Medical Assistant, Gastroenterology, Full-time (Downers Grove, IL)

Major Responsibilities :

Prepares and rooms the patient for exam by obtaining vital signs and gathering / documenting / updating pertinent health information (i.

e., chief complaint, allergies, and / or medications). Monitors and completes Clinical Integration / Quality Improvement measures with notification to clinician for opportunities within their scope.

• Performs laboratory procedures (i.e., strep test, wound culture, specimen collection, etc.) using principles of aseptic technique and standard precautions / infection control guidelines.
• Assists the Physician / Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) with procedures such as pelvic exams, allergy scratch testing, EMG, cautery, colposcopy, etc.
• Administers routine medications, under Physician / APC orders or medical group approved standing orders / protocols, which may include but are not limited to immunizations, antibiotics, vitamins, and topical agents.
• Follows through with necessary procedure or test requests, pre-approved care algorithms, new appointment times and referrals to other facilities or services.

Refers questions to Registered Nurses and Physician / APC per scope of practice guidelines and relays information back to patient as directed.

Communicates with Physician / APC and other members of the health care team to ensure smooth clinic flow and adjusts as necessary.

Effectively communicates accurate and timely information with the patient.

May perform basic and advanced clinical support tasks or skills based on the specialty and appropriate competencies such as but not limited to removal of sutures and staples, laboratory procedures (throat / nose culture, drug screen), phlebotomy - butterfly, venous heel stick, EKG, spirometry, Holter monitor application, prescription refills using approved protocols, etc.

under clinical supervision.

Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his / her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.

Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and / or Certification Required :

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 45 days unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required :

• GED or HS Equivalency Diploma.
• Completion of an accredited or approved program in Medical Assistant, or 2 years of verifiable full-time experience as a Medical Assistant within the last 5 years.

Experience Required :

No experience required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required :

• Ability to perform routine and complex technical skills, within the Medical Assistant scope of practice after demonstrated competency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with a variety of patients, team members and physicians.
• Proficient computer skills including keyboarding, navigation within a windows operating system, and use of electronic mail with exposure to electronic medical records systems.
• Demonstrates customer service skills that support a positive patient experience.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions :

• Must sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, crawl, kneel, climb, and reach above shoulders throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other team member, when available.
• Unique patient lifting / movement situations will be assessed on a case- by -case basis.
• Must have functional speech, vision, hearing, and touch with ability to use fine-hand manipulation skills.
• Will be exposed to the following hazards on a frequent basis : mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood and body fluids.

Will be required to wear protective clothing and equipment as needed.

Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.

Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.