GENERAL SUMMARY

The Medical /Practice Assistant (MA/PA) is an integral member of the healthcare team and is accountable for patient care as assigned by a licensed independent provider (LIP: MD, NP, PA), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). The MA/PA participates in the direct and indirect care of patients, health maintenance, patient instruction, collaborative planning and rehabilitation as within scope of practice and consistent with his/her education and training. The Medical/Practice Assistant may be present in secure medication storage areas and are allowed incidental access to medications. Developing relationships with patients, families and colleagues, the MA functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides quality patient care and contributes toward the attainment of important goals for the patient, the practice and the organization. Additionally, as part of the regular job duties, the MA/PA will provide administrative support to the practice responsible for multiple functions to ensure a smooth and seamless patient experience

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Patient check-in, which includes verifying patient's identity with name and DOB. Ensure appropriate testing o f chest x-ray (CXR) or chest cat-scan (CCT), as applicable, prior to placing pt in exam rooms. Maintain all Schedule Board queuing during clinic.

2. Obtain full set of vital signs, load radiology in Epic,. Document vital signs in chart and in Epic. Place vital sheet and x-ray readings in front of chart for MD review. Review that most recent data is available for the MD and report any abnormal finding to the appropriate MD/Fellow/Resident or PA.

3. Review all medications with patient and make sure it is accurate and up to date in including dosage, frequency and route. Confirm that all allergies, contraindications, reactions and severity of allergy are up to date and reviewed in Epic.

4. Remove all stitches, staples, steri-strips and dressings for MD exam. Clean and re-dress dressings and feeding tubes, under MD direction/supervision reinsert tubes. Give breathing treatments to patients in clinic as needed and directed.

5. Perform pulmonary function testing (PFT) and oximetry (SaO2), 6 minute walk and phlebotomy and accu-checks as needed and send specimens to lab via shoot/transportation in timely manner. Document all results in Epic as appropriate.

6. Assist MD/PA with all office procedures including Thoracentesis.

7. Manage patient flow and page MD when necessary, this can include assisting in transporting patients to various departments as needed. Liaison between departments in the hospital and clinic for patient care. Arranges ambulance transportation as needed.

8. Clean all exam rooms between each patient with the appropriate wipes. Magazines and brochures are adequately stocked in exam rooms.

9. Prepare clinic for opening: Daily calibration of PFT/Oximetry equipment, thermometers, scales and maintain logbooks. Daily check of medication refrigerator for medication amount, expiration dates and temperatures. Verify exam rooms are clean including the floor and stocked including linen, all lights are working, all schedules are posted, consult/MD offices are prepared, phone messages have been taken off, cabinets are unlocked, and clinic list is given to radiology liaison.

10. Prepare clinic for closing: verify all exam rooms are cleaned and restocked. All cabinets are locked, all sharps containers are checked for volume, all computers are shut down and logged off. Create daily schedule on Magnatag board for following clinic. Print clinic schedules and post in designated locations. Prepare all paperwork for Attending to sign is ready for the next day.

11. Process all disability forms, letters, home oxygen orders and medical paperwork. Responsible for all patient and outside company correspondence, including phone calls and messages, related to medical paperwork. All phone calls are to be returned within 1 business day. All correspondence, written and verbal, is to be document in Epic.

12. Process all lab specimens, place all blood work orders and send all clinical specimens to the appropriate lab/department.

13. In Epic, create all x-ray orders for any emergent radiology studies for patients in clinic.

14. Responsible for ordering all clinical supplies including respiratory and linens. Ensure adequate supply of forms. Send equipment for sterilization. Verify all equipment, supplies and medications are not expired.

15. Assist with on-the-job training and support for newly hired Medical Assistants and Medical Assistant students.

16. Works as a team member with all staff in the Department to ensure smooth operations, including participation in staff meetings and taking minutes as necessary.

17. Performs all other duties as assigned by Practice Administrator and/or MD/PA/NP, including all generally accepted office functions such as faxing, scanning, and mailing.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education required: High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant Certificate Program preferred.
• Experience in healthcare setting preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Clinical Skills:

• Knowledge of practice operations and standards.
• Beginning to intermediate knowledge and use of medical terminology.
• Ability to accurately perform vital signs and obtain pertinent health information including but not limited to; temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, height, and weight.
• Ability to participate in the medication reconciliation processes and related prescription management tasks, including prior authorizations.
• Knowledge and ability to perform specific procedures and tests as appropriate to the clinical setting.

Communication skills:

• Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills in English. Communicates in a professional, courteous, clear and concise manner. Facilitates therapeutic relationships between patients, families and other members of the health care team.

Writing Skills:

• Ability to correspond and communicate with others clearly and effectively in writing (via e-mail, memo or interoffice note, documentation of patient information) and to take complete and accurate messages.

Phone skills:

• Ability to telephonically support the practice by answering and screening calls, offering information within scope of practice to facilitate communication.

Organizational Skills:

• Ability to manage work processes in a neat and systematic way. Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, appropriately prioritize clinical work, follow established policies, procedures and clinical practice guidelines, workflows,

Technology Skills:

• Demonstrates ability to utilize technology in the clinical setting. Includes basic computer skills as well as the utilization of electronic medical equipment. Ability to type accurately and enter data at an intermediate level. Ability to become proficient in using the EHR and other appropriate applications. Ability to utilize hand-held technology and download related data to the electronic health record.

BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.