Outpatient Medical Assistant (MA)

Job Summary

The Outpatient Medical Assistant is responsible for implementing and coordinating patient care across

outpatient medical services at Sanford. This role requires a combination of clinical support skills,

organizational ability, and effective communication with both patients and staff. The Medical Assistant

collaborates with other Sanford departments and the outpatient clinical team to provide optimal patient

care and efficient patient flow, including developing effective systems to serve patients across

outpatient treatment sites.

Role and Responsibilities

• Collaborates with other teams and departments on clinic operations and patient scheduling.

• Provides direct patient care and care management services.

• Takes patient vitals as part of outpatient office visits or admissions for treatment.

• Communicates patient concerns to the provider, including but not limited to withdrawal

symptoms, medication effectiveness, medication side effects, and/or abnormal vital signs.

• Coordinates and maintains the prior authorization process for medication administration

(initiates, follows up, renews, etc.).

• Manages patient schedule which includes schedule new and current patient appointments.

• Coordinates with pharmacies on medication orders.

• Collects vitals and samples for urinalysis and urine drug screens.

• Performs lab draws for lab orders and coordinates lab pick ups and resulting.

• Monitors inventory for medications and medical equipment; organizes supplies and orders as

needed.

• Checks voicemail and returns patient phone calls in a timely manner.

• Identifies parameters that require additional provider intervention, including laboratory values,

vital signs, and observed changes in patient behavior.

• Educates patients on medications and treatment processes, as directed by the provider.

• Utilizes an electronic medical record (EMR) system for all documentation.

• Completes documentation and medication ordering in a timely manner.

• Protects patients’ rights by maintaining confidentiality of medical, personal, and financial

information in accordance with HIPAA.

• Meets regularly with the interdisciplinary team to discuss patient treatment.

• Ensures all orders from providers are carried out and that relevant patient information is

communicated promptly and clearly during treatment team meetings.

• Attends and remains current on required trainings and policies, including Handle With Care,

Basic Life Support (BLS), and HIPAA.

requirements to ensure HIPAA, universal precautions, safety standards, and organizational protocols are followed.

• Assists with the care of patients in the Spravato clinic, including prior authorization requests and medication ordering, when necessary.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 2 years of outpatient medical assistant experience, preferred.

• Prior experience with substance use disorders, eating disorders, or mental health, preferred.

• Current CPR/BLS Certification, required.

• Understanding of medical processes, policies, and procedures.

• Leadership skills, innovative mindset, and ability to navigate EMR efficiently and effectively.

• Strong communication skills, self-motivation, organizational skills, critical thinking, and effective

decision-making abilities.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality on all patient records and business-related records, as

required under HIPAA guidelines.

• Knowledge of substance use disorders, eating disorders, mental health illnesses, and

associated treatments.

• Knowledge and proficiency with use of electronic medical records (EMR).

• Strong attention to detail and efficient time management.

• Ability to adhere to and demonstrate knowledge of all HIPAA guidelines.

• Ability to identify own strengths and areas for improvement and communicate needs to

supervisor.

• Demonstrates professional behavior reflective of Sanford’s Mission Statement, Philosophy,

and Values.

• Must be able to relate well to all kinds of people both inside and outside the organization;

builds appropriate rapport and constructive relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; able to

diffuse high-tension situations comfortably.

• Must possess a positive attitude to enhance a cooperative and energetic work environment.

• Ability to be accountable and to give and receive constructive feedback. 

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking required (4–8 hours).

• Must be able to sit at a desk for various durations while working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift and carry medical supplies and equipment weighing up to 45 pounds, as

required; may occasionally lift items in excess of 35 pounds, with or without assistance.

• Must be able to adapt to physical demands including bending, stooping, and stretching, with or

without assistance.

• Must be able to safely handle biohazardous materials (e.g., blood, urine).

• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as typing for extended periods.

• Must be able to clearly express and exchange ideas by means of spoken word to impart oral

information accurately or quickly.

• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs daily.

• Must be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn, or otherwise work with hands.

• Must be able to perceive sound by ear to interpret oral information from employees or others

accurately or quickly.

• May occasionally push/pull medical equipment of varying weights, with or without assistance.

• Work will be performed in an office environment with fluctuating temperatures.

ADA Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If

requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform

the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. All requests must be made to the Human

Resource Department in writing