GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision of the provider and nursing leadership, performs a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to assist in the quality and compassionate care provided to patients. These duties include the greeting and escorting of patients to the exam room; taking medical histories, the measurement and recording of vital signs; preparing patients for the examination/procedure; and assisting the physician during the examination/procedure. Demonstrates clinical competence as a Medical Assistant.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Care:

• Perform initial-response screening following protocols approved by supervising physician.
• Escort patient to room and prepares patient for examination, procedure and treatment.
• Obtain vital signs and record in the EHR.
• Obtain, evaluate, and record patient history employing critical thinking skills.
• Prepare for, set up and assist with examinations, procedures, and treatments per protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare and administer oral, parenteral medications and immunizations as ordered by the supervising physician based on Henry Ford Medical Group medication policy. Documents medication administration following the 6 rights in the EHR.
• Maintain medication and immunization records.
• Documents care provider during patient visit in EHR.
• Recognize and respond to emergencies.
• Responds to patient requests via telephone encounter, In Basket message and/or My Chart according to identified time frames and documents responses in the EHR.
• Monitors and performs in basket duties to ensure timely response.
• Enters medication, radiology and lab orders in the electronic health record for provider sign off.
• Discharges patient providing after visit instructions to patient and/or care giver as directed by the provider.
• Enters medication refill orders per protocol.

Diagnostic:

• Collect and process specimens.
• Perform CLIA-waived tests.
• Perform electrocardiography, respiratory and other testing based on department needs.
• Perform phlebotomy, including venipuncture and capillary puncture.

Consultation:

• Serve as a liaison between patients and medical staff in the event of problems or complaints.
• Schedule, coordinate, and monitor appointments.
• Schedule outpatient procedures.
• Apply third-party and managed care policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Obtain insurance pre-authorizations
• Enters referrals for provider sign off.

Quality Assurance:

• Participate in departmental/divisional Quality Assessment and Quality Improvement Programs.
• Practice Standard Precautions, including hand washing and disposal of biohazardous materials.
• Apply principles of aseptic and sterile technique.
• Clean instruments and equipment per policies and procedures.
• Comply with all HFHS and departmental specific safety standards.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory standards regarding practice, environment and documentation.

Instruction:

• Function as a health care advocate to meet individual's needs.
• Educate individuals in office policies and procedures.
• Educate the patient within the scope of practice and as directed by supervising physician in health maintenance, disease prevention, and compliance with patient's treatment plan.
• Identify community resources for health maintenance and disease prevention to meet individual patient needs.

Other:

• Uphold goals, policies, procedures and expectations of the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS).
• Support the mission, vision, and values of the HFHS.
• Maintain examination/treatment rooms, including inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Maintain core and applicable specialty competencies as defined by the Henry Ford Health System.
• Other duties as assigned within scope of practice.