Podiatry (Medical Assistant)

Under general supervision from the Specialty Practice Manager, the Podiatry Medical Assistant works interdependently with other healthcare professionals to provide quality health care to community members. This job class is treated as a FLSA-Nonexempt.
Distinguishing Features: The Podiatry Medical Assistant position requires the Medical Assistant Clinical Certification. 

Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.Tasks:
1. Administrative:Tasks involving non-clinical work to be performed by a Medical Assistant includes:

• Answering phones and scheduling appointments
• Greeting patients, completion of forms, giving instructions to patients
• Filing and maintaining medical and/or financial records
• Preparing correspondence
• Processing mail
• Purchasing and maintaining medical supply inventory
• Communication with appropriate use of medical terminology

2. Clinical:Tasks that only a Medical Assistant can perform on behalf of the Salt River Clinic. 

• Measuring and recording vital signs and ankle brachial indexes. 
• Recording patient interview, medical history, and chief complaint.
• Providing patient education with regard to office policies, medications, disease management, home treatment and special dietary needs/restrictions.
• Educate patients on foot care and post treatment procedures.
• Preparing patients for examinations and performing basic diabetic foot examination including vascular, neurological, and dermatology check.
• Setting up procedures in sterile manner. 
• Assist the physician with exams and in office podiatry procedures.
• Collection of lower extremity biopsies such as nail or skin specimens. 
• Performing basic lab tests including A1c and glucose testing.
• Performing EKGs.
• Calling prescriptions to the pharmacy.
• Arranging for hospital admissions and outside referrals for physicians.
• Preparing and administering medications with physician’s authorizations.
• Basic wound care of removing dressings and evaluating the dressing, cleansing wounds, and applying dressings. 
• Applying lower extremity wraps. 
• Use of BLS techniques, when required.
• Maintain stocking and sorting sterilized instruments.
• Practicing OSHA safety standards.
• Disposing of Biohazard waste according to OSHA standards. Discarding sharps in a sterile and adequate manner.
• Collection of procedure instruments in proper sterile manner with biohazard bins and logging.
• Performing accurate, legal and ethical documentation at all times.
• Accurately fitting and dispensing durable medical equipment including boots, braces, orthotics, etc.
• Obtaining prior authorizations with insurances for medical equipment and podiatry related surgical needs.
• Scrubbing the schedule prior and managing with clinic efficiency as patients present.
• Assisting in scheduling surgical cases. 
• Prepares, maintains, and updated electronic medical records in accordance with clinic guidelines and organization needs. 
• Participates in community or clinic events or activities.

3.  Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the culture, customs, traditions, history and government of the Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards of medical assistants in an ambulatory clinic setting.
• Knowledge of podiatry terms, instruments, and procedures.

• Skill in working as a part of an integrated team.

• Ability to provide compassionate care to community members during stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with healthcare personnel in order to provide quality care.
• Ability to meet and comply with HIPAA/Confidentiality policies and procedures and ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive patient information.
• Ability to use excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple and diverse people and tasks in stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and use good judgment.

Education & Experience: 

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent required
• Must possess a valid certificate of completion from an accredited Medical Assistant program. 
• Must possess a current Medical Clinical Assistant Certification.
• Must possess a CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Minimum 1-year previous patient care experience in an ambulatory podiatry clinic (preferred). 
• Must obtain a Podiatry Medical Assistant Certification through ASPMA (American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants) within 2 years of employment.

Equivalency - Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling the position.  

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill

Salary : $51,005 - $67,582