GENERAL SUMMARY:

Reporting to the assigned Practice Manager, with accountability to the Clinical Supervisor, serves as primary assistant to the medical provider by performing routine clinical tasks and direct patient care under the supervision of the Physician (MD) and Registered Nursing (RN).  Based on physician orders, facilitates patient throughput, clinical testing, and follow up activities.

REPRESENTATIVE FUNCTIONS: 

Performs routine tasks to assist the primary care provider in patient care related activities.  Cleans and maintains exam and treatment rooms and stocks clinical supplies and equipment.  Escorts patients to exam/treatment rooms.  Practicing good customer relations, collects and documents patient data and history regarding nutrition, activity, mental state, temperature, pulse, blood pressure, height and weight.  Observes and responds to the general needs of patients.  Reports the general physical and mental condition of the patient to the physician.  Prepares patient with basic explanation of treatment procedures and assists the physician during the examination as directed.

Reviews and updates patient records prior to appointment with recent test results and correspondence and determines potential services anticipated per practice protocols.  Confers with physician on any incomplete patients tests, consults or orders prior to the patient visit.  May assist with scheduling tests and treatments, pre-certifying patients for hospital care and/or procedures and processing referrals to other care providers.

Performs selected clinical duties, reviews patient self-reported history and physical, vital signs, injections and immunizations, and assists in minor office procedures under the direction of the MD/APP/RN.  Performs venipunctures and finger sticks; identifies correct patient before collecting specimen and labels specimens before leaving the patient.  Performs Point of Care testing and supports lab draw site services according to CLIA and hospital policies.  Logs and documents procedures performed according to hospital requirements.  Completes EKG’s, suture removal, and dressing changes.

Performs various clerical functions; answers telephones, relays and responds to patient messages with physician direction.    Updates and processes patient medical records with all patient communication.  Schedules appointments and documents patient referrals when needed.  Coordinates patient care through the appropriate triaging of patient phone calls and call backs as assigned by the provider when applicable

Manages patient contact and follow up as directed and by electronic medical record (EMR) tasks. Follows up on all overdue orders, verbal and written, as identified in the electronic record task box. Provides accurate documentation on patient compliance with follow up and notifies physician of all refusals for orders.  Documents all interventions, results, patient / family interactions, and medications dispensed in the record.

Provides a safe and therapeutic patient environment that maintains patient’s respect, dignity and confidentiality of health information.  Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to complete routine clinical tasks involving all age groups of patients under the supervision of a licensed MD/APP/RN.

Remains alert to potential Quality Assurance problems and actively participates in process improvement opportunities.  May participate in QI projects, data collection and patient outreach as assigned.

Adheres to all Northwest Community Hospital standards, policies, and procedures.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate test results and document legibly.

Interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, team members, and physicians and to maintain team-oriented relationships with senior management, managers and staff.

Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision while exercising attention to details and independent judgment within stated guidelines. 

Ability to maintain high customer service standards.

Proficient computer skills and the ability to learn and effectively utilize department specific software systems.

Ability to effectively perform or learn technical skills to perform essential functions within allocated time frame. 

Ability to work a flexible schedule as part of a team.

Ability and willingness to float between multiple Physician Office locations when needed.

KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE/REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  

Preferred certification from a national Medical Assistant certification body or obtain within 3 months of hire or transfer.

Working knowledge of and experience with the use clinical equipment and materials.

Current CPR certification from the American Heart Association.