Job Description

Pay/Benefits

• $15-$20.50 depending how many on the job learning hours have been completed.
• PTO accrual of 1 week per year.
• Up to 10 Holidays Off Paid
• 401K Match after 30 days

The Medical Assistant - Apprentice works under the direction of a Certified Medical Assistant mentor for on-the-job training to provide basic clinical, clerical, and technical support to assist providers in planning for patients’ care, comfort, and safety. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by a Certified Medical Assistant. All duties are completed in accordance with Heartland Health Services’ (HHS) mission, strategic goals, federal and state laws and regulations, performance and outcome, objectives, and accreditation standards.

Essential Functions – On the Job Learning

• Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
• Clean and sterilize medical equipment and instruments. Dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with standards.
• Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
• Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
• Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients
• Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
• Help clinicians and physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by a certified medical assistant preceptor.
• Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.
• Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.
• Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
• Apply and/or change bandages, dressings, or splints.
• Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.
• Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
• Set up medical laboratory equipment.
• Checks patient in by taking vitals, documenting pain, medications, allergies, reason for patient visit, and other flow sheets as required. Completes the appropriate electronic health record templates.
• Reviews patient chart, checks for any outstanding labs, x-ray results, or any medical visits since last appointment.
• Reviews patient medications and pends refills.
• EHR in baskets as assigned.
• Assists clinician during examinations and performs treatments, procedures, and waived lab testing within scope of competency and training. Administers medications as ordered by clinicians and according to HHS policy/protocol.
• Stocks and cleans exam room and cleans exam table and other furniture with appropriate cleansing agent as per protocol.
• Performs quality control duties regularly, in accordance with regulatory and department policy.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Runs EHR reports per protocol.
• Travels to various clinic locations as needed.
• Performs any clerical duty or department related task as assigned by supervisor in a continuously changing medical practice.
• Attends all staff meetings, department meetings, and any other meetings as required.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent. Enrollment in Illinois Central College accredited Medical Assistant Program
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to provide patient services appropriate to the ages served.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with department - communicates with other HHS departments, as needed, to resolve operational problems and make the most effective use of the resources in delivering quality patient care.
• Supports clinic compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and HHS rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures governing the clinical provision of medical services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, workplace safety, public health, and confidentiality.
• Supports and is involved in HHS’s continuous quality improvement efforts designed to improve patient outcomes.
• Works in consultation with clinical teams, direct clinical support staff, and indirect clinical support staff to develop and implement policies and procedures that maximize patient-centered communication and services.
• Maintains and assures confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HHS’s policies.
• Reports building/equipment problems through the appropriate channels.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Proficient computer skills for chart completion.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact and enhance patient relations.
• Licensure/Certifications - Basic Life Support; not required to start but must obtain within the first 90 days of hire.