Medical Office Assistant
Under the direction of the Public Health Department Employee Health & Wellness Division, the Medical Office Assistant plays a key role in supporting the clinic to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. This position provides both administrative and clinical assistance not limited to the contracted Medical Provider, RN, Nurse Practitioners Supervisor, and Registered Nurses; assists in delivering high-quality patient care in a professional, efficient, and compassionate manner. This role bridges patient care and office coordination is responsible for welcoming patients, assisting with examinations and treatments, maintaining accurate medical records, case management, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical setting.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities :
- Assists the contracted Medical Provider, RN, Nurse Practitioner Supervisor, and Registered Nurses with patient care activities or personal cases.
- Assists administrative staff members in any duties assigned or required, including front office coverage.
- Prepares patients for examinations, procedures, and treatments.
- Records vital signs, height, weight, medical history, and chief complaints in the medical record.
- Performs basic clinical procedures such as specimen collection, vaccinations, blood draws, point-of-care testing, and patient rooming.
- Maintains examination rooms by ensuring cleanliness, stocking supplies, and preparing necessary equipment.
- Provides patient education on follow-up instructions, preventive care, and treatment plans as directed by providers.
- Schedules patient appointments, referrals, and follow-up visits, as well as providing Return to Work slips.
- Answers phone calls, routes messages, and manages patient inquiries professionally.
- Verifies patient demographics; and maintains accurate records.
- Manages medical records and ensures compliance with confidentiality and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.
- Works closely with RN, Nurse Practitioners Supervisor, contracted Medical Providers, and Registered Nurses to ensure coordinated patient care.
- Supports the clinical team during busy clinic hours by anticipating needs and prioritizing tasks.
- Participates in staff meetings, trainings, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Coordinates with medical and administrative staff on managing, maintaining, and updating the inventory and on restocking-of medical and pharmaceutical supplies within the clinic.
- Assists in providing feedback of the effectiveness of the clinic's operations.
- May assist in providing division trainings, and new employee orientations.
- Participates in quality assurance initiatives, audits, and compliance reviews.
- Provides support in emergency situations (e.g., calling emergency services, assisting staff with urgent patient needs).
- Adapts to evolving technology, including electronic health records and telehealth platforms.
- Serves as a liaison between patients and clinical staff, ensuring questions and concerns are addressed promptly.
- Handles special projects or assignments as delegated by providers, nursing staff, or clinic management.
- Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties :
Knowledge of basic anatomy, physiology, and commonly used medical terminologyKnowledge of recording and interpreting vital signs, specimen collection, and point-of-care testing.Knowledge of preparing patients for examinations and assisting providers with routine clinical procedures.Knowledge of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations and patient confidentiality requirements.Knowledge of proper documentation practices in medical records (paper and electronic).Knowledge of infection control, workplace safety, and standard precautions.Knowledge of proficiency in using EHR (Electronic Health Record) systems for documentation, scheduling, and patient communication.Knowledge of familiarity with telehealth platforms and digital patient portals.Knowledge of basic computer skills, including email, scheduling systems, and office software (e.g., Word, Excel).Knowledge of front office operations, including scheduling, check-in / check-out, and answering multi-line phones.Knowledge of customer service and patient relations, with an emphasis on professionalism and compassion.Knowledge of inventory management for medical and pharmaceutical supplies.Knowledge of procedures for ordering, tracking, and coordinating supplies between administrative and medical staff.Knowledge of understanding of storage, handling, and documentation of medical and pharmaceutical products.Knowledge of strong communication skills to interact effectively with patients, providers, and staff.Knowledge of teamwork principles to support the RN, Nurse Practitioners, Supervisor, contracted Medical Providers, Registered Nurses, and administrative staff.Knowledge of conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies in a healthcare setting.Skills and Abilities :
Ability to accurately obtain and record vital signs, medical history, and patient concerns.Ability to assist providers during examinations, procedures, and treatments.Ability to perform basic laboratory tasks such as specimen collection and point-of-care testing.Ability to maintain clean and organized exam rooms with proper infection control practices.Ability to effectively manage scheduling, patient check-in / check-out, and appointment coordination.Ability to provide excellent customer service with professionalism and compassion.Ability to answer phones, route calls, and handle patient inquiries promptly and courteously.Ability to support administrative staff, including covering the front office when needed.Ability to use Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for accurate documentation and charting.Ability to operate office and medical equipment (printers, fax machines, vital sign monitors, EKGs, etc.).Ability to adapt to telehealth tools and other digital platforms.Ability to maintain an updated inventory of medical and pharmaceutical supplies.Ability to coordinate ordering, stocking, and distribution of supplies with both medical and administrative staff.Ability to track usage and report shortages in a timely manner.Ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced clinic setting.Ability to balance clinical support, front office responsibilities, and inventory management.Ability to anticipate provider and clinic needs, ensuring smooth daily operations.Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, providers, and coworkers.Ability to demonstrate empathy, patience, and professionalism in all interactions.Ability to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team.Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment in handling confidential information.Ability to adapt to changing needs of the clinic and team.Ability to provide outreach to other City of Laredo departments.Ability to take initiative in problem-solving and supporting colleagues.Ability to willingly perform any other duties as assigned to meet patient and clinic needs.Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.Work Environment / Conditions and Physical Demands :
Physical Effort Requirements : Position will have the following exposures :
Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and / or hazards. Occasional outside work.Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and / or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force