Rheumatology MA

Yale New Haven Health•Trumbull, CT

20h

About The Position

The Rheumatology Medical Assistant assists physicians and other providers with patient care, including rooming patients and performing clerical, environmental, and organizational tasks. The role also includes appointment scheduling and chart management, providing patients with information and resources about practice services, and conveying a positive image of the practice. Employees are expected to understand and support YNHHS’s vision and mission and demonstrate its values of integrity, patient-centeredness, respect, accountability, and compassion. The position supports patient care and practice operations by preparing patients for visits, documenting information in EPIC, assisting with procedures, managing records and communications, maintaining clean and properly equipped rooms, and collaborating on care coordination and quality improvement activities. It also requires protecting patient autonomy, confidentiality, and dignity and interacting professionally with people from diverse backgrounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Meet one of the following: graduation from an accredited medical assistant certificate program or phlebotomy program; certification as a certified nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, or paramedic; or, for employees joining through a merger or acquisition, an appropriate combination of education, relevant experience, and current competencies.
At least one year of experience as a medical assistant, certified nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, ambulatory care associate, patient care associate or technician, paramedic, or phlebotomist. New graduates of an accredited medical assistant certificate program with less than one year of experience will be considered.
Ability to follow directions effectively and consistently.
Mature, compassionate, and caring attitude, with sensitivity to the diverse needs of the patient population.
Flexibility, cooperation, and ability to adapt to changing role demands.
Ability to use appropriate communication techniques to meet position requirements and foster positive interactions.

Nice To Haves

CCMA, CMA, AAMA, or RMA certification or registration is preferred; certification or registration may be accepted in place of graduation from an accredited medical assistant school.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with patient care, identify team members and their roles to patients and families, accompany patients to exam or procedure rooms, and prepare patients for visits.
Obtain and document patient measurements and information as applicable, including vital signs, height, weight, blood pressure, EKG, specimens, phlebotomy, INR, pulse oximetry, spirometry, histories, problem lists, and medications in EPIC.
Perform screenings according to provider guidelines and assist physicians and providers with procedures.
Obtain pre-authorizations when necessary and convey provider instructions to patients, families, and caregivers.
Provide appropriate resource materials and referrals as instructed by providers; maintain patient records, manage and check the EPIC in-basket, and promptly answer and return calls with pertinent information.
Send and receive medical records, abstract new patient records into EPIC, obtain requested laboratory and radiology reports, hospital notes, and referral information, and complete forms and requisitions.
Cross-train for front desk duties, including greeting patients and visitors, answering calls, scheduling appointments, and maintaining and scanning records.
Set up instruments and equipment according to department protocol and apply infection-control principles.
Clean exam and procedure rooms, instruments, and equipment between visits; clean and document sterilizer maintenance when applicable; and order, sort, and store supplies according to policy.
Maintain patient autonomy, confidentiality, and dignity; support timely and accurate provider billing; and maintain knowledge of practice policy, HIPAA, coding, OSHA regulations, and applicable CLIA regulations.
Address urgent and non-urgent patient issues promptly and quickly communicate patient- or staff-related problems to the supervisor.
Work with the Care Coordinator on Patient Centered Medical Home initiatives, attend and actively participate in staff meetings, and contribute to health promotion and disease prevention programs.
Contribute to individual, team, and department quality improvement and evaluation activities; advocate for vulnerable individuals and populations; and support ongoing educational experiences.
Interact effectively and professionally with people of diverse ages, backgrounds, identities, lifestyles, and physical abilities.
Coordinate efforts to obtain patient and family feedback and participate in interventions addressing identified needs.
Assist with or perform chaperone duties for patient medical procedures as needed.
Perform other duties as required.