Medical Assistant

Scope/Impact

The Medical Assistant (MA) has duties and responsibilities related to patient care in the clinic environment. The individual displays responsible behaviors, communicates effectively to others and functions as a member of the healthcare team. The MA functions under the direct supervision and authority of the physician when performing clinical tasks during patient care. The MA reports to the clinic manager, who is responsible for administrative supervision, staff development, and orientation of the MA to the area’s policies and procedures. The MA must demonstrate competency in all skills related to the performance of patient care. The MA demonstrates problem-solving skills as they relate to patient care activities, provides guidance for and acts as a role model for Medical Assistants in the clinical area.  The MA is not authorized to act as a preceptor in any clinical area.

Job Functions

1. Reports to clinical coordinator or practice administrator.
2. Perform nursing procedures under supervision of physician or mid-level practitioners.
3. Assist physician and/or mid-levels in exam rooms.
4. Escorts patients to exam room.  Completes patient vital signs including; blood pressure, weight, pulse and temperature.  Records vitals, health history, chief complaint and pain in EHR or chart.
5. Give instructions to patients as instructed by physician or mid-level provider.
6. Ensure all related reports, labs and information is filed is available in patients’ medical records prior to their appointment.
7. Keep exam rooms stocked with adequate medical supplies, maintain instruments, and prepare sterilization as required.
8. Take telephone messages and provide feedback and answers to patient/physician/pharmacy calls.
9. Triage and process messages from patients and front office staff to providers.
10. Return telephone & fax messages within timely manner and accurately document these in patient medical record.
11. Maintain all logs and required checks (i.e. refrigerator temperatures, emergency medications, expired medications, oxygen, cold sterilization fluid change, etc.).
12. Must have efficient work organization and time management skills.
13. Complete annual competency review of basic nursing skills.
14. Must be able to effectively communicate with co-workers, staff, patients and visitors.  Unable to act as preceptor to any staff of a clinical nature.

License(s) / Certification(s) / Registration(s)

Required: High school diploma or equivalent

Required: Certification as a Medical Assistant by an approved national examination agency (strongly preferred); or Certified nurse aide; Licensed EMT or Pharmacy Tech with 2 years of experience. If certification is not active or current, certification must be accomplished within 1 year of starting as a medical assistant with the clinic.