Medical Assistant

Appalachian Regional Healthcare•Harlan, KY

13h

About The Position

The Medical Assistant is responsible for efficient and courteous patient registration, transfer, and discharge according to 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 range of patient-care activities and support services for patient comfort and well-being, following physicians’ orders. The position is based in an after-hours clinic with 8- and 12-hour shifts.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Up to 1 year of experience.
If not certified, 3 to 6 months of on-the-job training as required to attain proficiency in assigned duties and responsibilities.
Ability to obtain patient histories and take vital signs to assist physicians with examinations and treatment.
Ability to prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas.
Ability to perform selected tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Ability to screen and follow up on patient test results.
Ability to prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician and maintain medication records.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform basic patient-care procedures and assist with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
Take and record vital signs, height, and weight; obtain patient histories to assist physicians with examinations and treatment.
Perform catheterizations and provide catheter care.
Administer oral and intramuscular medications as directed by physicians and maintain medication records.
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; collect blood, urine, stool, and sputum specimens; and perform venipunctures and EKGs as needed.
Assist with physical examinations and minor outpatient surgery.
Prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas, clean and stock examination rooms, and prepare used equipment for re-sterilization.
Maintain cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in the clinic; respond appropriately to emergencies.
Screen and follow up on patient test results.
Participate in conferences, serve on committees as requested, and assist with patient and family education as necessary.
Know and follow legal requirements for reporting to police, the health department, and other agencies.
Accompany or transfer patients to other departments, such as the laboratory or x-ray.
Manage time to expedite patient flow.
Greet patients courteously, determine their needs, and offer assistance.
Register patients by preparing 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, as needed, with arrangements for balances due beyond initial deposits or third-party payments.
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 and contact insurance carriers or agencies for precertification of ancillary, admission, and surgical procedures.
Contact patients, physicians, or others to obtain information needed to complete insurance or other billing.
Operate office equipment, including copiers and fax machines, and operate communication systems to place and answer calls, page, and contact staff.
Make and maintain clinic physician appointment schedules as needed.
Secure required signatures on reports and records related to release of information according to policies and procedures.
Type memos, correspondence, and other documents; compile periodic and statistical reports and other data as directed.