Position encompasses care of patients from intake through check out. Assisting physician or mid-level provider, typing, telephone triage, chart organization and filing, care of equipment, care of the environment in the clinic, insurance authorizations, referrals, and computer data entry.
Office/admitting duties:
-
Greets patients and determines their needs. Obtains and verifies all information required for medical chart and billing purposes. Ensures collection of Medi-Cal cards, private insurance information, and low income verification. Clarifies patient responsibility for payment.
-
Assists patients that are unable to read to fill out needed intake forms.
-
Obtains TARS, referrals, and authorizations required by insurance companies.
Equipment:
-
Keeps tables and work spaces clean and orderly by maintaining ongoing medical asepsis.
-
Orders needed equipment and replacements to assure that stock is adequate for patient care.
-
Makes sure that equipment is in working order. Alerts Lake Almanor Clinic Office Manager if equipment needs repair.
-
Understands the principles of aseptic technique and maintains all instruments in a clean condition after use and takes instruments to Central Processing for sterilization.
-
Sets up and maintains sterile field for procedures.
-
Monitors all supplies and equipment and drug out-dates, so the new supplies or equipment will be ordered in a timely manner and out of date drugs will not be used.
-
Orders drugs as needed from the Drug Room Supervisor. Coordinates orders with Purchasing.
-
Keeps refrigerator temperature logs and maintains cleanliness of refrigerator and defrosts when needed.
Patient flow:
-
Assists as needed with checking patients in, organizing paper work, and putting patients in rooms.
-
Does vital signs, height, weight, short history of patient's reason for visit or complaint, and records them correctly.
-
Escorts patients out and cleans rooms as needed.
Patient care:
-
May do Snellen eye chart exam, Audiometry, and other specialized clinic testing as required.
-
Understands local health care programs, including C.H.D.P. and B.C.E.D.P.
-
Prepares patients for various examinations and procedures and sets up appropriate equipment and trays as needed.
-
Graphs heights and weights accurately for each pediatric visit.
-
Maintains patient comfort and privacy at all times.
-
Instruct patients in preps for various x-ray procedures.
-
Schedules labs, x-rays, tests, and revisits as needed.
-
Maintains follow up log for patient recall for pap smears, mammograms, immunizations, and C.H.D.P. examinations.
-
Collects and labels specimens as needed. Takes specimens to laboratory using bio-hazard bags and proper glove technique.
-
Prepares all forms for specimen transport as needed by getting accurate and current patient information.
-
Assists with patient referrals to other community agencies or specialists as needed.
-
Does all other requested direct patient care as needed within scope of practice.
Other responsibilities:
-
Assists physician or mid-level provider in call backs to patients and contributes to Quality Improvement (Q.I.) by attending clinic Q.I. meetings and generally assists through suggestions and activities in the ongoing improvement of patient care.
-
Responsible for maintaining a high level of personal job knowledge by attending in-service programs, keeping professional reading current as it relates to patient care, and specifying personal and professional goals to improve job performance.
-
Personally and professionally responsible to report any suspicion of patient abuse and acts as an ombudsperson to patients to assist them in obtaining the best care possible.
-
Asks questions and clarifies orders as needed (does not assume).
-
Maintains CONFIDENTIALITY of all patient care information to assure patients' rights are protected.
QUALIFICATIONS
Medical Assistant I:
-
Current BLS certification (AHA) with hands-on skills testing required
-
Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare experience preferred
Certified Medical Assistant II:
-
Current certification for Medical Assistant required
-
Current BLS certification (AHA) with hands-on skills testing required
-
Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare experience preferred
Physical Requirements: Physical strength to lift at least 45 pounds and safely assist with positioning patients on a 4-foot-high table. Good visual and auditory skills for observation and vital signs. Must be able to bend, stretch, walk, and spend long hours standing and sitting. Ability to reach overhead with arms held high and with good balance.
Skills: Pleasant and clear telephone voice with good knowledge of the English language. Clear, correct written work. Good spelling skills. Computer skills preferred. Office procedures knowledge preferred. Must be compatible with clinic physicians and other practitioners.
The ideal applicant is someone who enjoys working with people of all ages and has an accepting, non-judgmental approach to care of patients from diverse cultures and lifestyles. Prefer applicant with ambulatory care or medical office experience or a well-motivated self-starter who is willing to learn.
SAFETY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Participates in fire, disaster, hazardous chemicals, and other drills as outlined in the hospital-wide and clinic policy manuals.
-
Responsible for reading, understanding, and abiding by all policies and procedures of the Safety/Security Program, Infection Control, and Hazardous Materials Management Communication Program as they apply to the department and hospital-wide and can demonstrate adequate knowledge of these programs through interview or written tests.
-
Knows and follows all safety, health, and security policies and procedures. Knows and utilizes all safe work practices
-
Attends mandatory meetings as scheduled regarding infection control, hazardous materials, fire, disaster, safety, and security.
-
Responsible for maintaining excellent body mechanics in dealing with patients and teaches patients good body mechanics through example.
-
Maintains infection control through cleanliness and ongoing medical asepsis.
-
Knows what personal protective equipment is available in the clinic for exposure control against infectious agents, hazardous chemicals, and other potential hazards. Knows how to use the equipment, where it is located in the clinic, and when which items are to be used.
-
Knows the hospital-wide and clinic policies and procedures regarding infection control, disaster preparedness, hazardous materials, fire drills, electrical safety, and body mechanics.
-
Able to lift and position elderly patients and children using proper techniques. Knows limitations of personal strength and does not exceed those limitations i.e., asks for help when needed. Does not endanger patients or self by attempting to lift unsafely.
-
Understands the hazard of infections spreading to patients and does not report to work ill.
-
Follows hospital-wide and clinic policies regarding personal health and wellness. Reports incidents in regards to self or patients promptly to immediate supervisor.
-
Any needed ongoing cleaning will be discussed with immediate supervisor or housekeeping to assure that patient care areas are kept clean and sanitized. Trash will be disposed of properly. Universal body fluid precautions will be maintained at all times.
-
Takes personal responsibility for keeping up with changes in policies and procedures in regard to safety, fire, disaster, hazardous substances or electrical hazards through a communication binder. Attends meetings and Quality Improvement programs.
-
Completes annual health requirements timely.
-
Keeps all required licenses and certifications current.
-
Other duties as assigned.
Compliance
-
Assumes personal responsibility to comply with all Federal, State and local laws governing business conduct, conducts business in an ethical and trustworthy manner, and displays the qualities and characteristics of a professional at all times when dealing with patients, visitors, physicians, volunteers, and fellow employees.
-
Exemplifies the Seneca Core Values in all aspects of work responsibilities and demonstrates these values to fellow employees and supervisors.
Quality of Work
-
Assumes responsibility for professional customer service when working with the public, physicians, and other departments.
- Strives for excellence in following policies and procedures.
- Utilizes positive communication skills when interacting with people who work for, are serviced by, or associated with the hospital, to ensure that persons receive the highest degree of attention and courtesy.
-
Maintains confidentiality of information received in the department and throughout the hospital by complying with strict confidentiality regulations per HIPAA requirements.
-
Promotes professional growth of self and co-workers by participating in on-the-job training, continuing education and assisting with training of new employees.
Why Seneca Healthcare District?
Seneca employees are united in our quest to improve the health and well-being of our patients, and we empower each of our team members to fulfill this mission and reach their full potential regardless of job title or experience level.
To this end, we offer:
-
Leading benefits package for full-time and part-time employees, inclusive of health, prescription drug, dental, vision and life insurance coverage.
-
Sponsored 403(b) plan, with up to 3% matching contribution, and eligibility to participate in the District-funded pension program following one year of service.
-
Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Sick Leave (ESL).
-
A "One Team" culture of deep respect and admiration across all teams and functions, regardless of role or background.
Physical Requirements
Education/Licensure
Current certification for Medical Assistant, current CPR card. CPR shall not lapse. Employee will alert the department supervisor if he/she has need of any specific training related to job performance and patient safety. Responsible for attending all hospital-wide mandatory nursing meetings and in-service educational programs. May be asked to assist in orientation of new employees.
