Primary Clinical Assistant

Description

The Primary Clinical Assistant supports Physicians, Advanced Care Providers, and Registered Nurses in delivering safe, compassionate, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive gastrointestinal and hepatology care. The role combines direct patient support, clinical coordination, administrative responsibilities, and electronic health record (EHR) management to ensure high-quality patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Care & Clinical Support
• Assist providers with patient care and clinical workflows.
• Gather and communicate patient complaints, symptoms, and abnormal findings.
• Collect and prepare laboratory specimens and complete lab requisitions.
• Educate patients regarding conditions, treatments, procedures, and care plans.
• Support specialized GI procedures, including breath tests and pill cam placements.
• Follow up with patients to monitor treatment compliance and progression of care.

Patient Communication

• Respond professionally to patient requests, including: 
  • Prescription refills
  • Referrals
  • Prior authorizations
  • Appointment scheduling
• Answer and triage patient phone calls according to established protocols.
• Manage patient portal communications and reminder calls.

Care Coordination

• Schedule office and telehealth appointments.
• Coordinate referrals with insurance companies and physician offices.
• Ensure laboratory, imaging, and procedure orders are completed and results are routed to providers promptly.
• Complete medication prior authorizations and other insurance-related requirements.

Documentation & Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate patient records in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Update diagnosis codes for laboratory orders.
• Manage medical charts, patient history, and care coordination documentation.
• Request provider template changes as needed.
• Close tasks and ensure compliance with meaningful use and care coordination requirements.

Compliance & Quality

• Adhere to HIPAA, OSHA, AAAHC, infection control, and patient confidentiality requirements.
• Promote patient safety and service excellence.
• Contribute to organizational goals, teamwork, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Core Skills Needed

• Medical terminology and clinical documentation
• EHR/EMR proficiency
• Patient communication and customer service
• Insurance authorizations and referrals
• Appointment scheduling and care coordination
• Telephone triage
• Attention to detail and organization
• Team collaboration
• HIPAA and regulatory compliance

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant program.
• Associate degree, technical school certificate, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1–3 years of related clinical experience in a healthcare setting preferred.

Required Certifications: must hold and maintain certification in good standing through one of the following organizations:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) – American Registry of Medical Assistants (ARMA)
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) – National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
• Medical Technologist (AMT) certification
• Completion of a formal medical services training program through the United States Armed Forces

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and patient relations abilities.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations, compliance standards, and patient confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to maintain certifications, licenses, and regulatory compliance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequent standing, speaking, hearing, and use of hands.
• Occasional sitting.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based medical practice setting.
• Use of standard office and clinical equipment.
• Travel may be required based on organizational needs.