Medical Assistant

Position Overview

The Medical Assistant performs clinical and administrative duties in an ambulatory care setting under the supervision of a physician/provider and/or a registered nurse. Duties include venipuncture, medication and vaccine administration, measurement and documentation of vital signs, assisting providers with patient exams, and providing telephone and clerical support. The position may float to other sites/locations within the system. This position offers Salary: USD $19.55 - USD $34.25 /Hr.

Key Responsibilities

• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality, and safety standards. Complies with governmental regulations and accreditation standards.
• Assists providers with patient preparation for examinations, minor office procedures, and patient education. Supports the clinical care team by managing fluctuating patient volumes and providing clerical support as needed.
• Participates in daily team huddles to prepare for scheduled patient visits; screens patients for preventative care needs, safety concerns, and potential fall risks, and conducts follow-up tasks such as retrieval of referral or testing documents.
• Conducts motivational interviews for patient screening and coaching on disease management, identifies behavioral health needs using appropriate screening tools, and notifies the provider of findings.
• Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients, families, and associates in accordance with established reporting protocols, and participates in performance improvement initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and quality/safety standards by monitoring temperature logs, medication supplies, emergency equipment, and maintaining a clutter-free environment.
• Participates in population management activities by engaging patients in self-management support, goal setting, pre-visit planning, and capturing information that drives healthcare improvement.
• Performs patient and laboratory testing within the scope of practice—including point-of-care testing, tuberculosis skin testing, electrocardiography, pulmonary function tests, and vision/hearing testing—removes sutures/staples post-examination, and documents all activities in the EMR.
• Documents clinical activities accurately in the EMR; performs follow-up for tests such as pap smears, Pb levels, HIV, mammograms, and STDs; collects and processes specimens; and completes requisite documentation.
• Provides patient escort and discharge assistance, including chaperoning as per policy.
• Completes infection prevention and environmental responsibilities such as light cleaning, equipment maintenance recording, and managing drug and medical supply inventories.
• Offers telephone screening services to gather patient information, determine appropriate dispositions, and document as per established protocols.
• Under onsite provider supervision, may insert intravenous catheters for IV fluid therapy or medications, and under direct supervision may manage urinary catheters, prepare/administer certain oral drugs and injections, and perform phlebotomy.
• Uses the EMR to propose medication refills for provider approval, completes test requisitions when applicable, and contacts insurance companies for pre-authorizations for medications and specialty referrals.
• Floats to other sites/locations within the system and performs all assigned duties at multiple locations.
• Attends scheduled meetings and training sessions on topics such as safety, infection control, OSHA, CLIA, BLS, and other relevant areas.
• Demonstrates behavior consistent with MedStar Health’s mission, vision, goals, SPIRIT values, objectives, and patient care philosophy.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience Required: Less than 1 year 6 months experience working in an ambulatory care medical office or equivalent.
• Qualifications: Must be a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)-AAMA or a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) with certification obtained within 1 year.
• Requirements: CPR – Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (including BLS and NRP) certification for healthcare providers must be obtained within 90 days.
• Qualifications: Demonstrated clinical competency (verified during a 90-day orientation) and excellent customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program preferred.
• Externship in a medical or ambulatory health setting strongly preferred; completion of an externship at MedStar Health may substitute for the required experience.
• For Cardiology offices: 6 months experience required or a Bachelor's degree in exercise physiology/science or related major, or successful completion of a cardiac technician course preferred.
• Prior experience as a medical assistant preferred.
• Basic computer skills preferred.