POSITION SUMMARY: The Medical Assistant I provides paraprofessional medical assistance services to patients within the department and assists physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses in patient care. Receives general supervision from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner (within his/her scope of practice) who is physically present in the treatment facility during the performance of assigned duties or procedures. The supervising physician, PA/NP, may provide written or oral instructions to be followed by a medical assistant in the performance of tasks or supportive services. Such instructions may provide that a physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse may assign and supervise tasks authorized by the physician.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assists in the taking of patients’ personal information, medical/surgical/social history, and the reason for the visit (e.g., chief complaint, medication reconciliation, food allergies, or any allergies or known reactions to medications, etc.)
2. Takes vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation, heart rate), height/weight, and current pain level (using 0-10 chart or Wong Baker).
3. Performs health screenings as ordered by the Physician, NP/PA within the scope of the MA with appropriate competency (if required).
4. Accurately documents data collected into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. Effectively utilizes EMR in support of the visit for orders provided by the Physician, P.A. or N.P., including but not limited to routine department functions (e.g. documenting vaccinations (including appropriate entry into designated registries), ordering diagnostic testing, calling in prescriptions to pharmacy, specialty referrals, transmitting prescriptions, documenting telephone encounters, scanning results and key documents and scheduling appointments). Ensures related reports, results, and any other pertinent information are available in the patient’s chart before their scheduled appointment.
5. Keeps exam rooms adequately stocked with appropriate supplies and equipment in the applicable quantity. Performs inventory checks and places appropriate orders to replenish stock.
6. Prepares exam rooms and patients appropriately for examinations and minor office procedures and assists as directed by the Physician, NP/PA, using and maintaining sterile technique when appropriate or required.
7. Provides instruction to the patients per the physician's/NP's orders.
8. Performs clean-up post-exam/procedure using universal precautions, maintaining proper handling and disposal of sharps, bio-hazard waste, and laboratory/pathology specimens as per PMHD policies.
9. Administers single-dose parenteral or topical medications per the physician, NP/PA orders using correct verification protocol as per PMHD policy.
10. Maintains logs and required checks as directed by the Department Director (e.g., inventory, pathology, expiration, refrigerator, etc.).
11. Maintains ethics and safeguards the integrity of medical records, patients’ rights, Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).
12. Protects department/practice by adhering to professional and regulatory standards as well as PMHD policies & procedures.
13. Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
14. Capable of building and maintaining positive working relationships with patients, co-workers, physicians, NP/PPAs, and other PMHD representatives.
15. Functioning within the limits of District, hospital, and clinic policies and procedures.
16. Organizing and ordering of data related to patient care activities and patient education. Inputting data and orders into the computer system.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Principles and practices of work safety, especially related to communicable diseases, including Universal Precautions, OSHA, and CLIA.
2. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; basic mathematical calculations.
3. Prioritize activities relative to assigned duties and effectively communicate with their lead and/or director.
4. Effectively takes phone messages, uses scanner, printer, and able maker
5. Type 20 words per minute
6. Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
7. Other duties as assigned from time to time.

EDUCATION, SKILLS & CERTIFICATIONS

1. High School diploma or GED equivalent
2. Training and education obtained by completion of a medical assistant program that results in an approved medical assistant certificate.
3. Knowledge of medical terminology
4. Basic understanding of common diagnostic tests (e.g., CBC, CMP, UA).
5. Understanding of service authorizations (e.g. , TARS, Medicare, Medi-Cal Managed Care, PPO, HMO)
6. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Walk, bend, kneel, or twist when assisting patients, handling supplies/equipment; perform simple grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation/dexterity, able to carry a weight of at least 25lbs, and able to use proper body mechanics.
2. Manual dexterity with fine motor skills, ability to operate and handle equipment used in the department.
3. Ability to stand for several hours at a time and climb stairs (2 flights)
4. Visual and auditory acuity at a level sufficient to meet the needs of the position task, with the use of corrective devices if needed.

AGE OF POPULATION SERVED

Newborn Infant/Pediatric Adolescent Adult Geriatric ALL/ No Patient Care