The Medical Assistant (MA) is an integral member of the healthcare team and is accountable for patient care as assigned by a licensed independent provider (LIP: MD, NP, PA), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). The MA participates in the direct and indirect care of patients, health maintenance, patient instruction, collaborative planning and rehabilitation within scope of practice and consistent with his/her education and training. The Medical Assistant may be present in secure medication storage areas and is allowed incidental access to medications. Developing relationships with patients, families and colleagues, the MA functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides quality patient care and contributes toward the attainment of important goals for the patient, the practice and the organization. In addition to the General Summary Statement and Principal Duties and Responsibilities, this job description includes: - Addendum A- Job Specific Tasks, Responsibilities, Skills and Competencies
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Job duties and responsibilities may vary by department (see addendum A for more detail) Clinical Duties and Responsibilities: • Demonstrates true engagement and enthusiasm to contribute toward the care delivery needs for patients and families. • Promotes an inclusive environment supportive of patient and family centered care for a diverse community. • Accepts assignments for patient care within the scope of his/her preparation and within current standards of practice. • In conjunction with a Licensed Independent Provider (LIP) , LPN or RN, participates in the gathering of data that contributes to the assessment, planning, and evaluation of care delivered. • Collaborates as a member of the health care team, contributing toward a supportive and therapeutic environment that promotes the attainment of patient goals that are specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and timely. • Accurately obtains vital signs, elicits information about the patient's basic health status, administers relevant care within scope of practice and as directed by the LIP/LPN/RN, and documents as appropriate in the electronic health record. • Performs routine tests that may include but is not limited to: electrocardiograms, vision and hearing screening, and the collection of specimens for laboratory testing and point of care. • Participates in team-based care and patient education initiatives to support the health and wellness of patients in conjunction with the LIP/LPN/RN. Reinforces patient instruction as directed by LIP/LPN/RN. • Participates in organizational and unit-based quality improvement initiatives and compliance readiness. • Participates in telephone screening of patients; may provide instruction to patient when directed by the LIP/LPN/RN. • Participates in prescription management tasks including pending of new prescriptions and renewals requiring LIP approval, prior authorizations and medication reconciliation. • Follows approved clinical practice guidelines (CPG's) and workflows, pends appropriate orders for radiology, laboratory testing and other care needs requiring LIP authorization. • Performs a variety of tasks, including those that may be facilitated by administrative staff, which have an effect on the overall operations of the unit. These include flow, stocking of rooms, scheduling tasks and all other duties as assigned. • Appropriately utilizes organizational resources including management of time, supplies, equipment and other assets. • Other duties as assigned.
Medical Assistant Job Description Addendum A
This position requires an ability to facilitate patient flow and ensure an accurate and complete medical record for each patient in radiation oncology by scribing the radiation oncologist's note at time of consultation, on treatment visit and follow up as indicated by the supervisor. The scribe hours will be separate from the medical assistant hours and not overlap.
Essential Functions
Under the direction of a physician or licensed independent practitioner, the duties of the Scribe are to document in the EMR.
The encounters are documented in real-time which allows the physician to spend more time with the patient, while ensuring the documentation is accurate.
Assigned to work with one physician at a time.
Accompanies the physician in the exam room for the patient interview and examination.
Documents the physician dictated patient history, history of present illness, review of systems, past medical and surgical history, family and social history and allergies and medications.
Documents the physical examination findings as dictated by the physician and any procedures performed.
Lists diagnosis and symptoms as directed by the physician.
Documents lab, radiology and other test results.
May document time spent on direct patient care related activities, MD to MD communication.
May gather data and results to prepare in advance of the visit.
Enter preliminary/pending orders including medications, labs, pathology for physician authorization.
Additional Responsibilities
Maintain a professional appearance and conduct always as per BWH policies and procedures
Establish and maintain working relationships with physicians and staff members
Document work processes as required
Perform other duties as assigned
Skills
Medical terminology
Recognition of physical examination process and ability to record exam details
Computer proficiency and ability to quickly learn new application
Epic software experience preferred
Organizational skills with a focus on tracking patient care and improving flow
Professional demeanor and recognition of privacy considerations for patients and families
Qualifications
SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
Technical Skills/Competencies Required: Clinical Skills: • Knowledge of practice operations and standards. • Beginning to intermediate knowledge and use of medical terminology. • Ability to accurately perform vital signs and obtain pertinent health information including but not limited to: temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, height, and weight. • Ability to participate in the medication reconciliation processes and related prescription management tasks, including prior authorizations. • Knowledge and ability to perform specific procedures and tests as appropriate to the clinical setting. Communication Skills: • Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills in English. Communicates in a professional, courteous, clear and concise manner. Facilitates therapeutic relationships between patients, families and other members of the health care team.
Writing Skills: • Ability to correspond and communicate with others clearly and effectively in writing (via e-mail, memo or interoffice note, documentation of patient information) and to take complete and accurate messages.
Phone Skills: • Ability to telephonically support the practice by answering and screening calls, offering information within scope of practice to facilitate communication.
Organization Skills: • Ability to manage work processes in a neat and systematic way. Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, appropriately prioritize clinical work, follow established policies, procedures and clinical practice guidelines, workflows.
Technology Skills: • Demonstrates ability to utilize technology in the clinical setting. Includes basic computer skills as well as the utilization of electronic medical equipment.. Ability to type accurately and enter data at an intermediate level. Ability to become proficient in using the EHR and other appropriate applications. Ability to utilize hand-held technology and download related data to the electronic health record.
HOSPITAL WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Works within legal, regulatory, accreditation and ethical practice standards relevant to the position and as established by BWH/Partners: follow safe practices required for the position; complies with appropriate BWH and Partners policies and procedures; fulfills any training required by BWH and/or Partners; as appropriate; brings potential matters of non-compliance to the attention of the supervisor or other appropriate hospital staff.
Education: Minimum Required: High school diploma or GED
Preferred: Certificate Some college or Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree
Additional Specialized Training (not associated with degree, e.g. Medical Assistant Certificate) Required: N/A Preferred: Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant Certificate Program
Experience: Indicates the required and preferred (optional) amount and type of experience: Required: N/A Preferred: Experience in healthcare preferred
EEO Statement
Brigham and Women's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.
