Clinical Research Assistant I (Medical Assistant)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Clinical Research Assistant reports to the Clinical Research Manager. The primary objective of this position is to provide excellent customer service to all who interact with our LGBTQ+ medical office and research center. This position will include performing tasks, such as answering phone calls using a multi-line phone, patient check-in and check-out, scheduling, rooming patients, data entry, cleaning, etc. The ideal applicant should be a friendly, outgoing, detail-oriented team player, a self-starter who can multi-task, focus, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for greeting and helping primary care patients; scheduling appointments; maintaining records and accounts.
• Welcomes patients and visitors on the telephone, answering or referring inquiries.
• Presents a professional front office environment for all patients and visitors in appearance, manner, and quality of work at all times.
• Registers patients in eClinicalWorks (EMR) according to clinic protocol.
• Confirm medical health appointments on the schedule of the following day.
• Verifies patient's insurance eligibility status two days before and at each visit.
• Optimizes patients' satisfaction, provider time, and treatment room utilization by scheduling/registering patient's appointments in eClinicalWorks in person or by telephone.
• Keeps patient appointments on schedule by notifying provider of patient's arrival; reviewing service delivery compared to schedule; reminding provider of service delays.
• Ensures the waiting area is maintained neat and well organized.
• Comforts patients by anticipating patients' anxieties.
• Answers patients' questions or refers them to the appropriate clinical staff.
• Maintains the reception area.
• Maintains patient accounts in eClinicalWorks (EMR) by obtaining, recording, and updating personal and financial information.
• Protects patients' rights by maintaining the strictest confidentiality of personal and financial information, adhering to all HIPAA guidelines/regulations.
• Maintains operations by following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes.
• Collect balances, coinsurances, deductibles, copays and self-pay balances that are owed at the time of service.
• Process patient payments.
• Perform or assist in back office Medical Assistant tasks as needed
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments
• Participate in staff and educational meetings.
• Ensures clinic flow by being an active team member.
  
• Interviews patients, measures vital signs (i.e., pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height), and records information in patients` charts;
• Obtains and consults results of diagnostic testing with a licensed provider. Relays physician instructions regarding care to patients;
• May be required to draw and collect blood samples from patients and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis;
• Assists the licensed provider with technical/surgical procedures in the room including preparation;
• Complete pre-visit planning workflow prior to visit whenever possible, including completing and/or requesting appropriate documentation;
• Prepare, clean and maintain exam and treatment rooms, as well as supplies and equipment;
• Administer medications per physician and/or provider order;
• Perform medication tracking per protocol;
• Assist in medication refills per protocol;
• Responsible for following protocol when providing telephone advice, as well as handling urgent and emergent calls;
• Provide consistent documentation of patient self-management measures and progress and ensure that the mutually agreed upon care plans are readily available to all parties involved;
• Collects and enters data into study database;
• May coordinate and schedule research subject appointments for tests and procedures;
• May correspond with patient(s) throughout research study;
• Composes and types study correspondence and other documentation;
• May assist in determining patient eligibility for research protocols;
• Orders supplies and equipment;
• Manages e-Fax Inbox and general email inbox;
• Assists staff with records and file maintenance. Itemizes and sends study materials to storage;
• Maintains working knowledge of the research process and in the conduct of IRB approved research protocols. Follows ICH/GCP guidelines;
• Assists research staff with subject recruitment/retainment as necessary;
• Maintain strict confidentiality;
• Educate patients about self-management tasks they can undertake to gain greater control of their health status;
• Participate in professional development activities;
• Performs other duties as they arise.

Requires highly effective communication skills. Requires highly effective time management skills. Requires strong interpersonal skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma/GED (required).
• Prior medical receptionist experience (1-2 years) strongly preferred.
  
• Previous training in general medical office skills and procedures preferred.
• Proficient and knowledgeable of medical terminology is preferred, but not required.
  
• Experience with Microsoft Programs including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Adobe.
• Bilingual (Spanish & English) strongly preferred
• Flexible working availability from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday with some adjustments outside of those operating hours.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• eClinicalWorks (EMR) experience a plus.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, organizational, written and verbal communication skills required.
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds (gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, immigration status).