Medical Assistant II

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
In order to meet the needs of MGH primary care patients, a new model for primary care is required, with a particular emphasis on team-based care. Care teams will "partner" with each patient to define and help them reach their health goals. These health goals will be achieved by providing the patient with superior access to care, information and tools that promote collaboration with their care team and increased patient self-management of health. The design of the care teams, clinical operations, and information technology will ensure that each staff member is well supported and can effectively use their unique skills as they collaborate to care for patients.

Reporting to the clinical program manager and / or practice manager, the medical assistant will be an integral member of his / her care team, working together to provide superior care and service to a panel of primary care patients. The Medical Assistant will be expected to have a global view of the day and support the patient, provider and other members of the care team to provide patients with comprehensive / effective visits and complete the tasks of the day as efficiently as possible. The Medical Assistant (and all other team members including physicians) will be expected to continually critique his / her role and offer suggestions for improvements and efficiencies in the process design. Medical Assistants from one team may be asked to support other teams as needed and can expect the same support from their colleagues.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
General Responsibilities

• Active participation in patient care including anticipatory preparation for health maintenance and chronic health care needs, obtaining histories and vital signs, arranging referral and diagnostic testing appointments, doing phlebotomy including proper identification and handling of specimens, doing EKG's and performing other procedures as determined relevant to the individual patient.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills concerning appropriate documentation of allergies, medication updates, immunizations, past medical history diagnoses and any other information that is added to the medical record of an individual patient.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the current and future needs of the patient in both chronic care and health maintenance and is able to use decision making skills to help patients meet those needs following appropriate protocols.
• Overall responsibility for the flow of the provider's patient care session, able to make decisions concerning adding a patient to the schedule, providing needed information to the front staff concerning the work flow in the patient care area and keeping the provider informed of issues that effect the efficiency of care during the session.
• Supports patient care and the health care team by anticipating administrative functions requiring support including but not limited to preparing prior authorizations, participating with the approval process for medications as appropriate, monitoring clinical messaging, supporting providers with completion of patient follow up letters, updating the medical record with patient information under the guidance of the provider.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of shared responsibility to maintain a beautiful and orderly practice environment.
• Depending on organization of roles within the practice, may share responsibility with other medical assistants for the quality, safety and laboratory check systems in the clinical environment including Quality Assurance for Point of Care testing.
• Depending on organization of roles within the practice, may share responsibility for appropriate monitoring and stocking of supplies for the clinical and administrative needs of the practice.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent interpersonal communication and skills whether in person, via the telephone and/or in writing.
• Superior service attitude
  Compassionate and kind
• Energetic and upbeat.
• Self-motivator
• Works well both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates intellectual independence and initiative and has a desire to learn and develop new skills and better methods of completing work efforts.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills; ability to organize time and priorities effectively, asking for direction when appropriate.
• Flexibility and proven ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Experience with common PC computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Outlook, reference management software.
• Excellent sense of humor.
• Comfortable in a practice environment/culture that promotes ongoing change toward process improvement.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS (if applicable):

• Current Basic CPR certification required

EDUCATION:

• Minimum of high school diploma, GED or equivalent
• Graduate of an MGH approved Medical Assistant program required

EXPERIENCE:

• 6-12 months Medical Assistant experience preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal office conditions. Will be provided with computer and other equipment/supplies necessary to perform outlined duties. Minimal travel required to attend off-campus meetings and/or conferences.

Massachusetts General Hospital 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.