Medical Assistant - North Country Hospital

This position is located in St. Johnsbury

Statement of Purpose

Coordinates and administers nursing care for medical practice patients under the direction of a healthcare provider. Provides both clinical and clerical support to the healthcare provider and the practice.

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

Reports to the Practice Manager.

Receives and greets patients in a professional and friendly manner. Participates in the establishment of the immediate need and details of past medical history and prepares patient for exam.

Responsible for taking accurate vital signs appropriate to the standard of care relating to specific illness. Checks allergies and medication list updating the chart as necessary to maintain correct

information for the provider. Updates the prescribed EMR to maintain accurate records.

Reviews and reconciles medication list with patient’s current medication bottles. Alerts provider regarding compliance with medications.

Provides educational resources specific to patients health needs, utilizing written material, audio/visual materials, group information and/or web based education modules.

Courteously speaks with patients or healthcare providers who call the office with medical concerns.

Follows up on telephone contacts as needed.

Informs patients of lab results or new orders as directed by the provider.

Is responsible for daily preparation and upkeep of examination rooms.

Assists and completes various forms with and for the patient.

Assists providers with special tests and procedures. Educates the patient with regards to any questions they may have pertaining to the special test/procedure and necessary follow up care.

Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment is maintained in a clean and safe manner.

Maintains a safe environment for patients and staff according to VOSHA guidelines.

Helps maintain inventory of medical supplies and notifies practice manager of supply needs.

Attends department meetings as directed.

Participates in establishment and maintenance of policies and procedures relating to clinical activities including quality assurance and compliance with OSHA regulations.

Establishes and maintains communications and utilizes teaching opportunities with patients and other significant individuals including education, medications and testing needs.

Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patients, including the use of emergency equipment when indicated.

Safeguards and preserves the confidentiality of medical records in accordance with policy.

Maintains patient confidentiality and follows department policies regarding release of information.

Demonstrates an ability to work as a team member and to improve upon job performance, procedures and standards.

Adheres to written dress code and maintains an appearance that is neat, clean and professional.

Strives to be a productive member of the department team and of NCH. Puts time to good use; seeks out work to be done and is always willing to help contribute to the team effort.

Demonstrates the ability to adapt to changes in procedure or workload.

Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly; follows written and verbal instructions carefully.

Communicates with the Practice Manager on a regular basis, providing operational feedback concerning protocols and other office specific functioning.

Maintains patient confidentiality at all times by adhering to HIPPA and hospital policies,

Maintaining accurate demographic and billing information for patients. Scan insurance cards as appropriate. Request payment of co-pay and balances and records such payments. Obtains consent to care at appropriate time.

Contacting patients, and business, medical, and nursing personnel as needed to ensure accurate patient care

Sends outgoing faxes and distributes incoming faxes

Maintaining schedule of activities for the providers, optimizing clinic day.

Completes prior authorizations for medications

Referring patients to immediate Practice Manager when necessary;

Keeps patient flow timely and efficient for the provider. Keeping patients up to date with backlogs or changes in the daily schedule

Working Conditions

General office conditions.

Machinery and Equipment: Various types of clinical equipment and computer systems.

Physical Demands: Manual dexterity in use of equipment. Good or corrected vision and hearing.

Heavy work-moving up to 50 lbs. at one time, occasionally, or seeks assistance from others; 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently.

Exposure: May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases.

Job Requirements

 1-2 years clinical experience in an office setting preferred.

 LNA/MA

 An ability to greet and interact with the public in a tactful, compassionate manner.

 An ability to work in a busy office and maintain a cooperative and professional attitude.

 Computer Literacy: Patient charts are maintained in an electronic format. Documentation

requires an understanding of program or ability to learn and comprehend.

 BLS certification required or within six months of hire.

 Medical Terminology

 Strong organizational, interpersonal and communicational skills