Medical Assistant, Primary Care

About the Role

Responsible for assisting providers in the administration of patient care in assigned clinical areas. Assists with patient examinations, procedures, diagnostic studies, treatment, and dressing changes. Performs general administrative duties in accordance with TJC, CLIA, HIPAA, NCQA, and government standards, as well as company policies and procedures. All patient care is under the direction of a physician and within the scope of a medical assistant.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivers appropriate care to patients at a proficient level; is cross-trained to competently care for patients in a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) setting.
• Reviews charts prior to patients’ scheduled appointments to assure that all requested lab work and diagnostic procedures have been completed and that reports have been returned and are accessible to the provider.
• Reviews, obtains, and records patient vital signs, temperature, pulse, height, weight, and blood pressure and reason for visit, and uses the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) appropriately and follows guidelines.
• Cross-trains to perform patient access tasks, including: take messages and assist providers with return phone calls to patients and pharmacies appropriately.
• Directs patients to examination rooms; assists in preparing patients for examination. Notifies provider of patient’s arrival and readiness for their examination.
• Assists providers with patient examinations and procedures, including (but not limited to) surgical procedures, GYN exams, diagnostic studies, and treatments.
• Operates and monitors functioning of equipment; hands instruments to the provider.
• Conducts hearing, vision, breathing, and EKG testing; records results in chart.
• Administers medications as directed using seven rights. Performs venipuncture, collects urine specimens, and completes lab tests procedures according to policies and procedures. Handles all specimens using Universal Precautions.
• Recognizes emergency situations, seeks assistance, and intervenes appropriately.
• Monitors patient during and following procedures; looks for reactions and other visible complications; reacts to emergency situations; notifies the appropriate person in the event of a medical emergency.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff, and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity, and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized, and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Medical Assistant program or eligible for certification by either the American Medical Technologist (AMT), American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), National Health Career Association (NHA), or National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP) within 12 months of hire.
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), or Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) required within 12 months of hire.
• Current American Heart Association BLS/CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
• Six (6) months of medical assistant experience required; or completion of a medical assistant externship required.
• Demonstrates ability to maintain good communications.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees, physicians, patients, families, and the public.
• Working knowledge of ICD9/10 and CPT coding and insurance procedures.
• Ability to float to other clinic practices as needed is an expectation.
• Occasional requirements to work evenings or weekends depending on patient care needs may exist.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.