Certified Medical Assistant

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is selected by and is responsible to the Director of Nursing (DON). All CMAs will float to different stations, clinics and departments as required.  Under general supervision, the CMA provides extensive technical nursing support to the Center providers and staff. The CMA interviews patients and prepares them for treatment and examinations; assists providers with patient care including education, instruction and translation; maintains the examination rooms and equipment in readiness for use; orders and stocks rooms with supplies; performs other duties as assigned and/or relative to the nursing department and cross trains for other nursing departments to achieve organizational goals and program objectives.

A Certified Medical Assistant functions as a member of a collaborative health care team to create and maintain a Patient Centered Medical Home where emphasis is on excellent communication; support of the patient is provided and tracked in a culturally competent, behaviorally enhanced setting supported by information technology.

Due to the nature of NHHC services, it may become necessary to require employees to work extended hours or other variations of the usual shift to ensure adequate care of patients and to maintain services to the community. 

CRITICAL JOB ELEMENTS / PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Must greet employees, customers, patients and general public in person or over the telephone in a courteous manner. Must use good listening skills at all times. Demonstrate positive attitude towards patients with good eye contact, pleasant voice, attentive and responsive to their needs.
• The provider’s orders are carried out and documented as per NHHC Nursing Policy and Procedure Manual and PCMH, evidence-based guidelines.
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• Records data regarding the patient’s medical condition including vital signs, the “reason for today’s visit” and completes the Electronic Health Records (EHR) patient intake.
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• Prepares the necessary equipment and supplies for sterile procedures, assists as necessary and gathers patient information for documentation.
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• Prepares for and performs non-sterile procedures as instructed by the provider such as collection of non-sterile lab specimens and non-invasive procedures.
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• Documents in the patient’s EHR:
• The chief complaint as voiced by the patient, “reason for today’s visit”.
• Teaches all patients about health maintenance and disease prevention as instructed by provider or established in the NHHC Nursing Policy and Procedures Manual ensuring that patients participate in the decision-making process.
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• Participates in all requirements for (National Committee for Quality Assurance) NCQA accreditation.
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• Participates in patient care team daily and PRN “huddles” to prepare for scheduled patients.
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• Follows up for continuity of care and Patient Portal requests for all lab work done and ensures open communication regarding patient status with providers and care team.
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• Follows up for continuity of care on all lab work done.
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• Performs the prior authorizations for referred clinical care of patients. Is responsible for providing accurate and complete data input for both referrals and diagnostic prior authorization requests, while providing excellent customer service.
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• Performs clerical section duties ensuring continuity of care:
• Enters patient information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Assures that the medical reports needed are available, if not, makes contacts to obtain the results for the EHR. Obtains discharge summaries from the hospital and other facilities as needed.
• Communicates with provider to find appointment slots for patients requiring return visits within a short frame of time.
• Completes all pertinent information on encounters, lab, X-ray and referral documents.
• Answers, greets patients and screens telephone calls (Nurse On-Call) assuring proper handling of messages. Maintains accurate documentation on EHR of all incoming and outgoing calls.
• Completes the patient’s forms and letters, “Failure to Keep Appointment” cards, re-appointments and, other correspondence for mailing required on a daily basis.
• Must meet PCMH____- standards (audit standards) for completeness and accuracy.
• Maintains inventory and replenishes supplies as necessary.
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• Orients new employees and students to the section assigned.  There should be no instances in which a new employee or student reports to the Director of Nursing that they did not get a proper orientation.
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• Must abide by dress code policy in order to maintain a professional and neat appearance. (For details see the Nursing Dress Code policy).
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• Abides by the regulations, protocols and policies as indicated in the NHHC Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct, Safety Manual and the Nursing Policy and Procedure Manual.
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• Must maintain confidentiality at all times according to Center policies and HIPAA rules.
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• It is mandatory that the employee actively participates in Performance Improvement (PI).
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• Cross trains to other nursing areas PRN as required by the DON.
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• Promotes the NHHC mission statement.

Education/Experience:

• Certified Medical Assistant
• One to two years’ experience working in a medical setting, Pediatric, Adult Medicine OB/GYN or Family Medicine experience preferred.
• Current BLA/AED and hands-on experience.
• Original diploma or transcripts from MA School or High School.
• Valid Driver License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate and understand instructions from providers, patients and staff; limited medical terminology and concepts to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to establish and carry out specific courses of action.
• Ability to take corrective action in solving problems, to identify dimensions of a problem, determines potential causes and specifies alternative solutions.
• Ability to adapt and maintain a helpful, pleasant, customer friendly service to patients, fellow workers and the general public.
• Ability to conform to established Center’s Policies and Procedures.
• Ability to maintain a mature attitude when dealing with interpersonal conflicts, disruptions and time demands.
• Ability to function appropriately in emergency situations and relate to patients and their families.