Behavioral Health Medical Assistant I

A. POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the BH Clinical Director and BHO the Medical Assistant I function at the entry level of a Medical Assistant in clinical and clerical support as part of a patient care team of psychiatric providers and nurses who provide direct patient care at the health centers. By the end of the first six months, with training provided, the BH Medical Assistant I should have mastered essential duties defined below and be ready to advance to a BH Medical Assistant II.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of a patient care team, the BH Medical Assistant will assist in the preparation of the patient visit by demonstrating the duties and responsibilities below:

Administrative

• Knowledge of using the practice management program to complete a full registration.
• Uses the practice management program to cancel, schedule and verify appointments, as needed.
• Reviews the next day’s schedule and prepares for patient visit.
• Receives and greets patients and visitors.
• Calls and assists patients into interview rooms.
• Uses external portals to collect lab results, outside records, and paperwork needed for the visit.
• Documents patient intake information in the EMR.
• Fax orders from other facilities (home health, pre-op) etc.…
• Demonstrates effective communication and written skills.
• Mails out results and sends letters to patients.
• Give instructions to patients on completing a patient experience survey.

Clinical

• Interviews patients and records information to document the reason for the visit and any health problems.
• Knowledge of screening for social determinants of health, BH screening instruments as appropriate and aware of patient resources available in the community.
• Obtains patient’s medical history differentiating between subjective and objective information.
• Obtains patients vital signs, including manual blood pressures, pulse oximetry, temperatures, and foot exams as needed; report abnormal readings to the provider.
• Perform healthcare follow up screening.
• Follow universal precautions in accordance with FCCH policies and procedures.
• Completely fills out lab requisitions and labels all specimens for in-house and “send out” labs.
• Ability to process lab specimens to send out to the reference lab.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA.
• Complete consent forms, assist providers with exams, and prepare exam rooms for any expected medical procedures.
• Document patient current medications, remove old medications from EMR.
• Perform EKG’s
• May serve as an interpreter as appropriate.
• Explain discharge plans to patient.
• Administration of medication through inhalation, ears, eyes, orally and by injection after required trainings have been completed and having been observed and signed off by a provider or licensed health professional.
• Performs subcutaneous and intramuscular immunizations after completion of an immunization/injection class and been observed and signed off by a provider or licensed health professional.
• Performs in-house tests and enter results into the EMR.
• Other duties as assigned.

C. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School graduate or GED certificate and
• Graduation from a technical school as a Medical Assistant or equivalent.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Patient-Care Technician

D. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• CPR Certification must be obtained within first 6 months of hire and maintained.

E. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of:

• Patient interviewing techniques
• Basic medical terminology
• Vital signs/ abnormal values
• Patient charting
• Exam room maintenance
• Provider orders
• Instillation of drops and ointments in the eye or ear
• Oral medications
• Communication skills
• Basic in-house lab testing
• EKG
• OSHA guidelines, blood borne pathogens and universal precautions.
• Various positions and methods used for different exams
• Eye exams
• Introduction to autoclave
• Basic Insurance, and billing terminology
• Various instrument parts (i.e., handles, locks, teeth, serrations) and classifications
• Knowledge of instruments used for various types of examinations
• Sterilization process for non-disposable instruments and the care and procedures for disposable instruments
• Procedures for performing subcutaneous, intradermal, and intramuscular injections
• Procedure for obtaining a medication from a vial or ampule, knowledge of drug categories, forms and uses for drugs ordered by providers
• Knowledge of needle sizes and syringe type necessary for injection type
• Procedures for obtaining sterile, clean catch, timed, and urine drug screening specimens
• Procedures for performing a urinalysis, including physical characteristics, chemical (dipstick), and microscope preparation
• ECG procedure for patient preparation, lead placement and obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram
• The Joint Commission and related accreditation and certification
• Knowledge and familiarity with compliance program
• Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations

Ability to:

• Obtain a blood pressure and knowledge of cuff sizes and recognition of normal and abnormal readings in adults and pediatrics
• Take a pulse; recognize normal and abnormal readings, and knowledge of various locations that can be used
• Obtain a respiratory rate and the knowledge of normal and abnormal readings
• Obtain height and weight information to include pediatric/adult
• Obtain temperatures via oral, rectal, and axillary methods
• Obtain throat culture swab
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families to make their visit a pleasant experience
• Use a multi-line telephone system
• Use a computer to enter and access patient data to complete a discharge plan
• Work on multiple tasks within established deadlines. Ability to work under the direction of a provider and follow instructions for work completion
• Take the initiative to resolve patient concerns and problems
• Work well with diverse groups of people
• Work well as a team member
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information
• Follow routine verbal or written instructions

F. AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED

• Geriatric, Adult, Adolescent, Pediatric and Newborn

E. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS/WORKING CONDITIONS

A person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks although under pressure depending on patient and organization demands. There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

1. Physical Effort and Dexterity: Good dexterity to operate personal computer, and basic medical and laboratory equipment. Occasional lifting and carrying related to clinic duties. Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

1. Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Capable of using medical equipment, office machines and personal computers for word processing, data entry and retrieval.

1. Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read computer monitor output and results of basic medical tests accurately. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.

1. Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment. Normal clinic and safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to meet deadlines.

This description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Applicants may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills