Medical Assistant Lead - Pediatrics

Brief Description

PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Lead Medical Assistant (MA) functions within the clinical care team by performing administrative and patient care in an efficient, effective, safe, and quality-oriented manner according to established policy, procedure and protocol. This position works closely with an interdisciplinary team including the Adult care team, OB/GYN care team, Pediatric care team, Integrated Health team, Dental staff, Member Services and outside referral entities to ensure patient centered care. Lead MA and Medical Assistants who have recognized training may administer medication (including topically, orally, injections [SQ, IM, Vaccinations/Immunizations]). The Lead MA serves as a role model with supervisory responsibilities.

Clinical Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

Pre-Visit Patient Care

• Coordinates pre-visit planning with RN and Medical Provider on assigned team.
• Works with RN to contact all new patients presenting with Chronic Disease indicators prior to their first visit in order to complete a Pre-Visit assessment that includes medications, past medical history, medication list and problems. May be asked to complete screenings for depression, smoking, drugs, safety, social determinants of health, etc.
• Identify High Needs Patients with Medical Provider and works with RN to contact all identified High Needs Patients prior to next visit to determine if care plan objectives from previous visit have been completed, if there has been interim care outside the organization, and if the patient has any concerns that the team can prepare for.
  
  

Patient Care During Visit

• Prepares room to include refreshing exam table cover, stocking with supplies, setting up for applicable tests and care procedures, cleaning blood pressure cuff, etc.
• Checks schedule for patient arrival. If a patient has arrived early and there is a no show or cancellation, the MA works the patient up early.
• Verifies patient identity using at least two identifiers including name and DOB.
• Follows expanded standard room protocol, to include obtaining patient vitals, performing applicable EKG, hearing and eye tests, etc.
• Collects and documents visit information in EMR, including purpose of visit, transitions of care, medications, etc.
• Conducts screening for smoking, depression (PHQ-2) and anxiety (GAD-2), verify medications and refills, pharmacy information, drug allergies, and preventative health care gaps.
• Confers with Medical Provider on team and participates in data gathering, setting patient expectations, and care coordination of High Needs patients, as requested by the medical provider.
• Facilitates financial assistance and QUEST applications processes by referring patients to Member Services and assists the patient in obtaining needed services in the community.
• Discharges patients with their Clinical Summary Visit and RTC information and verifies understanding.
• Assists with identification of patients who may benefit from RN Co-visits or Community Health Worker interventions.
  
  

Administrative Responsibilities

• Answers the telephone with name and title.
• Assists provider EMR Inbox, physical mailbox and patient related paperwork.
• Contacts patients from list of “no show/cancelled appointment” status and reschedules patient and places patients on the recall list.
• Performs patient care coordination, including completing patient Prior Authorizations, scheduling external referrals, completes internal referrals, maintains tracking systems, etc.
• Checks emergency equipment at the beginning of the shift including oxygen and emergency medication for outdates, as assigned.
• Performs quality control lab tests and sterilizes instruments, as assigned.
• Assists with supervision of the performance of the medical assistance, including time care management, attendance tracking, late arrivals to work and clinical performance.)
  
  

Leadership Responsibilities

• Drafts Nursing schedules for clinical staff. Final review is done by RN Team Manager.
• Point of contact for clinical staff for daily operations relating to schedules and coverage to include preparing the huddle board the day prior for all clinical staff.
• Medication and vaccine inventory, maintenance, and ordering as per protocol.
• Expired medication and vaccine disposal.
• Ensure that Medical Assistants are performing their tasks per protocol and policy.
• Perform performance management, including corrective actions, with the assistance of RN Team Manager.
• Serve as role model to fellow Medical Assistants.
  
  

Quality And Safety

• Participates in self-education required to maintain patient care competencies.
• Works with the team to meet quality clinical measures set by the organization including preventive measures and clinical protocols.
• Participates in quality initiatives as directed to fulfill the organizations grant obligations and insurance requirements.
• Practices within the Clinical Protocols and Guidelines and Policies and Procedures of the organization.
• Participates in the clinics Emergency Preparedness Plan.
  
  

Other

• Other duties, as assigned, and within scope of training.
  
  

Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or its equivalent.
• Completion of a medication administration course, including safe handling and administration of medications orally, topical, and via injection., prior to hire or within 6 months of hire.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of one-year experience working as a Medical Assistant, required.
  
  

Skills/Competencies

• Accurately take and record vital signs.
• Knowledge of examination, diagnostic, and treatment room procedures.
• Skill in assisting with a variety of treatments and medications, as directed.
• Skill in maintaining records.
• Ability to maintain quality control standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to read, write, and understand in the English language and respond in detailed oral and written instructions.
• Ability to use required computer programs for patient care as well as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with patients, practitioners, co-workers, and the public.
• Excellent customer services to our clients including demonstration of the organizational value that the patient needs are the first and central priority.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to maintain a safe work environment.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
  
  

Certifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Access to an insured vehicle.
• TB clearance within previous 12 months.
• BLS CPR certificate