Medical Assistant I

GENERAL OVERVIEW
The Medical Assistant I is responsible for supporting the practice with overall responsibility for maintaining efficiency of patient flow.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Greets patients coming in for appointments, in a professional manner, and escorts them into patient exam rooms.
2. Assists with all procedures within the practice including both routine and non-routine (complex) procedures. (The extent and complexity of procedures will be practice specific-and need to have documentation of why considered complex).
3. Takes vital signs, performs phlebotomy and obtains EKGs when appropriate.
4. Assists with determining reason for visit or phone call, flags for immediate responses, takes messages appropriately and notifies appropriate medical staff.
5. Performs patient education and counseling in predetermined areas and various testing (vision/hearing), under proper direction.
6. Assists with receiving test results for physicians and calling patient with follow up of labs and tests under direction of physician.
7. Assists with varied procedures, such as blood pressure checks, throat cultures and suture removals, as directed and under the supervision of the RN or MD.
8. Answers practice phones, takes messages, and schedules appointments when appropriate, in addition to assisting with administrative work.
9. Escorts patients and labs/supplies to other areas of the hospital, as requested.
10. Clean instruments and equipment, following infection control guidelines.
11. Operates sterilizer when received, if applicable. Maintains sterilizer competencies.
12. Maintains patient rooms, stocking supplies, and when necessary, ordering and tracking supplies.
13. Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Graduate of an approved Medical Assistant Certification Program (or demonstrated knowledge of competencies required to perform essential functions of position).
3. 1-2 years of prior clinical experience, preferably in an Ambulatory setting is required.
4. May not currently hold a valid nursing license. Employees who obtain a nursing license, while in this position, will have 90 days to transition out of this position.
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
1. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills are required.
2. Strong clinical and judgment skills are essential.
3. Good organizational skills are required to prioritize tasks effectively.
4. Ability to work successfully as a team player.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of varied medical procedures, such as phlebotomy, EKGs, vital signs, etc.
WORK CONDITIONS
1. Ability to transport patients and equipment throughout Hospital (10% of time).
2. Ability to assist patients in exam room, may require lifting of patients.
3. Ability to lift and maneuver equipment (up to 50lbs).
AGE-SPECIFICITY GUIDELINES
The individual in this position must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the principals of growth and development over the life span of the patient. In addition, he/she must possess the ability to assess patient data relative to the specific needs of the patient and must provide care as described in the department's policies and/or procedures.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None. May be responsible for assisting with training of new staff and or taking role as lead for other staff.

BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.