Medical Assistant

Astera Cancer Care; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennessee Oncology is seeking a motivated Medical Assistant to support clinicians in a fast-paced cancer care setting. You will measure vitals, review medications, and prepare patients for examinations while ensuring accurate EMR documentation and effective patient communication.

Candidates should have a high school diploma, medical assistant training, and CMA/CCMA preferred, with activation of clinical competencies under supervision.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with venipuncture and sample collection.
• Knowledge of EMR systems and patient data accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Measure patient height, weight and vital signs.
• Review and verify medication lists and allergies during encounters.
• Prepare patients for examination and assist with procedures.
• Call in prescriptions/refills per policy under supervision.
• Assist with appointment scheduling and referrals.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Communication

Venipuncture

Customer service

Data entry

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Medical Assistant training

Medical Assistant CMA/CCMA preferred

Tools

EMR

Job description

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology’s mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Essential Functions

• Measure patient height / weight and vital signs.
• Screen for and document pain, distress, and clinical depression scores required for each patient visit.
• Complete “rooming” process including escorting patient to exam room.
• Review and verify medication lists and preferred pharmacy information with patient for accuracy and update EMR at each encounter.
• Review and verify patient allergies and update in EMR at each encounter.
• Review health histories and other assigned historical information with the patient since the last visit and update in EMR at each encounter.
• Complete all required screening questionnaires and enter data in the EMR.
• Prepare patients for examination and or treatment ensuring rooms/chairs are turned over efficiently for provider workflow and patient throughput.
• Review need for prescriptions/refills at each encounter.
• Manage prescription refill extension requests per Tennessee Oncology (TO) policy, procedure, standards.
• Call in prescriptions/refills according to TO policies, at the direction of the provider or under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Call patients with lab results and verbatim instructions, at the direction of the provider and under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Assist with telephone triage by screening incoming calls/messages, returning phone calls at the direction of the provider and under the supervision of an LPN/RN following approved protocols, decision‑making trees, and algorithms.
• Assist with provider‑performed procedures/exams and act as a chaperone (e.g., bone marrow biopsies, skin biopsies).
• Assist in the treatment room with port access, injections, vital signs, comfort rounds, assigning/cleaning chairs, etc.
• Assist with nursing evaluations under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Prepare and administer approved ID, SQ, IM and/or PO medications as ordered by providers and according to TO practice standards or policies.
• Access drug cabinets and assist with completion of daily/weekly/monthly activities under supervision of an LPN/RN (excluding controlled substance inventory counts).
• Access and flush implanted ports, after competency validation, under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Collect laboratory specimens (blood, urine, sputum, nasal/oral swabs) after competency validation.
• Assist with patient education as outlined/approved by the provider or under the supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Verify accuracy of or work with front office staff to schedule appointments and/or arrange referrals at direction of a provider or under supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Assist with completing forms for patients (e.g., FMLA, Disability, Prior Approval) according to TO policies and within scope of practice.
• Assist with insurance prior authorizations for scheduled visits, referrals, and/or medications.
• Stock exam rooms, treatment room and other clinical areas to meet daily needs.
• Prepare and maintain supplies and equipment for clinic.
• Inform direct supervisor of clinic needs and concerns related to the work environment.
• Participate on committees as requested.
• Attend all mandatory in‑services and meetings.
• Complete all required/assigned training, continuing education, and competency validations on time.
• Adhere consistently to TO policies, procedures, and standards.
• Consistently role‑model TO code of conduct, mission, and values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced environment.
• Knowledge of organization policies, procedures, and systems.
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements for safe handling of blood and body fluids.
• Skill in computer applications.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in gathering and reporting information.
• Skill in venipuncture.
• Skill in professional customer service, e.g., answering phone, greeting patients.
• Ability to work effectively with staff, and other internal and external sponsors and agencies.
• Demonstrates a positive, respectful, empathetic attitude at all times.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of Medical Assistant Training Program or 6‑month recent Medical Assistant experience in a healthcare setting required.
• Medical Assistant Certification preferred (CMA, CCMA, NCMA, NRCMA).
• Current TO‑approved BLS provider card required within 3 months of hire.

Physical Requirements

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Fingering or manual dexterity
• Repetitive finger motion
• Up to 50 pounds lifting or exerting force
• Reaching or stretching
• Climbing or balancing
• Crouching or stooping
• Speaking
• Hearing
• Seeing (with correction)