Medical Assistant

Ashbaugh Beal; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashbaugh Beal is seeking a Medical Assistant I in Albuquerque, NM. This entry-level position focuses on clinical and clerical support in health centers. Responsibilities include patient registration, vital sign measurement, assisting with medical procedures, and maintaining patient confidentiality. Ideal candidates will be high school graduates or have a GED and ideally possess medical assistant training. Bilingual applicants (English/Spanish) are preferred. The position may require travel within the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or GED.
• Graduation from a technical school as a Medical Assistant or equivalent.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Use the practice management program to register and schedule appointments.
• Interview patients and record information for visits.
• Take vital signs and report abnormal readings.
• Assist provider with exams and procedures.
• Collect lab results and prepare exam rooms.

Skills

Patient interviewing techniques

Basic medical terminology

EKG

Communication skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High School graduate or GED

Graduation from a technical school as a Medical Assistant

Job description

Department: Health Center Operations

Job Title: Medical Assistant I

Position Code: C04N Non-Exempt

Position Category (330): Other Medical Personnel (L12)

Position Category (RPHCA): Other Clinical Staff

Union Exempt: No

The following statements describe the general nature and level of work. They are not exhaustive.

Description

Under the supervision of the Nurse Flow Manager, the Medical Assistant I functions at the entry level of a Medical Assistant in clinical and clerical support as part of a patient care team at the health centers. By the end of the first 6 months, with training provided, the Medical Assistant I should have mastered essential duties and be ready to advance to a Medical Assistant II.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative

• Use the practice management program to register, schedule and verify appointments.
• Review the next day’s schedule and prepare for patient visits.
• Verify patient insurance and explain fee schedules.
• Collect required co‑payment.
• Receive, greet patients and visitors.
• Call and assist patients into examination rooms.
• Collect lab results, outside records and needed paperwork.
• Print labels.
• Prepare encounter forms and charting notes.
• Schedule referral appointments.
• Demonstrate effective communication and written skills.
• Mails out results.

Clinical

• Interview patients and record information for patient reason for visit and health problems.
• Obtain patient’s medical history, distinguishing subjective and objective data.
• Take vital signs and report abnormal readings to the provider.
• Follow universal precautions.
• Fill out lab requisitions, label specimens for in‑house and send‑out labs.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information (HIPAA).
• Assist provider with exams and procedures.
• Perform visual exams using eye chart.
• Perform EKGs.
• Prepare exam rooms for procedures.
• Clean and sanitize exam rooms after each visit.
• Wrap, label, and send instruments for autoclave.
• Maintain exam rooms with medical forms and supplies.
• Serve as interpreter when appropriate.
• Explain discharge plans to patient.
• Administer medications via inhalation, ear, eye, oral, and injection after required training and provider sign‑off.
• Administer subcutaneous and intramuscular immunizations after training and provider sign‑off.
• Perform in‑house tests such as strep, BGL, hematocrit, chemstrip UA, HCG, hemoglobin A1C, and urine drug screens.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School graduate or GED.
• Graduation from a technical school as a Medical Assistant or equivalent.
• Bi‑lingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• CPR Certification must be obtained within the first 6 months of hire and maintained.

Knowledge

• Patient interviewing techniques.
• Basic medical terminology.
• Vital signs and abnormal values.
• Patient charting.
• Exam room maintenance.
• Provider orders.
• Instillation of drops and ointments in eye or ear.
• Oral medications.
• Communication skills.
• Basic lab procedures.
• EKG.
• OSHA guidelines, bloodborne pathogens and universal precautions.
• Various positions for different exams.
• Eye exams.
• Introduction to autoclave.
• Basic insurance, coding, and billing terminology.
• Instrument parts and classifications.
• Procedures for sterilization and disposal of instruments.
• Administration of injections.
• Procedures for obtaining drugs from vials or ampoules.
• Needle sizes and syringe types for injections.
• Categories, forms, and uses of drugs.
• Obtaining sterile, clean catch, timed, and drug‑screening specimens.
• Conducting urinalysis (physical, chemical, microscope).
• ECG procedure for patient preparation and lead placement.
• TJC and related accreditation and certification.
• Knowledge and familiarity with compliance program and cooperation with laws and regulations.

Abilities

• Obtain blood pressure and recognize normal and abnormal readings.
• Take pulse and recognize normal and abnormal readings.
• Obtain respiratory rate and recognize normal and abnormal readings.
• Record height and weight (pediatric/adult).
• Obtain temperatures (oral, rectal, axillary).
• Obtain throat culture swab.
• Communicate effectively with patients and families.
• Use a multi‑line telephone system.
• Use computer to enter and access patient data for discharge planning.
• Work on multiple tasks within deadlines.
• Follow provider instructions for work completion.
• Take initiative to resolve patient concerns.
• Work well with diverse groups of people.
• Work well as a team member.
• Maintain confidentiality of records.
• Follow verbal or written instructions.
• Serve geriatric, adult, adolescent, pediatric, and newborn patients.

Working Conditions

• Adequate time to complete tasks, with pressure depending on patient and organization demands.
• Opportunity to relax from physical exertion.
• Good dexterity required for personal computer and basic medical equipment.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of clinic duties.
• Must use medical equipment, office machines, and computers for word processing, data entry, and retrieval.
• Must read computer output and basic medical test results accurately.
• Must communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
• Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment.
• May require travel within Albuquerque metropolitan area.
• Work scheduled Monday-Friday; weekends may be required to meet deadlines.