Reporting to the Nurse Manager, (or in absence of, the Practice Manager) the Medical Assistant (MA) is an integral member the patient care team. The MA works alongside providers and other team members to provide superior care and service to Primary Care patients. The MA is expected to have a global view of the day and patient flow. The MA supports the patient, provider, and other care team members to provide patients with a comprehensive and effective visit and completes the tasks of the day as efficiently as possible. The MA will evaluate workflows and collaborate with other team members to innovate and create change to provide the most positive patient experience possible and improve the safety and quality of patient care. MAs from one team may be asked to support other teams as needed and can expect the same support from their colleagues. The Senior Certified Medical Assistant in Primary Care has passed a national certifying exam and is able to administer vaccines.

GENERAL RESPONSBILITIES

• Active participation in patient care, will perform a variety of tasks within the MA scope of practice, which may include but is not limited to: management of patient flow and rooming including pre-visit preparation, assisting with the patient visit, and post-visit duties, inform providers of schedule changes that impact patient flow, report test results as directed by the provider, anticipatory preparation for health maintenance and chronic health care needs, obtaining histories, arranging referral and diagnostic testing appointments, doing EKG's, measuring patient vital signs (weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and temperature), and performing other procedures as determined relevant to the individual patient.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills concerning appropriate documentation of allergies, medication updates, immunizations, past medical history diagnoses and any other information that is added to the medical record of an individual patient.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the current and future needs of the patient in both chronic care and health maintenance and is able to use decision making skills to help patients meet those needs following appropriate protocols.
• Overall responsibility for the flow of the provider's patient care session, able to make decisions concerning adding a patient to the schedule, providing needed information to the front staff concerning the workflow in the patient care area and keeping the provider informed of issues that effect the efficiency of care during the session.
• Supports patient care and the health care team by anticipating administrative functions requiring support including but not limited to preparing prior authorizations, participating with the approval process for medications as appropriate, monitoring clinical messaging, supporting providers with completion of patient correspondence, updating the medical record with patient information under the guidance of the provider.
• May share responsibility with other medical assistants for the quality, safety and laboratory check systems in the clinical environment including Quality Assurance for Point of Care testing.
• May share responsibility for appropriate monitoring and stocking of supplies for the clinical and administrative needs of the practice.

SKILLS, ABILITIES, and COMPETENCIES

• A caring and compassionate demeanor, along with active listening skills, empathy, concern and respect for patients are essential.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and skills in person, via the telephone and/or in writing.
• Superior service attitude.
• Energetic and upbeat.
• Self-motivator.
• Works well both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates intellectual independence and initiative and has a desire to learn and develop new skills and better methods of completing work efforts.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills; ability to organize time and priorities effectively, asking for direction when appropriate.
• Flexibility and proven ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Experience with common PC computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Outlook, reference management software.
• Comfortable in a practice environment/culture that promotes ongoing change toward process improvement.
• Administers vaccines after meeting standards of Immunization competency.
• Responsible for maintaining national certification as outlined by the Medical Assistant's certifying organization.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS and/or REGISTRATIONS

• Current Basic CPR certification, required.
• MA certification, required.

EDUCATION

• Minimum of high school diploma, GED or equivalent
• Graduate of an MGH approved Medical Assistant program required.

EXPERIENCE

• 6 - 12 months Medical Assistant Certified experience preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office conditions. Will be provided with computer and other equipment/supplies necessary to perform outlined duties. Minimal travel required to attend off-campus meetings and/or conferences.