Medical Assistant

SUMMARY

Reports to the Ambulatory Clinical Manager, Practice Manager, or other assigned supervisory personnel and works under the general supervision of the attending Licensed Independent Practitioner. Functions in accordance with established policies, procedures, and workflows within an ambulatory care setting.

The Medical Assistant provides patient-centered care and nursing support to geriatric, adult, adolescent, and pediatric patients, with consideration for age-specific needs, developmental stages, and cultural patterns. Fosters patient- and family-centered care and supports nursing services in alignment with Brown University Health’s mission, vision, and values.

All Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization’s core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence (CARE), which guide our everyday interactions with patients, customers, and colleagues.

In addition to these values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors, which describe how we work together and accomplish our goals:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus
• Collaborate

SCHEDULE

• Three 12-hour shifts per week
• Every other weekend required
• Schedule may vary based on the operational needs of the practice.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work effectively and respectfully within the scope of training, education, and demonstrated capabilities.
• Follow practice, clinic, and office workflow protocols to maximize quality, efficiency, and patient experience.
• Perform pre-visit planning by reviewing and updating patient records prior to appointments, including recent test results, consultations, correspondence, and other relevant information. Determine needed services based on established practice protocols and communicate point-of-care reminders to providers through the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Greet patients, perform registration and check-in functions, answer phones, schedule appointments, obtain referrals and authorizations, process forms, and complete the patient discharge process.
• Support the patient financial process by ensuring co-payments, deductibles, and self-pay balances are collected and properly processed at the time of service.
• Verify that all required patient information is complete and accurate, including demographics, referrals, authorizations, billing codes, and diagnosis information.
• Provide clerical and administrative support for the practice.
• Orient and serve as a resource to new employees regarding department policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Prepare patients for examinations and treatments according to clinic-specific workflow protocols, including escorting patients from the waiting area to the examination room.
• Obtain and document vital signs, weight, chief complaint, medication reconciliation, medical history, and other required information in the patient’s medical record.
• Document patient health concerns and pain scores in the EMR and complete required patient questionnaires.
• Promote efficient patient flow throughout the practice, clinic, and office.
• Review health maintenance and chronic illness services and perform or order appropriate services according to established protocols and standing orders.
• Perform point-of-care testing and other clinical procedures, including blood pressure, EKGs, pulse oximetry, hemoglobin A1C, glucose testing, urinalysis, urine pregnancy testing, rapid strep testing, and other approved tests.
• Accurately document allergies, medications, medical history, surgical history, and family history in the patient record.
• Initiate pharmacy benefits verification as required.
• Assist providers with physical examinations and perform procedures using aseptic technique and established standards.
• Administer vaccines and place PPDs in accordance with practice and clinic protocols.
• Complete appropriate post-visit follow-up, including ensuring blood and other specimens are properly labeled, documented, and sent to the laboratory.
• Follow up on laboratory results to ensure they are entered into the medical record. Track orders and results, contact patients regarding laboratory and order reminders, and update the EMR with current status.
• Report abnormal laboratory results to the physician or nurse immediately.
• Follow up on specialty referrals and other services, track consultation reports, and ensure the EMR is updated accordingly. Contact patients regarding referral outreach and reminders.
• Monitor prescription refill requests and follow up as needed.
• Ensure examination rooms are cleaned between patients and properly prepared for the next appointment.
• Explain programs, procedures, and appropriate preparation for tests and examinations. Educate patients regarding coordination of care and appropriate use of emergency department services when seeking care. Document identified barriers to care.
• Schedule tests and follow-up appointments and pre-register patients for subsequent visits. Verify demographic and insurance information and obtain prior authorizations as needed.
• Monitor and order medical supplies and maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Clean and maintain medical equipment and promptly report broken, missing, or malfunctioning equipment to management.
• Ensure examination rooms are properly prepared for each patient.
• Check expiration dates on medications and medical supplies and remove and report expired items to Practice or Clinic Management.
• Assist with administrative office duties, including mailing patient reminders and other correspondence.
• Manage time effectively and use slower periods to complete activities that prepare the practice for future needs.
• Maintain quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection-control standards in accordance with established hospital and department policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Protect and preserve patients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintain a positive attitude and actively participate in a collaborative, team-based approach to patient care.
• Support the goals and principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home by demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changes in workflows, processes, and patient-care needs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Completion of a formal Medical Assistant certification program required

Experience

• Graduate of a formal Medical Assistant training program or a minimum of three years of Medical Assistant experience required.
• Exceptions may be considered for candidates without formal Medical Assistant training who have at least three years of related experience in a comparable clinical role, such as LPN, medical student, EMT, paramedic, or another related healthcare position.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a healthcare environment, including acute care hospitals, physicians’ offices, and ancillary healthcare settings.
• Position involves direct patient contact and regular use of medical equipment.
• Potential workplace hazards are minimized through adherence to established safety procedures and precautions, including the use of appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing.
• Requires intermittent standing and walking throughout the workday.
• May involve exposure to electrical and other equipment-related hazards.
• May require lifting and positioning patients.
• May require lifting and transporting medical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

Pay Range:

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

Work Type:

Work Shift:

Daily Hours: 

Driving Required: