Medical Assistant

Trinity Health Michigan (THM), one of the nation's top health care services providers, spans five counties in Southeastern Michigan. THM represents more than 2,700 physicians and 14,000 nurses and staff, and includes 6 Hospitals, 5 Outpatient Health Centers, 8 Urgent Care Facilities and over 25 Specialty Centers.

The Detroit Health Ministry (DHM) is a continuing ministry of Trinity Health. The DHM serves the primary care needs of both uninsured and underinsured adults in Michigan by providing primary care. All DHM locations strive to eliminate the barriers to accessing care that many individuals face throughout metro-Detroit. All DHM locations arrange for specialty care through relationships with specialists and partnerships with other organizations.

Position Purpose

Under physician direction and supervision, prepares patients for office visit, takes vital signs and records in medical record, obtains patient chief complaint, escorts patient to exam room, and prepares patient for physician visit. Assures patients are ready in the exam rooms for physician/mid-level provider arrival. Reviews patient medical record to assure that all needed test results, forms and reports are available to physician/provider. Assists physicians/providers with procedures and processes specimens according to established procedures. Performs in-office testing at direction of physician/provider e.g. EKG's, vision testing, strep tests, urinalysis, suture removals, injections, immunizations, etc. Assists physicians with completion of patient forms as requested by third parties. Arranges patient hospital admissions and test scheduling. Assures that clinical areas and drug sample areas are maintained according to JCAHO and other regulatory agencies. Maintains exam rooms to insure supplies are present and that room and equipment is in working order and in clean condition. May be required to assist with patient phone triage.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Prepares patient for office visit -obtains patient medical record, assures that necessary reports, forms and test results are available in the record, escort's patient to exam room. Obtains and documents patient vital signs and chief complaint. Assists patients with gowning as necessary. Assists physician or provider with examinations or procedures. Processes specimens according to established protocols.
• Completes in-office as directed by physician/provider, e.g. EKG's. injections, immunizations, vision tests, strep cultures, etc. Is able to demonstrate competency in performing these
• Maintains exam rooms to assure that equipment is in good working condition, supplies are available, room and contents are clean. Assures that room is safe for all ages of patients/visitors, e.g. sharps containers are stored in appropriate fashion.
• Assists physician/provider with completion of patient forms as requested by third parties, e.g. Workers comp, disability, etc. May be required to assist with copying of records for release of information requests. Assists physician and providers with prescription refill calls and patient call backs.
• Assists with managed care referral process, pre-authorization, and pre-certification processes. Schedules patient appointments with other physicians or ancillary testing departments at direction of physician. Arranges for inpatient admission to hospital.
• Assures that clinical work environment meets JCAHO and other regulatory agency requirements. Works in conjunction with MPC Clinical Coordinator, and others to assure compliance. May be requested to assist with the medical record audit process.
• Documents patient phone calls and advice/treatment given in the patient medical record. Assists physician with keeping problem lists and medication lists up to date. Assists physician with preventive medicine tracking, e.g. mammograms, Halc for diabetics, well-baby and well-child exams, etc.
• Develops and maintains appropriate patient logs and records, e.g., test ordered, such that tracking is possible to insure that test results are received, reviewed by physician and communication is given to the patient.
• Assists physician and Office Coordinator in the development and maintenance of procedures that accomplish recall systems for patient testing, e.g. HalC for diabetics, Coumadin logs, etc.
• Maintains patient confidentiality of information pertinent to patients, physicians, providers, families and visitors. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places.
• Evaluates factors related to safety, effectiveness, efficiency, environmental concerns and cost and chooses the option that results in acceptable outcomes.
• Receives and evaluates incoming telephone calls according to Best Practice Model for MPC and SJMHS customer service standards. Involves physician and or providers as appropriate to assure patient triage protocols are followed.
• Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner.
• Identify problems, offer solutions and participate in their resolution.
• Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of SJMHS
• Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.
• Knowledgeable of age-specific needs of patients following appropriate guidelines. Interacts with patients and others in a non-judgmental and nondiscriminatory manner that is sensitive to cultural, racial and ethnic diversity.
• All other duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience and Certification/Licensure

• CMA, RMA, CCMA, or NCMA, certification through an NCCA accredited program approved provider list includes the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the National HealthCareer Association (NHA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Required.
• 2 years previous clinical experience or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Formal education in medical terminology and anatomy & physiology preferred

Required Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with common prescription drugs
• Ability to demonstrate competency in obtaining accurate vital signs and in the performance of in-office procedures
• Must participate in and be knowledgeable in mandatory safety education and environment of care, e.g. infection control, universal precautions, medical waste disposal, quality control and proficiency testing for office equipment, proper handling of specimens, electrical safety, sterilization techniques, etc.
• Experience with managed care plans and the associated requirements of patient referrals

At Trinity Health we believe that taking care of our professionals leverages the quality of service we can provide to our patients. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that is just one aspect of what makes our career opportunities so remarkable.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.