Clinical Assistant/Medical Assistant, Dermatology

The MAs in dermatology remain in the exam room for the entire duration of the patient visit. They take part in normal intake duties, setting up/assisting during procedures, perform QC checks for every biopsy taken (which is a manual process that is done on paper), and act as a scribe for the providers. Lastly, they carry out all check-out duties; providing AVS, making all follow-up appointments, etc. In current state our APs receive 2 MAs per clinic. They see a total of 24 patients, with each visit lasting 20 minutes. Our physicians see a total of 34 patients, with each visit lasting either 10 minutes or 20 minutes. We have several resident and specialty clinics where residents see 12-14 patients per day, with each visit lasting 30 minutes due to the complex nature of patient diagnoses, continuity of care needs, and our thorough approach to resident training. These clinics are staffed with 2 MAs.

Future state, with the advancement in technology, we would be able revaluate our provider to MA ratios. I do think we could get to a 2-2.5 DCA model for all providers with the implementation of the derm module, which would eliminate the need to manually QC our biopsies, as well as when additional Ai scribing tools are implemented and available to all. We could look to partner with the float pool to develop a model where MAs belong to dermatology but can be repurposed throughout the network on days when our visit volumes are low.

The Clinical Assistant, Dermatology plays a key role in supporting patient care throughout the clinical visit. This includes patient check-in, rooming, scribing during visit, check-out, and follow-up coordination. This position consistently demonstrates and promotes the values of the organization while working closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants under the supervision of the practice manager.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts pre-visit planning by reviewing and if necessary, updating the patient’s medical record with recent test results and correspondence, determining needed services per practice protocol.

• Confers with the provider regarding any incomplete patient tests, consults or other incomplete orders prior to the patient visit.

• Responsible for prepping patients for their examination and escorting them into the exam room. Preparation includes: height, weight and vital signs; update medication list; update allergies in record; update personal, family and social history; inquire about smoking status; obtains the reason for the visit.

• Performs provider documentation of patient information in Electronic Medical Record following entity guidelines in addition to entering provider orders per provider instructions in a complete, thorough, and timely manner. 

• Clarifies and corrects any documentation under the direction of the provider and communicates to provider when chart is complete and ready for review and sign off. 

• Provides other patient care services as needed/directed: keeps exam rooms clean; maintaining clinical supplies, equipment, and appropriate instrumentation in exam rooms; cleans and autoclaves contaminated instruments.

• Responsible to dispose Bio-Hazardous waste and regular waste per practice protocol.

• As appropriate assists with scheduling outpatient testing, pre-certifying patients for procedures and referral processing, responds to patient communications within practice guidelines, refill medications per practice protocol, provides patients with information relating to their visit (info packets, vaccine advisory sheets, etc).

• Communicates and coordinates with providers or Care Coordinators regarding hospital discharge, ED visits, consulting physicians, community resources, disease management, patient self-management, patient and/or family education on chronic conditions, individualized patient care plan, and follow-up contact with patient as indicated to ensure compliance with recommendations, medications, labs or other testing as well as specialist visits.

• Performs other related duties as assigned to support department and organizational priorities.

​PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Requires sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time (up to 8 hours at time). Requires continual use of fingers for patient care, writing and computer entry. Routinely uses upper extremities; occasional requirement to lift up to 25 pounds.  Occasionally push cart with supplies up to 30 pounds. Occasionally push wheelchair with patient weighing up to 325 pounds. Regularly requires ability to stoop, bend and reach above shoulder level. Requires ability to hear normal conversation and good general, near and peripheral vision. 

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

One year of clinical experience OR graduate of Medical Assistant program required. Two years of experience in similar healthcare setting is preferred. Customer service experience is strongly preferred. BLS/CPR: Current or within 60 days of hire; through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Where applicable, a 30/60/90 day on-boarding checklist will be completed during the on-boarding process for new or transferred employees to confirm mastery of skills relevant to the service line. This on-boarding checklist will be acknowledged by practice leadership or a provider when appropriate; records will be retained at the practice location.

Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address.  Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer.  Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable.  It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application.  Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!