Medical Assistant (Credentialed/Certified)

The primary function of this position is to perform clinical and clerical duties and responsibilities in support of an assigned clinic. Responsibility of the position is to ensure that quality and efficient health care delivery is provided to patients under the direction of a Medical Doctor, Advanced Practice Nurse, Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse, or Licensed Practical Nurse. Under the direction of licensed healthcare professionals, this position enters orders into the health record systems for purposes of creating records for meeting the standards and objectives for Electronic Health Records (EHRs) as consistent with Meaningful Use core guidelines and/or similar regulations.

This position is ON SITE only.
Clinical: 100%

Pursuant to the specific verbal or written direction, and under the direct supervision of a licensed provider or registered nurse, this position may:

1. Order supplies/laundry and manage inventories
2. Stock and rotates supplies
3. Clean rooms and furniture per the SIU Healthcare Clinic's cleaning and disinfection policy
4. Clean/ Disinfect/Sterilize equipment according to Departmental guidelines and Siu Policies and Procedures
5. Room patients
6. After a departmental competency check-off may take vital signs including height, weight, blood pressure, pulse ox, temperature, and head circumference measurements; enter into electronic health record
7. Prepare clinic for patient visit, retrieving lab and other test results as applicable prior to the visit
8. Enter into Touchworks new and historical family, past medical, surgical and social history as per stated by the patient.
9. Set up procedure rooms
10. Assist a licensed Provider with department clinical procedures
11. After a departmental competency check-off according to an order or protocol, perform in-clinic tests and procedures including but not limited to:
    1. Perform testing on adults including standard vision and hearing; enter results into electronic health record
    2. Perform waived lab testing such as urine, bilirubin, pregnancy test, hemoccult, rapid strep, throat culture, and accucheck; enter the results into the electronic health record; may NOT interpret results that are not immediately provided by the test (i.e. pregnancy)
    3. Collect and prepare lab specimens; urine and sputum specimens
    4. EKG
    5. Spirometry
    6. Pulse oximetry, peak flow, nebulizer treatment
    7. Simple dressing changes
    8. Remove sutures or staples after site has been inspected by a licensed professional
    9. Ear wash
    10. May begin the medication review/reconciliation process by verifying the medication list with the patient noting any discrepancies. If there are no discrepancies, may commit and reconcile the list. If there are discrepancies, update the list, commit but may NOT reconcile. (A licensed professional must reconcile any medication discrepancies.)
    11. Perform urinary cauterization's on adult patients only. Adult is defined as anyone age 18 and over
    12. Perform phlebotomy
    13. Perform TB skin testing; may NOT interpret results
    14. Give single dose injections listed in the protocols and approved by the department medical director. The authorization to do so is granted by a licensed Provider, either verbally, written and/or by the written protocol. Exception: may pop the rubber stopper in prepackaged units such as: Solumedrol and Lupron Depot, mix and inject.
    15. Refill medications under a licensed Provider's supervision via direct approval or written department protocol.
    16. May enter and transmit new medications and change medication dosage under a licensed Provider's supervision via direct approval or written department protocol. Department must have a written protocol defining what meds and the conditions in which the incumbent may enter and transmit new medications and change medications.
12. Notify Patients of normal test results only - via standardized letter or phone at the direction of a licensed Provider or RN, in accordance with HIPAA. Refers patient to a nurse if the patient has questions about their test results.
13. Functions as a receptionist as needed; schedule appointments, answer phones, obtain patient's prior authorization, and register patients
14. Notify patients of normal blood results only- via standardized letter or phone at the direction of a licensed Provider or RN, in accordance with HIPAA, if the blood results are in the normal range and the normal ranges are printed along with the results. Refers patient to a nurse if the patient has questions about their test results.
15. Give prevention reminders to patients (i.e. due for an eye or foot exam) and order appropriate labs and preventative studies under a licensed Provider's supervision via direct approval or written department protocol.
16. Complete standardized templates of patient communication letters and sign under the direction of a licensed professional; this does not include medication authorization letters and forms.
17. Under a licensed Provider's supervision via direct approval or written department protocol, educate patients about a diagnosis or treatment using department approved education and reading it verbatim. Refers patient to a nurse if patient has questions about the education received.
18. Witness a patient's signature
19. Create/enter orders with a licensed Provider or RN approval for diagnostic tests and procedures. All orders (verbal or written) will be entered into the electronic health record.
20. Document appropriately in the electronic health record and on charge ticket/encounter.
21. Other duties as assigned

Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer

1. High school graduation or equivalent
2. Possession of a current/valid medical assistant certification by an approved certifying board as defined by the employing institution

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's)

1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
2. Knowledge of basic first aid principles, methods, and techniques.
3. Knowledge of aseptic and sterilization techniques.
4. Knowledge of inventory procedures.
5. Knowledge of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
6. Skill in the operation of sterilizing equipment and maintaining appropriate documentation records.
7. Ability to make decisions based on urgency of the situation and in accordance with work procedures and hospital/clinic policies.
8. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
9. Willingness to, and skill in, dealing effectively with patients, hospital staff, and other persons from inside or outside hospital/clinic.
10. Ability to provide quality patient care and customer service.

Condition of Employment
Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.