Medical Assistant, Obstetrics & Gynecology

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a Medical Assistant to perform clinical and/or laboratory duties in inpatient and outpatient settings. The role involves patient prep, vital signs, phlebotomy, specimen handling, and assisting clinicians under supervision.

The ideal candidate has at least one year of clinical and clerical experience or completed a medical assistant program. Strong communication and teamwork are essential in this fast-paced hospital environment.

Qualifications

• One year of experience performing clinical and clerical support activities in a health care setting, or completion of a medical assistant program.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist patients; obtain and record information and vital signs.
• Perform basic clinical duties (blood draws, EKGs, basic lab techniques) under supervision.
• Prepare patients for exams and assist physicians during examinations.
• Process orders, schedule follow-ups, and maintain charts and logs.

Skills

Patient communication

Clerical support

Team collaboration

Record keeping

Education

Medical Assistant program

Tools

CAIS / Laboratory Info System

Job description

Medical Assistant

Non-supervisory; performs clinical and/or laboratory duties at least 50% of the time in accordance with prescribed procedures. Duties of the position may vary when assigned to an inpatient versus outpatient care area of the hospital.

Job Description

Distinguishing Characteristics: Medical Assistant—Non-supervisory; performs clinical and/or laboratory duties at least 50% of the time in accordance with prescribed procedures. Duties of the position may vary when assigned to an inpatient versus outpatient care area of the hospital.

Illustrative Duties: Medical Assistants function under the direct supervision and guidance of nursing personnel, physicians, and other medical and laboratory personnel in the performance of assigned duties.

The Supervisor

• Oversees and instructs on unusual or special procedures and techniques
• Spot‑checks work and provides overall direction, control, and guidance
• Reviews and investigates abnormal findings or conditions

Medical Assistants

• Must share pertinent patient care information with physicians and nursing personnel
• Are expected to obtain assistance during emergencies and may assist in gathering necessary equipment

Clinical and Laboratory Activities

• Acclimatizes patient and family to unit; provides general information regarding room, unit, and hospital
• Obtains, records, and exchanges information on behalf of or with patient
• Prepares patient for exam or laboratory test
• Answers routine questions and assists physician during examinations (including chaperoning)
• Records reason for visit, recent problems, and other required info
• Reviews relevant information with patient and distributes informational packets
• Obtains and records weight, height, blood pressure, vital signs
• Performs routine lab techniques (e.g., dipstick urine, fingerstick glucose, vision testing)
• Provides basic patient care (e.g., ambulation, ROM, hygiene, comfort, hydration, toileting)
• Escorts/transports patients
• Processes patient/lab/medical orders; schedules follow‑ups; performs non‑sterile dressing changes
• Operates laboratory equipment (e.g., centrifuges) and records results
• Centrifuges specimens, subdivides and identifies those for external labs
• Cleans and sterilizes instruments, disposes of contaminated supplies per protocol
• Draws blood, obtains EKGs, documents and reports glucose results; performs glucometer quality checks
• Performs phlebotomy (adult and pediatric), handles specimens safely, labels properly, resolves labeling/test order issues
• Serves as patient safety companion; monitors patients on suicide watch; documents behavior and safety responses
• Summons emergency assistance and gathers required equipment

Clerical Activities

• Greets and directs visitors; answers routine questions
• Processes incoming/outgoing mail and prepares routine correspondence
• Answers phones, screens/routs calls, and takes messages; escalates as needed
• During phone triage, determines severity of condition and directs accordingly; records info per protocolli>
• Responds to inquiries from medical staff regarding patient/test info
• Answers routine patient questions about scheduling, billing, and testing
• Prepares daily scheduling reports; transcribes/processes orders; routes correspondence
• Performs patient reception, schedules appointments and testing, provides visit instructions, handles changes
• Accessions lab tests and inputs info using CAIS or Laboratory Info System; generates barcodes
• Processes specimens (labeling, data entry, preparation for transport)
• Registers and/or enters patient information (demographics, charges)
• Checks insurance eligibility, obtains approvals, collects co‑pays, issues receipts
• Reviews and enters patient charges based on CPT codes
• Maintains supplies; conducts inventory; reorders using manual or automated systems
• Maintains and updates charts and logs; ensures records are accurate and complete
• Identifies and contacts resources for maintenance; arranges for work orders

Communication

Frequently communicate orally with patients and families to obtain, provide, or elicit information.

Have daily contact with physicians and medical/lab personnel during routine duties.

Regularly consult with professional staff about procedures and processes.

Are expected to immediately notify physicians/nursing staff in emergency situations.

Qualifications

Open Competitive: One year of experience performing clinical and clerical support activities in a health care setting, or completion of a medical assistant program.