In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs basic patient care/support functions under direction of Provider and within scope of licensure/certification. Basic patient care includes preparing patients for Provider, obtaining and recording vital signs and patient information, performing basic lab and phlebotomy procedures, and other similar tasks within scope of certification. An incumbent also performs front and back office duties, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining inventories, and cleaning/preparing exam rooms.

Incumbents are also accountable for maintaining the confidentiality of all medical information and adhering to department and hospital safety, risk management, standard precautions standards, policies and procedures related to the assigned Clinic Practice.

Essential Job Functions:

Greets and prepares patients for practitioner visit; obtains and records vital signs and other appropriate information such as height, weight, drug allergies, current medications and presenting problems; positions, drapes and cleans up after examinations under Provider supervision; provides patient mobility assistance as necessary.

Performs basic lab and phlebotomy procedures, draws blood and performs EKGs and laboratory procedures, administers approved medications via oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular or intradermal routes, informs patients of lab results, and mails reports to patients, under the supervision of provider.

• May pend orders which include laboratory testing and radiology studies for provider sign-off.

Documents, in the electronic medical record, medical visits/procedures performed by healthcare providers in accordance with established procedures.

• Enters data such as: patient medical history/physical exam results, patient education/explanation of benefits/risks, provider-dictated diagnoses, prescriptions and instructions for patient/family relating to self-care and follow-up, and prepared referral letters as directed by the provider.

Reviews medical documentation to validate information and to identify inconsistencies/errors and facilitate overall accuracy of the medical record in accordance with established procedures/requirements.

• Reviews clinical data, lab and/or other test results and the interpretation of the test results by the provider.
• Troubleshoots/resolves routine issues and escalates non-routine issues to provider or other appropriate contact.
• Understands and applies legal/ethical requirements relating to the preparation of medical documentation and patient confidentiality.

Prepares, cleans and sterilizes instruments; disposes of contaminated items in accordance with established standards; keeps exam rooms clean, orderly and well stocked; maintains adequate inventory of supplies; anticipates providers need for medications, supplies, and equipment and plans accordingly.

Schedules appointments to include office visits, ultrasound, non-stress tests and processes/authorizes referrals to other Medical Care Providers, Clinics and facilities as instructed; works with the other CHI-FH Departments in scheduling appointments for mutual clients.

• May perform front office clerical duties such as billing, collection and registration functions, verifying insurance and collecting co-payments.
• Coordinates patient flow to ensure sufficient time for patient/family education.
• Performs telephone communication functions; giving clear information both verbally and in writing.

Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient Population Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the departments defined specific populations served.

Performs related duties as required.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

High School Diploma (or GED equivalent) and completion of a Medical Assistant certification program at an accredited institution or validation of equivalent military training (i.e. Hospital Corpsman) that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities.

One year of work experience as a Medical Assistant preferred.

Job Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of aseptic techniques, phlebotomy techniques (venous and capillary sampling), and intradermal, subcutaneous and intra-muscular injections.
• Knowledge of the meaning and use of medical terminology and abbreviations.
• Knowledge of the practices, standards and tools/equipment relating to the assigned clinical specialty, including patient care process, emergency procedures and safety issues.
• Knowledge of medical office principles, practices, systems and medical tools/equipment, including CPT and ICD-9 coding protocols.
• Knowledge of examination, diagnostic and treatment room procedures sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
• Knowledge of the application and functionality of electronic medical records systems and transcription equipment sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the medical/legal implications associated with the transcription of patient records.
• Ability to understand and follow safety, risk management and Universal Precautions standards and guidelines.
• Ability to demonstrate effective time management, office and departmental organization, exercising good judgment, and decision-making.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks.
• Ability to accurately compile statistical data (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing).
• Ability to express ideas and convey information effectively in verbal and written communications in order to maintain records and record test results within the Electronic Medical Record.
• Ability to perform hematocrits.
• Ability to read and understand English sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level of proficiency.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by the duties of the position.

Licensure/Certification

• Current certification by the State of Washington as a Medical Assistant-Certified.
• Current Healthcare Provider BLS Certification.
• If assigned to the FMG Float Pool, current drivers license and ability to drive to assigned location(s).