Medical Assistant/ Ward Clerk (Templeton)

Bakersfield Family Medical Group; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Bakersfield Family Medical Group seeks a Medical Assistant/Ward Clerk in Bakersfield, CA. You will be responsible for patient care and various administrative tasks to ensure smooth clinic operations, including managing appointments and handling referrals.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, certification as a Medical Assistant, and current BLS and venipuncture certifications. Experience in a clinic setting is preferred. The position offers a competitive salary with a range from $26.09 to $30.69.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Graduated from an accredited Medical Assistant Program.
• Current BLS and venipuncture certifications are mandatory.
• Knowledge of computers and appointment scheduling is preferred.
• One-year experience in a physician’s office or clinic is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and maintain proper telephone etiquette.
• Schedule and update patient information in NextGen.
• Administer and document medications and vaccines as ordered.
• Perform various clinical procedures and maintain sterile fields.
• Manage task inbox and assist with referral submissions.

Skills

Knowledge of HEDIS and I-Star

BLS certification

Venipuncture certification

Experience in a physician’s office or clinic

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or certificate

Graduate from an accredited Medical Assistant Program

Job description

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Job Overview

Under the direction of the Clinic Supervisor, this position is responsible for patient care in the clinic or ambulatory care setting, along with scheduling of appointments (if appropriate), managing tasks for providers, submission of referrals, and back‑up reception, as needed. The Medical Assistant/Ward Clerk performs administrative and clinical tasks to keep clinic operations running smoothly, such as accessing, understanding, and processing tasks and duties in the electronic medical records system. The role requires HEDIS and I‑Star knowledge and participation. The position must maintain adherence to company policies, procedures, and regulations and work in an interdisciplinary and inter‑facility approach to achieve the company’s mission, philosophy, and goals while interacting professionally with other departments, clinic personnel, and outside providers.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients courteously, maintain eye contact, and smile.
• Exhibit proper telephone etiquette.
• Receive and process incoming calls; handle multi‑line telephones.
• Schedule appointments in accordance with physician and/or department guidelines.
• Update patient information in NextGen.
• Be familiar with insurance contracts and unacceptable insurances, along with insurance benefits.
• Schedule referral appointments according to procedures.
• Ensure proper handling, administration, and documentation of all medication and vaccines as ordered by the provider.
• Anticipate, assist, and perform procedures ordered by the provider.
• Perform sterile technique setup and maintain sterile field when performing procedures.
• Competent in procedures/services offered in the Company Clinics:
  • Vital signs including orthostatic VS
  • Ankle‑Brachial Index
  • Specimen collection – blood draw, urinalysis, culture swabs, etc.
  • Basic wound care and dressing changes
  • Ear lavage
  • Eye irrigation
  • Electrocardiogram
  • TB skin testing
  • Visual acuity test
  • Waived test kits (rapid strep test, urinalysis, etc.)
  • Application of Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
  • Pulmonary function test
  • Audiogram
  • Overnight pulse oximeter monitoring
• Follow Standard/Universal Precautions by hand washing, using PPE, and applying basic infection control and medical waste management for the clinic setting.
• “Room” patients, complete intake notes, including vital signs, and finish NextGen MA Workflow.
• Manage the task inbox daily, sending and receiving tasks.
• Work as back‑up reception.
• Maintain and manage NextMD message retrieval and responses.
• Handle complaints responsibly and professionally.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Assist with submission of referrals for the providers as appropriate, utilizing the online process when applicable.
• Create and send tasks through EHR.
• Take messages and answer them in a timely manner through EHR.
• Stay current on NextGen and EZCAP updates.
• Assist back‑office patients with clerical needs or follow‑up instructions.
• Process all incoming correspondence, ensuring the provider receives: chart number, last visit, next visit date, refill requests, reports, results, paperwork, and online updates.
• Understand the referral process and advise patients.
• Know patient forms: DMV, physical, handicap placard, disability, etc.
• Act as provider liaison for patients, answering calls and working with the provider to obtain solutions to patient questions.
• Obtain approved prescriptions for administration in the department.
• Enter and manage vaccination data in the CAIR website.
• Administer medication as prescribed within the scope of practice.
• Participate in Code White, Code Blue, and Code Red situations as needed.
• Perform “nurse only” visits with appropriate documentation:
  • Provider’s signature
  • Task provider for completion
• Update health maintenance on all preventative reports:
  • Dexa Scan
  • Eye Exam
  • Mammogram
  • Pap Smear
  • Colonoscopy, etc.
• Ensure all hospital notes are retrieved before the appointment for provider review on all EHR and HD’s.
• Activate the Chain of Command if abnormal vital signs are noted; report immediately to MD/provider.
• Verify referrals and update appointments via EZ CAP.
• Collaborate with the pharmacist at Physicians Plaza Pharmacy to ensure prescriptions are correct and medications are ordered.
• Work with referring providers to ensure complete prescriptions for patient medical administration.
• Other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or certificate required.
• Graduate from an accredited Medical Assistant Program.
• Current BLS certification.
• Current venipuncture certification.
• Knowledge of computers.
• Working knowledge of appointment scheduling preferred.
• One‑year experience in a physician’s office or clinic preferred.
• HEDIS and I‑Star knowledge and participation required.

Compensation

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be reasonably between $26.09 and $30.69. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Employment Information

If hired, employee will be in an “at‑will” position and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled