Medical Assistant - IRMC Physician Group - (Full Time, Part Time, Casual)

Indiana Regional Medical Center•East Mahoning Township, PA

About The Position

The Medical Assistant promotes a professional practice image by efficiently performing clerical and clinical tasks that facilitate patient flow and the organization’s work. The role assists physicians with patient examinations and treatment and performs routine tasks to keep clinical and clerical office operations running smoothly. Clinical duties include greeting and escorting patients, taking and documenting vital signs, updating patient histories, preparing patients and rooms for examinations and procedures, and assisting providers. The Medical Assistant performs ordered point-of-care testing and treatments, records results, maintains supplies and medication inventories, observes quality-control and regulatory procedures, cleans rooms and equipment, reviews charts and pending results, completes orders and referrals, obtains insurance authorizations, and documents information in the electronic medical record. Travel to other IHPS offices may be needed to provide coverage. Clerical duties include scheduling appointments, updating patient and registration information, verifying insurance eligibility, collecting and recording payments, reviewing and entering charges, retrieving and routing messages, answering calls and patient inquiries, maintaining records and requests in the electronic health record, and following confidentiality and security rules when sharing information. The position requires completion of an accredited medical assistant program or, preferably, at least two years of experience as a multi-tasked professional performing front- and back-office activities in a medical environment. Current CPR certification is required. The role calls for knowledge of medical office procedures and terminology, laboratory methods, safety and regulatory practices, records, insurance authorizations, referrals, and billing, as well as the ability to work cooperatively, communicate clearly, maintain accurate records, respond to physician directions and emergencies, and support patients’ needs.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited medical assistant program or at least two years of experience as a multi-tasked professional; experience performing front- and back-office activities in a medical environment is preferred.
Current CPR certification.
Knowledge of basic medical front- and back-office procedures, medical terminology, first aid, medical office equipment and supplies, and routine clinical laboratory methods.
Knowledge of universal blood and body-fluid precautions, OSHA rules, and protocols for storing poisons, narcotics, acids, caustics, and flammable items.
Knowledge of managed-care carrier restrictions, professional forms, patient confidentiality regulations, computer systems, insurance authorizations, referrals, and billing processes.
Ability to establish cooperative relationships with staff and create a responsive, caring environment for patients.
Ability to respond promptly to physician directions, maintain concise and accurate medical records, and use correct aseptic techniques.
Ability to react quickly in emergencies, recognize and prevent safety hazards, and ensure proper equipment maintenance.
Ability to communicate clearly, facilitate patient education when warranted, advocate for patients, and assist physicians in meeting patients’ physical and mental needs.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and perform functions within the legal boundaries of the profession.

Responsibilities

Greet patients and escort them to examination or procedure rooms.
Take and document patients’ vital signs; update histories and information about tobacco use, allergies, medications, and immunizations.
Prepare patients for examinations, tests, and procedures; remove dressings and staples as required.
Set up for and assist with examinations and procedures; obtain signed consent and complete ABN forms when needed.
Perform provider-ordered point-of-care testing and treatments, record results, and follow regulatory procedures.
Maintain and restock clinical supplies; inventory medications and dispose of expired medications as appropriate.
Maintain medication refrigerator temperature logs and perform quality controls within specified time frames.
Clean rooms and countertops and prepare reusable equipment and instruments for sterilization; adhere to OSHA guidelines.
Review charts and obtain pending lab or diagnostic results before scheduled patient arrivals.
Complete orders for ancillary tests, surgeries, and referrals, and obtain necessary insurance authorizations.
Document pertinent patient information in the electronic medical record.
Travel to other IHPS offices when requested to provide clinical or clerical coverage.
Schedule and manage appointments and update patient registration and contact information.
Verify medical insurance eligibility before or upon patient check-in.
Collect patient payments, issue receipts, maintain payment logs, balance payments, process credit card payments through Emdeon, and prepare daily deposit slips.
Review encounter-form charges and enter them accurately into the computer system.
Retrieve messages, answer and route calls, respond to patient inquiries within the limits of knowledge and practice policies, and document pertinent information.
Maintain electronic health records, including orders, scanning, tasking, and prescription refill requests.
Follow confidentiality and security rules when providing information to outside sources.
Perform other services deemed reasonable by the physician or practice manager.