Medical Assistant

The Medical Assistant provides both clinical and administrative support in an ambulatory care setting under the supervision of a physician, provider, and/or registered nurse. Responsibilities include venipuncture, medication and vaccine administration, measuring and documenting vital signs, assisting providers during patient examinations, and providing telephone and clerical support. This position may require floating to multiple sites/locations within the health system as needed.

• Supports the achievement of departmental goals and objectives while adhering to departmental policies, procedures, quality standards, safety protocols, governmental regulations, and accreditation requirements.

• Assists providers with patient preparation, examinations, minor office procedures, and patient education. Supports clinical team operations to ensure efficient patient flow while managing varying patient volumes throughout the day. Provides clerical support and serves as backup for Patient Services Coordinators or other team members when needed.

• Participates in daily team huddles to review scheduled patient visits and proactively prepare for patient care needs. Screens all patients for preventative care needs, barriers to care, ongoing support requirements, safety concerns, and fall risk. Monitors transitions of care and follows up on urgent/emergent care needs, referrals, testing, and document retrieval.

• Conducts patient screenings and motivational interviews to assess disease management readiness, learning needs, motivation for behavioral change, care needs, and community resource requirements. Identifies potential behavioral health concerns using approved screening tools and communicates findings to providers.

• Functions within a High-Reliability Organization by reporting actual or potential safety concerns involving patients, families, and team members using established organizational reporting protocols. Participates in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

• Maintains compliance with regulatory, accreditation, quality, and safety standards by auditing temperature logs, monitoring medication expiration dates, maintaining emergency equipment readiness, ensuring clean and organized work areas, and completing related compliance tasks.

• Participates in population health management activities by engaging patients in self-management support, care planning, health goal setting, pre-visit planning, and documentation that supports quality improvement and health outcomes.

• Performs patient care and laboratory testing within scope of practice, including but not limited to point-of-care testing, tuberculosis skin testing, electrocardiograms (EKG), pulmonary function testing, and vision/hearing screenings, based on provider and site requirements. Removes sutures or staples following provider evaluation and documented orders. Documents all activities accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).

• Completes accurate clinical documentation in the EMR and performs required patient follow-up related to pap smears, lead levels, HIV testing, mammograms, STD screenings, and other follow-up care. Collects, processes, and documents specimens while completing all required requisitions and records.

• Escorts patients as needed and assists with discharge procedures. Provides patient chaperoning services in accordance with organizational policies.

• Supports infection prevention and environmental safety responsibilities, including equipment cleaning, light clinic cleaning, maintaining scheduled equipment maintenance records, and managing medication and medical supply inventory.

• Provides telephone triage and screening services by gathering patient information, determining appropriate disposition, and documenting interactions according to established telephone protocols.

• Under onsite provider supervision, may insert intravenous catheters for physician-directed IV fluid therapy or intravenous medication administration. Under direct physician supervision, may insert, remove, and monitor urinary catheters for procedures, administer oral medications, and perform intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections. May perform phlebotomy as authorized.

• Utilizes the EMR system to submit medication refill requests for provider approval, complete test requisitions, coordinate insurance pre-authorizations for medications, and process specialty referral authorizations.

• Floats to other clinical sites and locations within the health system as needed and performs assigned responsibilities across multiple practice locations.

• Attends required meetings, staff trainings, and compliance programs including safety training, infection control, OSHA, CLIA, BLS, and other mandatory educational requirements.

• Demonstrates behaviors aligned with organizational mission, vision, patient care philosophy, operational objectives, and core values including SPIRIT values.

• High School Diploma or GED required

• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program preferred

• Minimum 6 months of experience working in an ambulatory care, medical office, or equivalent healthcare setting required

• Clinical externship experience in a medical or ambulatory healthcare setting strongly preferred

• Completion of a MedStar Health externship program may substitute for required ambulatory care experience

For Cardiology Offices Only

• Minimum 6 months ambulatory care or related clinical experience required OR

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or related field preferred OR

• Successful completion of a Cardiac Technician training program preferred

• Previous Medical Assistant experience preferred

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) required within 1 year
  OR

• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT) or equivalent certification required within 1 year

• CPR Certification (including BLS/NRP for healthcare providers) through either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross required within 90 days of hire

• Additional department or specialty certifications may be required based on assigned business unit or specialty area

• Demonstrated clinical competency verified during 90-day orientation period and maintained annually thereafter

• Strong customer service and patient interaction skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced clinical environment

• Working knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR) systems preferred

• Basic computer proficiency required

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail

• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team