Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) Florence

St. Elizabeth Healthcare•Florence, KY

About The Position

The Ophthalmic Assistant reports to the Operations Manager and, under the direction and supervision of the Physician, provides clinical support to Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers. The role includes obtaining medical histories, conducting initial examinations, and performing ancillary testing before patients see a provider. The assistant is also responsible for complying with OSHA, CLIA, and HIPAA requirements and completing duties essential to patient care. The position involves patient intake and preparation, assisting providers during examinations and procedures, performing supervised nursing procedures, collecting specimens, conducting basic laboratory tests, and preparing or administering medications as directed. Additional duties include maintaining patient records, supplies, rooms, equipment, and required safety logs; handling patient communications and requests; coordinating referrals and outpatient tests; and supporting revenue-cycle documentation. Clinical requirements may vary by practice.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Knowledge of Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Must meet one of the following experience or training pathways: one year of MA, CNA, PCA, STNA, or SEH Clinical Care Tech experience; completion of an MA program including a hands-on MA externship; completion of an SEP Internship; completion of EMT certification; or a degree in Health or Biological Sciences that includes hands-on clinical patient care activities.

Nice To Haves

An approved credential such as CCMA, CMA, RMA, ARMA, or EMT.

Responsibilities

Escort patients to exam rooms; interview them; measure vital signs, including weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature; and document the information in their charts.
Document appropriate patient history in patient charts.
Give patients clear directions, address concerns about examinations, and document appropriately in patient charts.
Prepare patients for examinations and assist providers during examinations.
Perform nursing procedures under provider supervision and provide patient instructions under provider direction.
Collect and prepare laboratory specimens and perform basic laboratory tests.
Prepare and administer medications as directed by a provider.
Ensure patient chart information is complete and accurate.
Complete forms essential to the revenue cycle, including order verification or clarification, waivers for non-covered services, and encounter forms.
Maintain adequate supplies in exam rooms and at the workstation.
Clean and disinfect exam rooms; clean, maintain, and sterilize equipment and instruments; and report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate supervisor.
Comply with OSHA, CLIA, and HIPAA requirements.
Maintain logs and perform required checks, including refrigerator temperatures, emergency medications, expired medications, oxygen, and cold sterilization fluid changes.
Assist with patient requests; take telephone messages; and respond to patient, provider, and pharmacy calls.
Triage and process messages from patients and front-office staff for providers.
Complete referral processes, outpatient test scheduling, and precertification.
File and distribute patient information accurately and promptly.
Interact with the Central Billing Office as needed to resolve patient issues.
Follow the Scribe policy guidelines when working as a scribe.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinical Coordinator or Practice Manager.
Depending on the practice, obtain vital signs; assist with exams and procedures; administer injections and immunizations; perform EKGs and other laboratory procedures; collect patient samples; and answer and triage patient phone calls and questions.