Medical Assistant - Dermatology Clinic

FMOLHS•Madison, MS

About The Position

The Medical Assistant assists with the examination and treatment of patients under the direction of a physician. The role includes interviewing patients; obtaining and recording vital signs and other patient information; preparing specimens for laboratory analysis; coordinating patient flow, appointments, procedures, tests, and referrals; and communicating with patients and families. The Medical Assistant may triage phone calls and call in non-narcotic prescriptions as directed by a provider, and assists with clinic regulatory and compliance needs. The position works under close supervision of the physician and clinic manager. Responsibilities include providing and documenting patient care, maintaining confidentiality, administering ordered medications and waived tests under appropriate supervision, preparing exam rooms, and assisting with minor procedures and specimen handling. The role coordinates care and diagnostic testing, communicates results and treatment changes as instructed, and responds to patient and family questions. The Medical Assistant also supports quality improvement, safety, infection control, regulatory compliance, clinical documentation standards, audits, supply and vaccine inventory, and onboarding or training of team members. Additional duties may include clerical support and participation in clinic, workplace, and community health initiatives.

Requirements

Completion of a medical assistant program or one year of experience in a clinical capacity.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Computer literacy and skill using Microsoft Outlook, electronic health records, and other software programs.
BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

Verify patient identity before interactions and protect the confidentiality of patient health information in accordance with HIPAA.
Complete and accurately document patient visit notes, including relevant histories, vital signs, immunizations, allergies, medications, and health and wellness information as directed.
Administer and document waived testing under the direct supervision of a physician.
Prepare, stock, and clean examination rooms and maintain patient-care supplies and equipment.
Prepare and administer medications according to provider orders and organizational policies and procedures.
Assist physicians with minor surgical procedures and obtain, handle, and process specimens and cultures appropriately.
Provide basic clinical care measures to patients of all age groups in accordance with the clinical skills checklist.
Coordinate patient flow, schedules, and wait times to support physician efficiency.
Instruct patients and families about diagnostic procedures, medications, nutrition, and health and wellness using approved materials.
Retrieve and send authorized patient health information in a timely manner and in accordance with applicable policies and HIPAA.
Notify patients of test results, medication changes, and treatment-plan changes as instructed, within 48 hours of test results.
Call medication prescriptions into pharmacies as ordered by the physician or practitioner and in accordance with organizational policies.
Coordinate diagnostic testing and communicate with other healthcare providers about patient care.
Respond appropriately to patient and family questions and concerns.
Follow corporate compliance procedures, accrediting standards, ethical and religious directives, safety requirements, quality assurance practices, and infection-control standards.
Recognize potential chemical hazards, access MSDS information, respond to emergencies, and document events in the electronic safety system.
Participate in quality-improvement initiatives, including data gathering and trending and supporting process changes.
Use equipment, supplies, facilities, and resources prudently and efficiently.
Take personal responsibility for continuing education and professional development.
Work with other medical assistants to support compliance and competency in documentation standards.
Assist with regulatory oversight, including routine log monitoring and measuring clinic compliance.
Assist with counting and ordering private and VFC vaccines, medications, and clinical supplies.
Assist with medical-record audits and work with the manager or supervisor on documentation improvement strategies.
May train and orient new team members on clinic policies, procedures, and workflows.
Work with health information management to provide clinical documentation needed for audits.
Support practice operations and assist with clerical duties as needed, including answering phones, filing, preparing charts, handling referrals, maintaining referral databases, verifying benefits, and coordinating patient paperwork.
Support annual flu clinics, job-site projects, and community health events.