Ophthalmic Assistant

1.0 FTE
Monday through Friday 8-5
Salmon Medical Center

JOB TITLE: Ophthalmology Assistant
REPORTS TO: Clinic Manager
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
JOB OVERVIEW: Assist the ophthalmologist with diagnostic and treatment-oriented procedures and administrative tasks.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Coordinate scheduling of patient appointments and surgeries.
2. Interview patients and document ocular and medical histories.
3. Perform a variety of routine tests using ophthalmic instruments that provide diagnostic information including, but not limited to, intraocular pressures, basic motility, visual fields, PAM and BAT tests, A-Scan ultrasonography and fundus photography.
4. Assist the physician during diagnostic and minor surgical procedures, including instrumentation, sterile preparations and documentation.
5. Administer topical medications or diagnostic drugs as required by the provider for testing or treatment.
6. Prepare and position patient for diagnostic tests and procedures.
7. Assist the physician with patient education pertaining to the treatment prescribed.
8. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
9. Record patient charges for billing department.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prepare procedure and exam rooms; inventory equipment and supplies; replenish supplies and equipment.
2. Perform basic triage per specific office protocol procedures.
3. Maintain professional appearance and personal conduct at all times.
4. Adhere to employer work practices as described in TDC Occupational Exposure Plan policy.
5. Work as a team member within the ophthalmology department and all other departments.
6. Effectively cope with typical job stress.
7. Document work processes as required.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

1. High school diploma or equivalent with experience in an ophthalmology setting and willing to train as an Ophthalmology Assistant; OR
2. Medical Assistant who is a graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant program willing to train as an Ophthalmology Assistant; OR
3. High school diploma or equivalent plus successful completion of a JRCOMP (Joint Review Committee for Ophthalmic Medical Personnel) approved program for Ophthalmology Assistants plus a minimum or one year of satisfactory, full-time work experience under ophthalmologic supervision, including training in all skills listed in professional criteria. Equivalency criteria may be substituted as described in the JCAHPO – Blue Book.

Certification/Licensure: CPR certification for Health Care Providers.
Experience: 3 months experience in an ophthalmology setting preferred.

Skills:

1. Knowledge of ocular diseases and systemic diseases affecting the eye.
2. Knowledge of ultrasound and visual field machines.
3. Knowledge of basic eye care and hygienic methods and practices involving the treatment of the eye.
4. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including the ability to manager interactions with difficult people.
5. Knowledge of CPT & ICD-10 coding procedures.
6. Knowledge of medical terminology.

Other Requirements:

1. Maintain current CPR.
2. Ability to multi-task efficiently and effectively.
3. Must be able to act calmly and effectively in a busy or stressful situation.
4. Ability to communicate effectively in the English language in person, by phone and in writing.
5. Requires adherence to all policies and procedures, including but not limited to standards for safety, attendance, punctuality and personal appearance.
6. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, management and peers.

Physical Requirements:

1. Hearing: Adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone.
2. Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly to patients and coworkers in person and over the telephone.
3. Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens, and including visual examination of patients.
4. Other: The position is mostly sitting, standing and walking throughout the day with occasional bending and reaching. Requires frequent lifting and carrying of items weighing less than 10 pounds including assisting patients and up to 30 pounds in surgeries when required. Involves potential exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, medicinal preparations and other conditions common in a clinical environment.

The above is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance for this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement [CBA]. Starting offers are determined by both the candidate's directly applicable experience and internal equity within the paygrade.  The current wage range is $20.78 - $32.51.  A Certified Ophthalmic Asst wage scale is $21.97 - $34.37

You may be eligible for additional pay to include weekend premium, shift premium and other premiums outlined in the CBA.  Compensation and benefit eligibility are based off of FTE, assigned job classification/description, and  complies with current union agreements.

The Doctors Clinic currently offers the following benefits for eligible FTE’s:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA), or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), Long Term Illness (LTI) Leave
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing
• Group Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance