Clinical Office Assistant
Prepares and maintains exam rooms, prepares charts, obtains reports and records; assists with patient flow and ensures the overall smooth running of the clinical office. This position will work exclusively with sickle cell team. Hybrid work schedule may be available after orientation period. Holidays and weekends off.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Interacts directly with patients in clinic setting and completes clinical tasks, which may include obtaining vital signs, conducting EKGs, completing a phlebotomy and verifying medications.
- Prepares for office hours by doing tasks, such as obtaining charts, scheduling tests and preparing exam rooms.
- Assists with examinations, procedures and lab tests.
- May assist with renewal and authorization of non-narcotic medications per standing orders and department guidelines.
- May administer medications under the order of physicians or nurse practitioner (this includes vaccines and intramuscular and subcutaneous injections).
Communication and Documentation:
- Directs patient flow, assists with special procedures/treatments and completes requisitions.
- Routes phone messages, patient questions and telephone communications to appropriate personnel.
- Assists with care coordination by doing tasks outlined under the department guidelines, such as calling patients with test results; scheduling appointments; assisting with return calls; scheduling surgeries, diagnostic procedures and admissions; and monitoring new and return patient contacts, including scheduling of appointments and follow-up appointments.
- Completes necessary paperwork and documentation in a timely manner.
- Answers basic questions from patient/family regarding treatments, diagnosis and procedures.
- May complete requisitions/orders per Washington University guidelines.
Equipment and Supplies:
- Monitors supply inventory, ensuring adequate supplies, equipment or garments are available and that they comply with regulations.
- Cleans and stocks exam rooms and sterilizes instruments.
Other Functions:
- Maintains required HIPAA compliance, maintains skills/competencies and participates in in-services, staff programs, continuing education and cross-training programs according to established standards and Washington University policies.
- Complies with OSHA, state and federal regulatory sources/standards.
- Participates in quality improvement activities to ensure appropriate clinical outcomes.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
- Normal office environment
- Exposure to blood-borne pathogens
- Requires protective devices
- Patient care setting
- Direct patient care setting
Physical Effort:
- Typically sitting at desk or table
- Typically standing or walking
- Typically bending, crouching, or stooping
- Occasional lifting (25 lbs. or less)
Equipment:
- Office equipment
- Clinical/diagnostic equipment
Required Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.
Certifications: Basic Life Support certification (Online Basic Life Support certifications, those without a skills assessment component, are not sufficient to meet the Basic Life Support requirements).
Work Experience: Registered or Certified Medical Assistant with six months of related work experience (examples of related fields include military medic, emergency medical technicians, Nurse's Aide, physical therapy and nurse technicians, and certified athletic trainers). Medical Assistant credentials must be obtained from in-person proctored exams from the following certifying bodies: NHA, AAMA or AMT. In-person proctored credentials from other certifying bodies may be accepted upon approval from Human Resources.
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