Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) Florence

SEP Summit Medical Group•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 (APPs). Before patients see a provider, the assistant obtains medical histories, performs initial examinations, and carries out ancillary testing. The role also includes ensuring compliance with OSHA, CLIA, and HIPAA requirements and completing duties essential to patient care. The assistant escorts and prepares patients, documents histories and clinical information, supports examinations and procedures, performs supervised nursing tasks, and provides patient instructions as directed by providers. Duties may also include specimen collection and basic laboratory testing, medication preparation and administration, maintaining and sterilizing equipment, managing supplies and logs, responding to patient requests and calls, triaging messages, coordinating referrals and outpatient testing, and handling precertification and patient information. Clinical requirements vary by practice. The position is non-exempt and scheduled for 40 hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Knowledge of Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Must meet one of the listed experience or training pathways: one year of experience as an MA, CNA, PCA, STNA, or SEH Clinical Care Tech; completion of an MA program including a hands-on MA externship; completion of a 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, and document the information in their charts.
Document appropriate patient histories and ensure chart information is complete and accurate.
Provide patients with clear directions, address concerns about examinations, and document appropriately.
Prepare patients for examinations and assist providers during examinations.
Perform nursing procedures under provider supervision and provide patient instructions as directed.
Collect and prepare laboratory specimens and perform basic laboratory tests.
Prepare and administer medications as directed by providers.
Complete forms necessary for the revenue cycle, including order verification or clarification, waivers for non-covered services, and encounter forms.
Maintain adequate supplies in exam rooms and workstations.
Clean and disinfect exam rooms; clean, maintain, and sterilize equipment and instruments; report equipment malfunctions.
Comply with OSHA, CLIA, and HIPAA requirements and maintain required logs and checks, including refrigerator temperatures and medication and equipment checks.
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 referrals, outpatient test scheduling, and precertification.
File and distribute patient information accurately and on time.
Work with the Central Billing Office as needed to resolve patient issues.
Follow the Scribe policy 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 calls and questions.