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 basic 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 patients receiving oxygen therapy.
- Applies both 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, sputum); may perform venipunctures and EKGs as needed.
- Maintains cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in the clinic.
- Is alert and able to respond appropriately in an emergency situation.
- Prepares used equipment for re‑sterilization.
- Follows legal requirements for reporting to police, health department, and other agencies.
- Accompanies or transfers patients to other departments such as lab or x‑ray.
- Cleans and stocks examination rooms.
- Manages time 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 preparing records, reports, notices, service charge slips, and payor information.
- Interviews patients, relatives, or others responsible to determine payment arrangements and refers unusual cases to immediate supervisor.
- Assists self‑pay patients in arranging balances beyond initial deposits or third‑party payments.
- Answers inquiries to patient accounts and advises patients on insurance benefits.
- Receives all payments and deposits, issues receipts, and otherwise ensures proper accounting for all funds received.
- Posts charges daily to the proper patient account.
- Posts payments to accounts daily.
- Determines billing method for third‑party payor.
- Contacts insurance carriers/agencies to obtain precertification of ancillary, admission, and surgical procedures.
- Operates various office equipment such as 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 related to release of information, according to policies and procedures.
- Contacts patients, physicians, or others for information necessary to complete insurance or other billing.
- Types memos, correspondence, etc., as needed.
- Compiles periodic and statistical reports and other data as directed.
Qualifications
- Education: High School Diploma required. Graduate of Medical Assistant Training Program preferred.
- Work Experience: Up to 1 year; three (3) to six (6) months of on‑the‑job training required to attain proficiency of assigned duties and responsibilities if not certified.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Obtain patient history and take vital signs to assist physician with examination and treatment.
- Prepare and maintain examination and treatment area.
- Perform selected tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment; screen and follow‑up patient test results.
- Prepare and administer medications as directed by physician and maintain medication records.
Licenses and Certifications
None specified.