Medical Assistant – Primary Care

Employment Duration: 3 months (w/ potential for extension)

Under supervision of the Nurse Manager, guided by policies and procedures of Ambulatory Services, the Hospital Assistant II assists in the delivery of care to patients being seen in the practice. They perform assigned patient care procedures in support of the care services provided to patients within the practice and are required to adhere to the Telephone and House Standards adopted by the department.

The Hospital Assistant II also assists with front- and back-office responsibilities, including scheduling, pre-registering, verifying insurance, obtaining referrals and authorizations, and coordinating required medical and financial information. They work as a team member with other staff and consistently project a professional, caring, and courteous demeanor.

The Hospital Assistant II is responsible for efficient patient flow and provides support to multiple physicians. They communicate with referring physicians’ offices and serve as a liaison for outside providers. They are responsible for insurance authorizations and pharmacy refills, as well as complicated treatment authorizations and hospital admission arrangements. The Medical Assistant must have flexibility to cover multiple UCSF Health center clinics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor patient flow in and out of the clinic.
• Obtain patients’ vital signs, height, weight, pain screening, and documentation of chief complaints, and may room patients.
• Utilize ApeX for documentation within the scope of practice of a Medical Assistant.
• Assist nurses and providers in preparation for exams and/or equipment, such as biopsy/PAP.
• Update HCM banner. Carry out orders, provide AVS, schedule follow-up, and discharge patients.
• Obtain specimens and perform simple Point of Care Testing as directed, including QA/QC and EKGs.
• Upon successful completion of UCSF-specific medication administration tests, training, modules, and observations, administer injectable vaccines after verification of medication and dose with the provider immediately prior to vaccine administration.
• Comply with all Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies and procedures for infection control, safety, administrative, and clinical practice. Comply with activities mandated by TJC/Title 22.
• Transport patients as directed and ensure their safety.
• Document use of an interpreter as appropriate. Work with interpreting services to facilitate interpreter participation for medical appointments in person, by video, or by phone.
• Utilize ambulatory non-provider protocols to order and sign POCTs.
• Participate in updating mandatory logs, including temperature, disaster cabinet, and crash cart logs.
• Perform clinical activities accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist with procedures as needed for the department specialty and as determined by the Manager or Director.
• Perform in-basket functions identified as areas of responsibility related to patient messages, labs, authorizations, and other tasks.
• Act as a chaperone as needed for medical providers.
• Notify providers of patient delays and service issues.
• Advocate for patients by helping facilitate provider punctuality.
• Communicate provider delays to the front-office team and assist patients with issues and complaints using conflict-management skills.
• Share pertinent information and observations with other health team members.
• Complete referrals to other providers as ordered by the physician, obtain authorizations from insurers for medications, and assist physician staff in writing and sending patient communications.
• Maintain clean, well-stocked exam rooms and maintain lab equipment and supply standards as directed by nursing staff or the appropriate supervisor.
• Demonstrate service excellence by following the Everyday PRIDE Guide and UCSF Medical Center standards and expectations for communication and behavior.
• Use effective communication skills with patients and staff; demonstrate proper telephone techniques and etiquette; assist patients and family members needing directions; show sensitivity to cultural differences; and demonstrate positive, supportive teamwork.
• Exhibit tact and professionalism in difficult situations according to PRIDE Values and Practices.
• Understand and adhere to privacy, confidentiality, and security policies and procedures related to Protected Health Information (PHI) and other sensitive and personal information.
• Understand and adhere to safety and infection-control policies and procedures.
• Assume accountability for improving quality metrics associated with the department/unit and meeting organizational and departmental targets.
• Keep working areas neat, orderly, and clutter-free, including hallways. Follow cleaning processes, return items to their appropriate locations, and remove and report broken equipment and furniture.
• Pick up and dispose of litter found throughout the facility.
• Post flyers and posters only in designated areas.
• Know where the Environment of Care Manual is kept in the department and correct or report unsafe conditions to the appropriate departments.
• Protect the physical environment and equipment from damage and theft.
• Assist in other departments when necessary.
• Practice and maintain State and other regulatory body policies.
• Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for department expectations and standards.
• Perform other relevant duties as needed.