Medical Assistant

Description

Summary
The Medical Assistant contributes to IHC's mission and goals of client satisfaction, quality of care, cost competitiveness, and productivity by performing basic preparation and examination of the patient, maintenance of supplies in the examination areas, as well as maintenance of instruments and equipment. The Medical Assistant is an important member of the IHC Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) team. The Medical Assistant conducts laboratory and diagnostic tests and is actively involved in chart documentation.

Evaluation of performance
Performance will be evaluated based on meeting specific goals, productivity measures, employee satisfaction scores and other quality indicators established for this position such as: IHC strategic objectives; site strategic objectives; functional capabilities; leadership and/or employee capabilities; IHC commitments, quality measures, and productivity measures.

Application of knowledge
Knowledge of the detailed processes, methods, and techniques, as well as practical knowledge of a medical assisting in a primary care setting; knowledge permits the MA to schedule and carry out the steps of triage, blood draw, or vital checks, and to complete important steps of related procedures or protocols.

Patient Care:

• Functions as support team member for the patient; assists patient to the examination room, gives information to the patient and collects information for the provider.
• Obtains vital signs and other pertinent physical data.
• Completes and updates medical history of the patient.
• Checks the health care plan appropriate for the patient's age.
• Assists the doctor with examinations, minor surgeries, performs EKG's, hearing and vision testing and nebulizer treatments.
• Performs venipunctures and gives immunizations. 

Laboratory, Charting and Supply Maintenance:

• Performs HCT/HGBs, hematocrit, blood sugars, urine dipsticks, pregnancy tests, lead screens,
• strep tests, etc.
• Prepares and sends out laboratory, pap, lead screens, and STD for testing.
• Keeps logs and paperwork associated with the above tests and procedures current.
• Records laboratory tests and processes laboratory test results.
• Follows up on TB and Immunizations.
• Updates EMR with test results and checks results against the lab test log.
• Completes medical and laboratory supply inventories for all exam rooms and labs.
• Sterilizes instruments.

Job controls and complexity

The MA carries out work procedures using methods and desired results as explained by the supervisor and/or described in IHC guidelines and standard operating procedures. Processes, procedures, or equipment/tools/software vary from one assignment to the next, although assignments are related in function and objective. Based on particular assignments, the MA must use diverse but conventional methods, techniques, or approaches. Tasks involve related steps, processes and methods that require the MA to recognize clear differences in a variety of situations. Work product and service affects the accuracy, reliability, or acceptability of further processes and services.

Nature and purpose of contacts

Contacts are primarily routine and structured, typically involving employees of IHC, employees of other establishments and patients. Contacts are to coordinate work, advise others on collaborative work, and solve recruiting types of problems.

Critical skills and behaviors

Logic and analysis - Able to:

• Demonstrate analytical problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency in basic mathematics. 

Communication and Relationship Building - Able to:

• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication and strong interpersonal skills.
• Effectively communicate with diverse individuals.
• Resolve conflicts; negotiate to achieve desired outcomes.
• Persuade and/or influence others that they do not directly supervise.
• Cooperate with a multi-disciplinary management team.
• Establish and maintain team-based working relationships with providers, employees, and clients.
• Demonstrate positive customer service skills. 

Medical Assisting - Able to:

• Demonstrates some knowledge of and performs basic principles of public health and sanitation.
• Perform basic nursing procedures, obtain vital signs and blood pressure.
• Able to learn and follow established clinical practices and procedures.
• Demonstrate skill in the use of standard medical examination instruments and equipment.
• Able to prepare and maintain accurate medical records.
• Develop and implement procedures according to general instructions and protocols.
• Demonstrate high detail orientation and accuracy.
• Juggle multiple requests and meet multiple deadlines.
• Take initiative and needs minimal supervision.

Administration and Management - Able to:

• Prioritize and organize tasks and time; follow up.

Process Improvement - Able to:

• Develop and manage processes to time and standard.
• Analyze workflow and implement process improvements where necessary.
• Design, initiate, and/or participate in process improvement projects with other members of care team.
• Document standard processes and problem-solving methods/ techniques.

Physical demands and work environment
Work is performed in a clinic environment with periods of sitting, walking, standing, and carrying light objects. Moderate risk requires special mitigating precautions and/or protective gloves, masks or clothing due to potential risk form chemicals and diseases. Must be able to operate standard office machinery, including a computer, keyboard, telephone, etc.

Requirements

• Graduation from a recognized Medical Assistance Program.
• Attainment of Medical Assistant certification required to qualify for CMA designation. 
• Bilingual in Spanish skills preferred.

Technology

Proficient in computer skills, including typing and use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, eCW, etc.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.