Medical Practice Assistant

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Medical /Practice Assistant (MA/PA) is an integral member of the healthcare team and is accountable for patient care as assigned by a licensed independent provider (LIP: MD, NP, PA), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). The MA/PA participates in the direct and indirect care of patients, health maintenance, patient instruction, collaborative planning and rehabilitation as within scope of practice and consistent with his/her education and training. The Medical/Practice Assistant may be present in secure medication storage areas and are allowed incidental access to medications. Developing relationships with patients, families and colleagues, the MA functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides quality patient care and contributes toward the attainment of important goals for the patient, the practice and the organization. Additionally, as part of the regular job duties, the MA/PA will provide administrative support to the practice responsible for multiple functions to ensure a smooth and seamless patient experience

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Duties and Responsibilities:

• Answer and transfer telephone calls.

• Schedule and register patients for appointments/procedures, confirm appointments/procedures, prepare for patient visit by providing patient with all necessary information and completing all necessary tasks.

• Receive patient at arrival, verify and obtain all necessary information, and ensure forms are completed.

• Ensure all billing/fiscal information is completed and submitted after visit, including collection and daily reconciliation of any co-payments.

• Assist with special projects as directed.

• Assist with training and orienting staff as needed

• Follow HIPAA guidelines for the management of patient privacy and confidentiality.

• Appropriately utilizes organizational resources including management of time, supplies, equipment and other assets.

• Other duties as assigned.

Clinical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates true engagement and enthusiasm to contribute toward the care delivery needs for patients and families.

• Promotes an inclusive environment supportive of patient and family centered care for a diverse community.

• Accepts assignments for patient care within the scope of his/her preparation and within current standards of practice.

• Collaborates as a member of the health care team, contributing toward a supportive and therapeutic environment that promotes the attainment of patient goals that are specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and timely.

• Accurately obtains vital signs, elicits information about the patient's basic health status, administers relevant care within scope of practice and documents as appropriate in the electronic health record.

• Participates in team-based care and patient education initiatives to support the health and wellness of patients

• Participates in organizational and unit-based quality improvement initiatives and compliance readiness.

• Participates in telephone screening of patients; may provide instruction to patient when directed by the PA-C and/or MD.

• Participates in prescription management tasks including pending of new prescriptions and renewals requiring PA-C or MD approval, prior authorizations and medication reconciliation.

• Following approved clinical practice guidelines (CPG's) and workflows, sends appropriate orders for radiology, laboratory testing and other care needs requiring PA-C and/or MD authorization.

• Performs a variety of tasks, including those that may be facilitated by administrative staff, which have an effect on the overall operations of the practice. These include flow, stocking of rooms, scheduling tasks and all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education required: High School Diploma or GED

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.

• Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant Certificate Program preferred.

• Experience in healthcare setting preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Clinical Skills:

• Knowledge of practice operations and standards.

• Beginning to intermediate knowledge and use of medical terminology.

• Ability to accurately perform vital signs and obtain pertinent health information including but not limited to; temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, height, and weight.

• Ability to participate in the medication reconciliation processes and related prescription management tasks, including prior authorizations.

• Knowledge and ability to perform specific procedures and tests as appropriate to the clinical setting.

Communication skills:

• Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills in English. Communicates in a professional, courteous, clear and concise manner. Facilitates therapeutic relationships between patients, families and other members of the health care team.

Writing Skills:

• Ability to correspond and communicate with others clearly and effectively in writing (via e-mail, memo or interoffice note, documentation of patient information) and to take complete and accurate messages.

Phone skills:

• Ability to telephonically support the practice by answering and screening calls, offering information within scope of practice to facilitate communication.

Organizational Skills:

• Ability to manage work processes in a neat and systematic way. Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, appropriately prioritize clinical work, follow established policies, procedures and clinical practice guidelines, workflows,

Technology Skills:

• Demonstrates ability to utilize technology in the clinical setting. Includes basic computer skills as well as the utilization of electronic medical equipment. Ability to type accurately and enter data at an intermediate level. Ability to become proficient in using the EHR and other appropriate applications. Ability to utilize hand-held technology and download related data to the electronic health record.