Medical Assistant - Verde Valley Medical Center

Under general supervision of the provider, the Medical Assistant (MA) Certified works with members of the departmental health care team to provide assistance to providers, patients, and their families ensuring smooth work and patient flow. The MA Certified, under the supervision of the provider, is responsible for conducting initial and on-going assessments of the patient and working with the provider on their procedures and/or exams. This includes but is not limited to, reviewing the patient medical record and conducting per-visit interview with patient, documenting medical history and assessing need for referrals and prescription renewals. The MA Certified also assists in the coordination of clerical information to provide patient care and assists with patient follow up.

In Community Care Management, the MA also assists in following up with health management/care plans with both patients and providers. The MA works closely with medical providers, primary care teams and other agencies to improve communication, services, patient care and outcomes.

Available Departments:
Orthopedic Clinic
Cardiology Clinic
Neurology Clinic

Responsibilities
Patient Care
* Escorts patients from waiting area to exam room; communicates information regarding extended wait or delay in appointment times.
* Reviews the patient medical record and conducts pre-visit interview with patient. Records chief complaint of patients.
* Checks patient vital signs, including temperature, BP, pulse, pulse oximetry and report to provider.
* Reviews and documents medical history with patient.
* Takes and records all vital signs.
* Communicates patient concerns or significant changes in patient's health status to the physician or allied health professional.
* Follows guidelines for safety with regard to contact precautions and all policies/procedures dealing with blood borne pathogens.
* Administers injections under the supervision of the provider.
* May perform venipuncture and capillary punctures on patients.
* Processes test results and provides patient with timely results via email, mail or phone as directed by the physician, allied health professional or department protocols.
* Conducts designated point of care testing to include but not limited to such as electrocardiograms and throat cultures.
* Assesses needs for referrals and prescription renewals.

Community Care Management Clinic/Departments
* Assesses living environment and subjective symptoms to objectively identify if patient has a need or issue. Reports to provider, if necessary.
* Supports and reinforces provider care plan and education.
* Collaborates with care management team and other community agencies in support of patient care.
* Follows up with patient post hospital visit.
* Possesses and demonstrates knowledge of community resources available or is able to locate such resources in Northern Arizona region.

Cardiology Clinic/Departments
* Prepares patients for examinations, assists with examinations, cast or splint applications, minor procedures and a variety of other medically related tasks within the scope of knowledge.
* Instructs patients on urine collection procedures.
* Assists patients with donning/doffing compression garments as needed.
* Assists with dressing removal as assigned by supervising clinician.

Administration
* Maintains confidentiality of patient information at all times.
* Answers, evaluates and prioritizes incoming telephone calls, communicates effectively with callers, obtains complete and accurate information to determine the need(s) of the caller, and returns messages in a timely manner to ensure patient needs are met.
* Performs pre-visit review to ensure the medical record has all information needed for the visit including (but not limited to): hospital notes, immunization records, consents, test results, disease management items.
* Documents patient information in the electronic medical record following standard work guidelines.
* Communicates patient concerns or significant changes in patient’s health status to the physician or allied health professional.
* Assists in the coordination of clerical information necessary to provide patient care during the visit; this may include, but is not exclusive to arranging referrals, assisting patients with future appointments, assisting patients with the arrangement of tests and treatments prescribed by the physician or allied health professional, assisting the physician or allied health professional in providing routine treatment instructions.
* Demonstrates accuracy of documentation of assessments, interventions and patient responses as evidenced by the appropriate documentation systems.
* Completes necessary patient follow up for continuity of care.

Education
* Demonstrates an understanding of the Unit's Standards of Care and Practice and Administrative Policies as well as being able to locate Policy and Procedures Manuals in the assigned departments.
* Focuses on personal development areas, engaging in professional/collegial interactions with peers and students.

Office/Clinical Preparation
* Prepares, and maintains clinical documentation, office supplies and equipment for treatments, including sterilization and restocking of exam and treatment rooms.
* Cleans and, when appropriate, sterilizes equipment, instruments, and work areas as needed. Maintains department cleanliness including following procedures for clean up after treatment.

Compliance/Safety
* Responsible for reporting any safety-related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool; attends all safety-related training programs; performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner.
* Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employee's area of responsibility.
* If required for the position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.
* Completes all company mandatory modules and required job-specific training in the specified time frame.

Education
High School Diploma or GED - Required
Medical Assistant Diploma from an accredited Medical Assisting program or college and/or:
(1) Provide a valid and active Medical Assistant Certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- CMA; American Medical Technologists (AMT) - RMA; National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) - NCMA;
or National Health Care Association (NHA) - CCMA; - Required within 90 days of hire, or
(2) Complete the CCMA program with NAH and the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and obtain Medical Assistant
Certification within six months from date of hire.

Certification & Licensures
A valid and active Medical Assistant Certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) - CMA; American Medical Technologists (AMT) - RMA; National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) - NCMA; or National Health Care Association (NHA) - CCMA; - Required within 90 days of hire

Experience
One year related job experience - Preferred

Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and technology is integrated into almost all aspects of patient care. Computers and other electronic devices are utilized across the organization and throughout each department. Colleagues must have an understanding of computers, and competence in using computers and basic software programs.