Under the direct supervision of the RN flow manager, the Medical Assistant is responsible for assisting the healthcare team with the care and management of patients during their visit. The Medical Assistant will perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to maintain and support the office and to assure efficient patient flow through the office.


The Medical Assistant will also assist the physician or other licensed clinical staff with point of care testing, specimen collection, education and communication to patients.


A focus of this Medical Assistant position is to act as a chaperone. The Medical assistant will serve as a witness, monitor, and advocate for the patient during an exam or procedure.


This position will work across multiple clinical locations and will be part of a float pool of medical assistants who be called to various on-site clinical locations, as needed, throughout the shift.



PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Indicate key areas of responsibility, major job duties, special projects and key objectives for this position. These items should be evaluated throughout the year and included in the written annual evaluation.



Chaperone responsibilities



§ Serves as a witness and monitors an exam or procedure during sensitive exams/procedures (i.e., physical exam of internal or external pelvis, prostate, rectum, or breast) or as otherwise requested by the patient or care team.


§ Serves as an advocate for the patient during an exam or procedure, including ensuring that they understand what the exam/procedure will entail and amplifying the patient's voice if they have questions or concerns during the exam or procedure.



General Responsibilities



1. Maintain patient flow by escorting patients from the waiting area to the examination room. Assist with the ongoing management of patient flow by ensuring that rooms are efficiently utilized, thereby minimizing patient wait time. Adhere to Departments appointment wait time communication policy.


2. Prepare patients for their visit, examination, procedure, and/or treatment in accordance with established procedures. Obtain and document vital signs and meaningful use measurements as necessary. As instructed, document the reason for the visit on the progress note based on information received from the patient. Use recognized and accurate medical terminology and abbreviations in all documentation.


3. Assist physicians or other licensed clinical staff with designated medical and/or point of care testing procedures in accordance with established protocols. As directed, follow compliance guidelines and oversee POCT quality control audits. Assist physicians or other licensed clinical staff in urgent care and emergent medical situations, including obtaining and operating medical equipment in accordance with established procedures.


4. Assist physicians or other licensed clinical staff with patient care support activities relating to referrals, prior authorization for medication, Point of care testing, patient education, etc.


5. Under the direction of a physician, provide assistant by returning patient telephone calls related to prescription refills, placing phone calls to pharmacies to request prescription refills and/or entering prescription renewals into the LMR RX queue as specifically ordered by a physicians.


6. Maintain a high quality patient care environment by cleaning, preparing, and stocking all examination rooms and treatment areas in accordance with established standards. Assist in the care, cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of medical equipment and instruments. This includes monitoring relevant expiration dates and established maintenance schedules.


7. Understand, respect and demonstrate patient confidentiality in all endeavors. Understand the legal ramifications of violating any component of patient confidentiality. Understand and demonstrate the protocol and related procedures for the release of patient information.


8. Understand, respect and demonstrate compliance with established parameters of the Medical Assistant position by performing only those activities delineated in this job description. Specifically prohibited activities include (but are not limited to):


a. Administering medication via injection.


b. Preparing, administering and/or managing intravenous and inhaled medication and treatments.


c. Making independent medical decisions regarding patients either in person or via the telephone. The Medical Assistant may, however, advise patients based on a physician-directed formulary or act as an information conduit between the physician/team and the patient. In such cases, the Medical Assistant should document the communication.


d. Assessing patient acuity or independently making any other type of patient assessment, including assessing the clinical and/or physical status of patients.


e. Closing/suturing wounds.


f. Managing and/or independently prescribing medication refills.


g. Managing and/or independently providing medication samples.


h. Independently referring patients for other services or to other physicians.


9. Perform receptionist, clerical and other functions as needed to support the efficient operation of the Practice, unless such duties are specifically prohibited above or by any relevant statute or regulation or unless such duties require other certification or training, which has not been achieved.


10. Follow Infection Control and regulatory compliance guidelines


11. Interacting with Fellow Employees


a. Works to establish and maintain good relationships with fellow employees.


b. Shows respect for all employees at every level within the organization.


c. Works cooperatively with fellow employees to solve problems and to make the facility function efficiently.


d. Fills in for fellow employees when asked to do so or when the need arises.


e. Attends monthly staff meetings.


12. Interacting with Supervisory or Administrative Staff


a. Follows instructions of and assists supervisory staff as required.


b. Maintains good communication with and reports problems to supervisors.



WORKING CONDITIONS: Describe the conditions in which the work is performed.


Ambulatory office or clinic setting.


May be exposed to hazardous chemicals or fumes, bodily fluids and disease bearing specimens.



SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: List the number of FTEs supervised.


Not Applicable.



FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Indicate financial "scope" information, i.e.: size of budget, volume, revenue, etc.


Not Applicable.



Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: (MUST be realistic, neither overstated nor understated, and related to the essential functions of the job.)


High School diploma/GED is required.


Completion of a Medical Assistant course or diploma program or a minimum of one year of professional clinical experience is required.


Certification via AAMA, AMT, NHA, NCCT is preferred.


Either BLS or Annual Manikin training, including CPR and AED is required after six months of hire.


Successful completion of the Hospital's Medical Chaperone orientation and training is required.



SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: (MUST be realistic, neither overstated nor understated, and related to the essential functions of the job.)


Must be OSHA, CLIA and HIPAA knowledgeable.


Ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently and accurately.


Fluent in Spanish is a plus.


Ability to problem solve and prioritize. Must be able to make fast, educated decisions in emergency situations.


Knowledge of medical terminology.


Ability to read and interpret documents accurately such as safety rules and patient charts.


Ability to perform simple arithmetic calculations for proper patient identification, to take and record weight and height measurements, vital signs and blood pressure collection as authorized.


Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


Excellent customer service skills in order to deal with high volume of patients and crowed waiting rooms.


Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of patients and staff in person and over the phone.


Basic computer and telephone skills.


Knowledge of Universal Precautions.



EEO Statement

BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.