Medical Assistant

Appalachian Regional Healthcare•Harlan, KY

About The Position

The Medical Assistant supports efficient and courteous patient registration, transfer, and discharge; compiles medical information for patient records and statistical reports; and maintains accurate patient accounts. The role also performs a broad range of patient-care activities and services to support patients’ comfort and well-being in accordance with physicians’ orders. The position is in the DBC After-Hours Clinic, with 8- and 12-hour shifts.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Up to 1 year of experience.
Three to six months of on-the-job training to attain proficiency in assigned duties and responsibilities if not certified.
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 and assist physicians with examinations and treatment.
Perform catheterizations and catheter care, administer oral and intramuscular medications as directed, and maintain medication records.
Provide care for patients receiving oxygen therapy; apply sterile and non-sterile compresses and bandages, including Ace bandages and hot or cold compresses.
Collect blood, urine, stool, and sputum specimens; test urine for sugar, acetone, and pH; perform venipunctures and EKGs as needed.
Prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas, clean and stock examination rooms, maintain clinic cleanliness and safety, and prepare used equipment for re-sterilization.
Assist with physical examinations, minor outpatient surgery, and patient transfers to departments such as the laboratory or x-ray.
Recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
Participate in patient and family education, conferences, and committees as requested.
Follow legal requirements for reporting to police, health departments, and other agencies.
Manage time to expedite patient flow and greet patients courteously, determine their needs, and offer assistance.
Register patients and prepare related records, reports, notices, service-charge slips, and payer information.
Interview patients, relatives, or responsible parties about payment arrangements; refer unusual cases to the immediate supervisor and, when applicable, assist self-pay patients with arrangements for balances due.
Answer patient-account inquiries and advise patients about insurance benefits.
Receive and account for payments and deposits, issue receipts, and post charges and payments to patient accounts daily.
Determine billing methods for third-party payers and contact insurance carriers or agencies to obtain precertification for ancillary, admission, and surgical procedures.
Contact patients, physicians, or others to obtain information needed to complete insurance or other billings.
Operate office equipment and communication systems, including copiers, fax machines, and telephones; page or contact staff as needed.
Make and maintain appointment schedules for clinic physicians when needed.
Secure required signatures for reports and records related to release of information, in accordance with policies and procedures.
Type memos and correspondence and compile periodic and statistical reports and other data as directed.