursing principles and practices and works within the legal scope of practice as defined in the Nurse Practice Act.
Demonstrates proficiency in operating medical equipment used in the clinics.
Ensures that examination rooms and medical equipment are meticulously maintained, cleaned, stocked, and prepared for use. Additionally, ensures that patient waiting areas remain uncluttered, clean and orderly.
Assists in the coordination of patient flow (front and back office) to optimize clinic efficiency and patient experience.
Adheres to a standard of professionalism and courtesy at all times, fostering positive rapport and collaborative working relationships with providers, referral sources, patients/families, staff, and peers.
Coordinates and integrates departmental services with other hospital departments and referral sources to ensure the comprehensive fulfillment of departmental, organizational, and patient needs.
Manages, acquires, and upkeeps clinical supplies, medications, and vaccines for the site, ensuring the regular rotation and timely updating of inventory to prevent expiration.
Diligently assesses the clinic environment, including furniture and medical equipment, for signs of wear and tear, identifying items in need of replacement or repair. Proactively evaluates deferred maintenance opportunities, promptly reporting and addressing any issues in accordance with established polices to ensure operational integrity and a safe environment for patients and staff.
Oversees the management of authorizations, referrals, and orchestrates the scheduling of exams, referrals, procedures, and surgeries for clinic patients. Ensures the thorough completion of authorizations or referrals and confirms the delivery of the designated care to patients. Additionally, addresses any inconsistencies, cancellations, and absentees for all arranged procedures.
Ensures adherence to productivity standards and oversees daily operations at designated site(s) with a commitment to promptly notify the Clinic Operations Director or Clinic Operations Manager of any deviations, including overtime, incomplete tasks, or issues pertaining to patient care, while maintaining open lines of communication.
Collaborates with fellow site nurses to develop staff schedules, manage time off requests and sick calls, and address daily staffing requirements.
Assists in the formulation of Performance Improvement projects and diligently compiles monthly and quarterly reports for the House-Wide committee.
All other duties as assigned by provider, clinic operations director or clinic operations manager within their scope of practice.