General Description
The Medical Assistant is responsible for performing all routine patient care as directed by the physician(s). Assist with duties necessary to the efficient functioning of the clinic, such as diagnostic procedures, reception, and medical records.
Essential Job Responsibilities
- Rooms patients during the clinic.
- Performs all necessary in-house testing prior to the physician seeing the patient, including UA dip, bladder ultrasound, and uroflows.
- Schedules nursing tasks as assigned: catheter removals, catheter changes, BCG instillations, DMSO installations, urocuff studies, bladder ultrasounds, and other scheduled responsibilities.
- Preps and assists physicians with in‑office procedures.
- Performs clerical duties related to clinical services, including appointment scheduling and returning patient messages as requested by physicians.
- Fills out FMLA or disability paperwork for assigned physicians.
- Performs medical receptionist duties as necessary: answers telephone, screens calls, takes messages, handles incoming faxes, processes payments, and provides information.
- Obtains, verifies, and updates patient information and provides support services to patients and medical staff.
- Obtains prior authorization for ordered imaging and prescriptions.
- Checks physician voicemail 2–3 times daily.
- Assists the team’s scribe with prescription refill requests.
- Works with the team’s scribe to address physician telephone encounters and documents.
- Performs daily assigned tasks related to JCAHO or CLIA compliance.
- Performs daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning of the clinical area as assigned by the clinical supervisor, including exam rooms, procedure rooms, patient restrooms, lab, and instrument cleaning area.
- Other duties as assigned by administration.
Performance Requirements
Patient Care
- Escort and prepare patients for examination or treatment.
- Obtain and record vital signs, medical history, and other relevant patient information.
- Assist urologists with procedures, examinations, and urological tests.
- Educate patients on urological procedures, treatments, and post‑care instructions.
- Administer medications and injections as directed by the urologist.
Clinical Support
- Prepare and maintain urology exam rooms with necessary supplies and equipment.
- Sterilize and maintain medical instruments and equipment.
- Perform basic diagnostic tests such as urinalysis and bladder scans.
- Assist in urological diagnostic procedures, including cystoscopies and urodynamic studies.
Administrative Duties
- Schedule appointments, surgeries, and follow‑up visits for urology patients.
- Manage patient records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Handle billing and coding related to urology procedures and visits.
- Obtain and verify insurance information and process prior authorizations.
- Answer phone calls, address patient inquiries, and provide information as needed.
Collaboration
- Coordinate with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, and administrative staff.
- Communicate effectively with patients to ensure they understand their treatment plans and follow‑up instructions.
- Assist in the coordination of care with external healthcare providers and specialists.
Equipment and Supplies
- Maintain an inventory of urology‑related supplies and reorder as necessary.
- Ensure the proper functioning and calibration of urological equipment.
- Report any equipment malfunctions or issues promptly.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Adhere to all relevant healthcare regulations and protocols.
- Maintain compliance with HIPAA regulations and patient privacy policies.
- Participate in quality assurance initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Medical terminology and office procedures.
- Excellent grammar, spelling, and punctuation for typing reports and correspondence.
- Basic arithmetic for calculations, balancing/reconciling figures, and accurate changes.
- Medical assisting tasks including taking vital signs, drawing blood, lab processing, procedure prep, and prescription prior authorizations.
- Healthcare systems, regulations, policies, and functions.
- Infection control and safety standards.
- Operating office equipment.
- Organizational skills: time management, prioritization, multitasking, and problem solving.
- Basic computer skills.
- Typing 40 WPM using word‑processing software; ability to use Microsoft Excel, email, internet, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
- Sorting and filing materials correctly using alphabetic or numeric systems.
- Clear and concise communication skills.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, physicians, clinical staff, and the public.
Education
High school diploma or GED. Diploma as a medical administrative assistant from an accredited medical vocational course preferred. Certification of CCMA, RMA, or CMA preferred.
Experience
Minimum one year of administrative assistant experience in a medical office setting.
Equipment Operated
Office machinery including computers, cystoscopy scopes/carts, ultrasound machines, autoclave, and instruments for several procedures.
Work Environment
Work performed in an office environment with frequent contact with staff and patients.
Mental and Physical Requirements
Manual dexterity for office machine operation including computer and clinical equipment; stooping, bending, or standing for extended periods. Stress may be triggered by multiple staff demands and deadlines.