Physician Office Assistant

Overview

The Medical Assistant is responsible for efficient and courteous registration, transfer and discharge of patients within established policies and procedures; thoroughly compiles and types medical information for patients' records and statistical reports and maintains current and accurate patient account receivables. The Medical Assistant is responsible for performing a wide variety of patient care activities and accommodative services for the comfort and well-being of patients in accordance with physicians' orders.

Responsibilities

• Performs basis patient care procedures as required.
• Participates in conferences and serves on committees as requested.
• Participates in patient and family education as necessary.
• Prepares for and assists with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
• Takes and records vital signs, height and weight.
• Performs catheterizations and provides catheter care.
• Administers oral and intra-muscular medications.
• Cares for patient receiving oxygen therapy.
• Applies sterile and non-sterile compresses and bandages.
• Tests urine for sugar, acetone, and Ph.
• Assists with physical examinations.
• Applies ace bandages, hot and/or cold compresses.
• Collects specimens, blood, urine, stool, and sputum. May do vein punctures and EKGs as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness, safety and efficiency in the clinic.
• Alert to and able to respond appropriately to an emergency situation.
• Prepares used equipment for re-sterilization
• Knows legal requirements for reporting to police, health department, and other agencies and follows requirements.
• Accompanies or transfers patients to other departments such as lab or x-ray.
• Cleans and stocks examination rooms.
• Manages time in order to expedite patient flow.
• Assists with minor out-patient surgery.
• Greets patients courteously, determines their needs, and offers assistance.
• Registers patients by performing necessary procedures, such as preparation of records, reports, notices, service charge slips, and payer information.
• Interviews patients, relatives, or others responsible to determine payment arrangements and refers unusual cases to immediate supervisor.
• May assist self-pay patients in making suitable arrangements for balances due beyond initial deposits or third-party payments.
• Answers inquires to patient accounts and advises patient on insurance benefits.
• Receives all payments and deposits, issues receipts for all monies received and otherwise makes proper accounting for all funds received.
• Posts charges daily to proper patient account.
• Posts payments to accounts daily.
• Determines billing method for third party payer.
• Contacts insurance carriers/agencies to obtain pre-certification of ancillary, admission and surgical procedures.
• Operates various office equipment to include copiers, fax machines and other equipment as assigned.
• Operates communication systems, placing and answering telephone calls, paging or contacting staff .
• May make and maintain appointment schedules for clinic physicians.
• May secure required signatures on reports and records relative to release of information, according to policies and procedures.
• Contacts patients, physicians, or others for information necessary to properly complete insurance or other type billings.
• Types memos, correspondence, etc., as needed.
• Compiles periodic and statistical reports and other data as directed.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma and Graduate of Medical Assistant Training Program.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute accurately.

Experience

• Three (3) to six (6) months on-the-job training as required to attain proficiency of assigned duties and responsibilities.