Medical Assistant

Primary Responsibilities

Responsible for assisting the Podiatrists in the clinical treatment of patients.

Specific Duties

Patient Management

• Gather and review patient charts for the day
• Set up exam rooms for procedures
• Escort patients to treatment room
• Seat patients in treatment rooms
• Show care and concern, and help patients feel comfortable
• Obtain and review health histories according to office protocol
• Take x-rays of patients as prescribed by Podiatrists
• Anticipate and assist Podiatrists’ needs
• Perform clinical procedures as practice act allows and as directed by Podiatrists
• Perform expanded functions and other tasks as assigned by the Podiatrists
• Ensure patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave
• Ensure proper treatment notes, services rendered, and any charges are recorded in patient’s chart
• Give patient instruction and demonstrate when necessary
• Escort patients from the treatment room
• Monitor patient flow

Exam Room Management & Sterilization

• Check exam rooms for cleanliness and make necessary changes
• Check and turn on exam room equipment
• Gather and review patient charts for the day
• Clean exam rooms at the end of the day and turn off equipment
• Ensure that treatment rooms are stocked at all times
• Maintain a supply inventory and submit to the Lead Medical Assistant and/or Office Manager each week or as necessary
• Properly discard all disposable items from each visit
• Assemble soiled instruments and place in sterilization area
• Clean exam room surfaces with disinfectant solution
• Pre-soak soiled instruments in a disinfectant
• Sort and package instruments by tray for proper sterilization
• Load, activate, and vent the sterilization unit according to manufacturer’s directions
• Store instruments and trays in appropriate places

Records Management

• Securely store and handle patient records in compliance with office policies and procedures and applicable legal requirements, such as HIPAA regulations
• Accurately record medical histories
• Accurately file patient information
• Arrange patient charts and x-rays
• Track cases and referrals to and from other doctors

Office Participation

• Help in other areas of the office when necessary (i.e., answering phones, unpacking supplies, completing insurance forms, moving former patient records, etc.)
• Be an active participant in team meetings
• Promote team concept by interacting with others in the office

Personnel Requirements

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduate of accredited medical assistant program or medical assisting experience preferred
• Coursework in medical instruments and procedures
• Compliance with state medical practice requirements (e.g., x-ray requirements, OSHA training)
• Working knowledge of computers for word processing, insurance claims processing and records management
• Commitment to CE for career development

Interpersonal

• Good interpersonal skills to maintain effective rapport with patients, Podiatrists, other staff members and community
• Effective verbal skills to communicate with patients and staff