Medical Assistant

The Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics is seeking a Medical Assistant (MA) who will have duties and responsibilities related to patient care in the ambulatory clinic environment. The individual displays responsible behaviors, communicates effectively with others, and functions as a member of the healthcare team. The MA functions under the direct supervision and authority of the physician when performing clinical tasks during patient care. The MA reports to the nurse manager, who is responsible for administrative supervision, staff development, and orientation of the MA to the area's policies and procedures.

The MA must demonstrate competency in all skills related to the performance of patient care. The MA maintains inventory of examination/procedure room supplies, assists in the organization of efficient patient flow, and organizes the clinic environment to assure patient safety. The MA demonstrates problem-solving skills as they relate to patient care activities, provides guidance for and acts as a role model for Medical Assistants in the clinical area.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical

• Participates in the care of the patient, under direct supervision of a physician or mid-level provider, and in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Collects patient information and assessment data.
• Obtains and records patient's vital signs, temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, weight and height.
• Reports assessment findings to practitioner and records on appropriate documentation forms in a timely manner.
• Obtains additional data from patient and significant other based on initial data collection.
• Performs chart review prior to clinic visit to obtain historical data, including any previous ultrasounds, labs, etc.
• Monitors patient status, recognizing and reporting abnormal findings or changes in condition.
• Organizes patient care activities based on assessment findings.
• Confirms and clarifies written orders prior to implementation of delegated tasks.
• Maintains and uses principles of aseptic techniques and infection control when performing clinical duties and tasks.
• Under clinical supervision, performs delegated procedures (including injections) common to specialty area in a safe, effective, and efficient manner according to Clinical Practice Policy and Procedures.
• Assists practitioner in identified patient procedures/treatments/examinations (preparation, positioning, supplies, equipment).
• Proactively problem-solves and identifies solutions to barriers to safety. Appropriately obtains and manages specimens, including labeling, form completion, transport to laboratories, and log maintenance.
• Performs quality control for waived testing. Acts as a "trainer" for waived testing, and coordinates activities related to proficiency.
• Recognizes emergency situations and implements emergency procedures according to clinic guidelines.
• Notifies physician first, then administers first aid, CPR, and maintains emergency equipment and supplies as needed.
• Provides appropriate patient education, health information materials, and community resource lists as directed, and maintains educational supplies.
• Identifies patient's need for additional information and refers to appropriate healthcare resources.
• Occasional coverage of other offsite JHH/JHU Gyn/Ob clinic locations remotely or by traveling to location.
• Must have transportation.

Unit Operations

• In close partnership with the healthcare team, assures smooth and efficient patient flow and clinical operation.
• Maintains computer log of pending studies, including lab, radiology, and other ordered tests.
• Obtains lab/test results for review by provider.
• Mails letters to patients notifying them of their results.
• For consultations, sends copy of consultation letter, patient records and pertinent labs/study results to referring physicians in a timely fashion.
• Assists patients to and from exam room and prepares patients for examination.
• Assists patients in wheelchairs and stretchers, with transfers to and from exam tables, procedure tables, and scales, utilizing proper body mechanics and safety measures.
• Identifies patients with special needs.
• Orders, stocks, and maintains exam rooms and clinic areas with standard levels of supplies, medications, linens, nourishments, forms, and equipment.
• Recognizes patient care trends affecting unit supplies and notifies clinic manager.
• Operates clinical equipment according to equipment procedures including safety and quality control checks.
• Checks clinic area and rooms for malfunctioning equipment and general maintenance problems on a regular basis.
• Reports findings to appropriate person or arranges for repairs as required.
• Ensures that soiled linen, needle containers, and potentially infectious waste are appropriately disposed and removed from the clinic and exam area according to the infection control guidelines.
• Performs related and delegated tasks, which includes request for prescription refills, taking and relaying messages, directing patient flow, and running errands.
• Works with healthcare team to assure smooth and efficient patient flow and clinical operation.
• Problem solves obstacles to throughput process and notifies manager and patients of wait time.
• Maintains cleaning and sterilization of office and exam equipment.

Responsibility in MA Role

• Identifies self-learning needs related to job description and seeks out appropriate resources to meet learning needs.
• Acts as a resource and preceptor for other MA's.
• Participates in staff meetings by providing constructive input and facilitating problem-solving.
• Identifies opportunities for performance improvement and provides input for the development of solutions.
• Identifies and uses a variety of resources to validate patient care decisions.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care or service based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned service area.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certification/Registration as a Medical Assistant (e.g. CMA, AAMA, RMA, AMT, NAHP) required.
• If not currently certified/registered, must become certified/registered within 180 days (6 months) of date of hire. Exam fees will be paid by the department. If a retest is required, associated fees are paid by the employee.

• Current CPR certification by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross required.

• Must maintain MA and CPR certification/registration during duration of employment in this position.

Classified Title: Medical Assistant
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CB
Starting Salary Range: $15.25 - $23.00 HRLY ($41,600 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:00am - 3:30pm
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: JH at Timonium
Department name: SOM OB GYN Reproductive Endocrinology
Personnel area: School of Medicine