Medical Assistant-Palliative Care - Parkland Health and Hospital System

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

Primary Purpose

This role functions as an integral member of the medical home team in providing direct patient care. This role assists physicians, mid level providers, nurses, and other medical staff by performing administrative and clinical duties under the direction of physician. This role reports to the nurse manager or designee, who is responsible for administrative supervision and orientation to the area's policies and procedures. This role obtains vital signs, perform preventive screenings, maintains an inventory of appropriate supplies, ensures safe and efficient patient flow, tracks high-risk referrals and lab tests, facilitates safe transitions of care, organizes the practice environment to assure patient safety and quality health outcomes, and contributes to HEDIS and designated quality measures. The individual displays responsible behaviors, communicates effectively to others and functions at the highest level based on scope of practice.

Education

•Must have completed training through an accredited Medical Assistant training program.

Experience

•None.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

•Must have a current healthcare provider BLS for Healthcare Providers certification within 90 days of hire and/or placement in job from one of the following:

-American Heart Association

-American Red Cross Rescuer

-Military Training Network

•For COPC Only - 40270 -School Based Health/Y&F, 40280 - Oak West, 40440- Pedi Primary Care Ctr, 40510- Community Seniors Care, 40530- Hatcher Station Health Ctr, 40540- Deharo/Saldivar, 40550 - Bluitt Flowers Health Ctr, 40790 - Grand Prairie Health Ctr., 40800- Irving Health Ctr., 4100 - Southwest Dallas Health Ctr., 41500 - Vickery Health Ctr., 42000 - Garland Health Ctr., 47000- Geriatrics, 47020 - Senior House Calls, 48000 - COPC Admin, 48040 - Float Staff /Cont Ed, 72100 -PCIM Clinic, 72210 - Family Practice, 84470 - Garland Pediatrics, 8650- Acute Response - Wynnewood, 84660 - Acute Response - Bachman, 84710 - Jubilee Community, 88060 - RV Roman

*Must have current Hearing and Vision Screening Certificate within 90 days of hire and/or placement in job.

*Must have and maintain Texas Department of Health Services Texas Radiation Control Act registration to use audiometric equipment or must obtain within 90 days of placement in role and maintain thereafter.

Skills or Special Abilities

•Must be able to demonstrate basic patient skills and skill in the use of supplies and assigned equipment.

•Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and PHHS staff.

•Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors.

Responsibilities

1.Administrative Responsibilities:

Review daily appointment schedule with relevant staff and develops a plan for patient care activities. Obtains external medical and immunization records prior to appointment; Forwards clinical information to internal or external specialty services in a timely manner; Process lab letters, phone calls, prescription refill requests, referrals and forms, and obtain prior authorizations for medications, referrals and tests per insurance requirements; Track labs and referrals, scans and indexes appropriate documents; documents all communication with patient per EHR standards. Collaborates with team to accommodate same day requests, checks, and responds to email and pools daily. Ensures work area is stocked with current forms for daily work and computer downtime. Demonstrates proficiency in the use of required computer systems.

2.Clinical Responsibilities:

Prepare and assess patients for visit. Ensure exam rooms are neat, clean, and stocked per infection control standards. Observe, record and report patient responses to medical care provided during appointment. Assist with office procedures and collection of specimens. Adhere to infection control and hand hygiene guidelines during all patient care activities. Recognize and adhere to Joint Commission Safety policies. Report safety concerns promptly by following the chain of command established in the area. Performs Environmental of Care and laboratory quality control per policies. Ability to travel to other locations as assigned, and contribute to team and clinic operations by cross-covering co-workers during training, meetings, lunch, and/or as needed per scope, competency and education.

3.Professional Development Responsibilities:

Constructively participate in employee engagement activities, patient satisfaction activities, performance improvement projects, departmental and committee meetings; shares ideas and best practices for improving operational and clinical workflow. Complete all required training prior to due date.

4.May administer unit dose medications under the direction of the delegating physician according to departmental policies and procedures after successful completion of competencies and signed Physician-MA delegation form.

Job Accountabilities

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.