Job Information
Northern Light Health Medical Assistant-MA in Portland, Maine
Northern Light Mercy Hospital
Department: Palliative Care Clinic
Position is located: Mercy Medical Office Building
Work Type: Full Time
Hours Per Week: 32.00
Work Schedule: TBD
This position is eligible for a $7,500 (minus tax, with work commitment) sign on bonus
Summary:
The Medical Assistant (MA) preforms a wide variety of clinical and administrative support functions for the Palliative Care Team, with a primary focus on ambulatory outpatient Palliative Care incoming and outgoing referrals, appointment scheduling, referral authorizations, care coordination, patient intake and review of history and home medication list for office visits.
This position assists patients and referring practices in retrieving all clinical and demographic materials necessary for the initial appointment, follow-up care, and care transitions.
Serves as the primary access point for patients and their families and Physician Groups for timely, efficient, and compassionate customer service. Assist in examination and treatment of patients under the direction of a Provider. This position is responsible for the review of and coordination of incoming referrals via fax, phone, and electronic medical record for nature of referral appropriateness, level of urgency, and completeness. The Palliative Care MA serves as an ambassador for Palliative Care, a clinical resource and customer service representative. Provides patient education regarding the nature of the appointment, scheduling processes and serves as a liaison between the patient, Palliative Care team, community, and other healthcare providers to ensure compassionate patient centric care.
Responsibilities:
Serves as a primary office phone contact/liaison with referral sources, customers, and families.
Answers calls promptly, professionally, and courteously.
Responsible for the review of and coordination of incoming referrals via fax, phone, and electronic medical record for nature of referral appropriateness, level of urgency, and completeness.
Schedules and coordinates patient appointments; initial consult, virtual visits, in-office follow-up visits and coordinating appointments with other ancillary teams and providers.
Verifies insurance coverage and obtains authorization if needed from the insurance carrier and provides administrative support such as registration and entering referrals and documents within the system.
Provides patient education regarding the nature of the appointment, scheduling processes and coordinates all initial consults and follow-up visits with patient.
Assist in examination and treatment of patients under the direction of a Provider. Interview patients, measure vital signs (i.e., pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight and height)
Update Patient histories including past medical history, past social history, past surgical history, medication history and allergies, and record information on patients' charts.
Assist with patient call backs to include, but not limited to, answering of patient questions within scope, reporting test results, medication/therapy changes.
Cultivates a patient centric environment which focuses on the whole individual inclusive of physical, psychosocial, spiritual and functional needs of the patient, family, and significant others.
Visit preparation and after-visit care coordination as needed including tracking order results for diagnostic orders and referrals, managing quality measure orders and results, coordinating routine care scheduling needs, and ensuring appropriate follow-up through collaboration with practice management team.
Active participation in quality improvement initiatives, care team huddles, operational huddles, organizational meetings, and clinical partnership meetings as requested.
Other duties as assigned.
Other Information:
- Must be comfortable having sensitive discussions with patients with life limiting, serious illnesses.
Competencies and Skills
Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
Education
Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)
Associates Degree strongly preferred.
Completion of medical assistant program enabling incumbent the ability to sit for Medical Assistant certification exam within 6 months of hire, or minimum of four years of relevant work experience and certification as a medical assistant.
Working Conditions
Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.
Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.
Potential exposure to noxious odors.
Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.
Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
Prolonged periods of sitting.
MA
Position Medical Assistant-MALocation Req ID null