The Medical Assistant is responsible for efficient and courteous registration, transfer and discharge of patients within established policies and procedures; thoroughly compiles and types of medical information for patients' records and statistical reports and maintains current and accurate patient account receivables. The Medical Assistant is responsible for performing a wide variety of patient care activities and accommodative services for the comfort and well-being of patients in accordance with physicians' orders.
• Performs basic patient care procedures as required.
• Participates in conferences and serves on committees as requested.
• Participates in patient and family education as necessary.
• Prepares for and assists with diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
• Takes and records vital signs, height, and weight.
• Performs catheterizations and provides catheter care.
• Administers oral and intra-muscular medications.
• Cares for patients receiving oxygen therapy.
• Applies sterile and non-sterile compresses and bandages.
• Tests urine for sugar, acetone, and pH.
• Assists with physical examinations.
• Applies ace bandages and hot and/or cold compresses.
• Collects specimens including blood, urine, stool, and sputum.
• May perform venipunctures and EKGs as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in the clinic.
• Remains alert and responds appropriately in emergency situations.
• Prepares used equipment for re-sterilization.
• Understands legal requirements for reporting to police, health departments, and other agencies and follows all reporting requirements.
• Accompanies or transfers patients to other departments such as the laboratory or x-ray department.
• Cleans and stocks examination rooms.
• Manages time effectively to expedite patient flow.
• Assists with minor outpatient surgery procedures.
• Greets patients courteously, determines their needs, and offers assistance.
• Registers patients by performing necessary procedures, including preparation of records, reports, notices, service charge slips, and payor information.
• Interviews patients, relatives, or others responsible to determine payment arrangements and refers unusual cases to the immediate supervisor.
• May assist self-pay patients in making suitable arrangements for balances due beyond initial deposits or third-party payments.
• Answers inquiries regarding patient accounts and advises patients on insurance benefits.
• Receives payments and deposits, issues receipts, and maintains proper accounting of funds received.
• Posts charges daily to the proper patient account.
• Posts payments to accounts daily.
• Determines billing methods for third-party payors.
• Contacts insurance carriers and agencies to obtain precertification of ancillary, admission, and surgical procedures.
• Operates various office equipment, including copiers, fax machines, and other assigned equipment.
• Operates communication systems, including placing and answering telephone calls and contacting staff as needed.
• May make and maintain appointment schedules for clinic physicians.
• May secure required signatures on reports and records relative to release of information in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Contacts patients, physicians, or others for information necessary to properly complete insurance or other billing requirements.
• Types memos, correspondence, and other documents as needed.
• Compiles periodic and statistical reports and other data as directed.
• High School Diploma required.
• Graduate of a Medical Assistant Training Program preferred.
• Up to one (1) year of experience required.
• Three (3) to six (6) months of on-the-job training required to attain proficiency of assigned duties and responsibilities if not certified.
• Obtain patient history and take vital signs to assist physician with examination and treatment.
• Prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas.
• Perform selected tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment.
• Screen and follow up on patient test results.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by the physician.
• Maintain medication records.
• Medical Assistant certification from an accredited program preferred.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), the Healthcare System of Appalachia, and ranked as one of the Top 10 Employers in Kentucky by Forbes Magazine, is a not-for-profit health system operating 13 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Prestonsburg, South Williamson, West Liberty and Whitesburg in Kentucky; as well as Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores and retail pharmacies. ARH employs more than 6,000 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $330 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 600 active and courtesy medical staff members. ARH is the largest provider of care and single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third largest private employer in southern West Virginia, and is consistently recognized for its medical excellence.
