Medical Assistant

Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc. • Harlan, KY

1d

About The Position

The Medical Assistant supports patient care and clinic operations by efficiently and courteously registering, transferring, and discharging patients in accordance with 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 wide variety of patient-care activities and services to support patients’ comfort and well-being in accordance with physicians’ orders.

The position combines clinical duties—including taking vital signs, assisting with examinations and procedures, collecting specimens, administering medications, and maintaining treatment areas—with administrative and billing responsibilities. The Medical Assistant assists with patient flow, responds appropriately to emergencies, supports patient and family education, and completes related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Three to six months of on-the-job training required to attain proficiency in assigned duties and responsibilities if not certified.
• Ability to obtain patient history and record 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 accurate medication records.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate of a Medical Assistant Training Program preferred.
• Up to one year of experience preferred.
• Medical Assistant certification from an accredited program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic patient care procedures as required.
• Participate in conferences and serve on committees as requested.
• Participate in patient and family education as necessary.
• Prepare for and assist with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
• Take and record vital signs, height, and weight.
• Perform catheterizations and provide catheter care.
• Administer oral and intramuscular medications.
• 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.
• Assist with physical examinations and minor outpatient surgical procedures.
• Collect blood, urine, stool, and sputum specimens; perform venipunctures and EKGs as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in the clinic; clean and stock examination rooms.
• Remain alert and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Prepare used equipment for re-sterilization.
• Follow established procedures for legally required reporting to law enforcement, health departments, and other agencies.
• Accompany or transport patients to ancillary departments such as Laboratory and Radiology.
• Manage time effectively to facilitate patient flow.
• Greet patients, determine their needs, and provide assistance.
• Register patients and prepare records, reports, notices, charge slips, and payor information.
• Interview patients, family members, or responsible parties about payment arrangements and refer unusual situations to the immediate supervisor.
• Assist self-pay patients with payment arrangements when appropriate.
• Answer patient account inquiries and explain insurance benefits.
• Receive payments and deposits, issue receipts, and maintain accurate accounting of funds received.
• Post charges and payments to patient accounts daily.
• Determine appropriate billing methods for third-party payors.
• Contact insurance carriers and agencies to obtain precertification for ancillary services, admissions, and surgical procedures.
• Operate office equipment, including copiers, fax machines, and other assigned equipment.
• Operate communication systems, including answering and placing calls, paging, and contacting staff.
• Schedule and maintain appointments for clinic providers as needed.
• Secure required signatures on reports and records in accordance with release-of-information policies and procedures.
• Contact patients, physicians, and others to obtain information needed to complete insurance and billing documentation.
• Type correspondence, memos, and other documents as needed.
• Compile periodic reports, statistical data, and other information as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED