Medical Assistant (Telemed) (Healthcare)

JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Center Manager or Telemedicine Supervisor, the Medical Assistant is responsible in providing support for all activities involving services in Telemedicine. Responsible for referral authorizations, scheduling appointments, operating equipment, collecting data, supporting physicians and during consultations, and promoting the program. The MA/CMA prepares the exam rooms, charts medications that are prescribed by specialist, and performs/implements orders for diagnostic tests. Provides patient education under the direction of the specialist when appropriate.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Administrative:
· Serve as the primary contact for scheduling telemedicine consultations.
· Answer incoming telephone calls and appropriately handle each call by obtaining adequate information to schedule proper Telemedicine consultation.
· Act as a liaison between referring physicians, patients, clinic staff, and other departments or services as needed.
· Provide input for long-term development strategies.
· Provide input into existing clinic and department calendars.
· Prepare monthly reports to granting agencies, for funding sources as required for funding purposes.
· Provide organized feedback regarding operational issues to facilitate further program development.
· Answer questions appropriately and within the realm of knowledge, and relay the information to the proper clinician or to the Telemedicine Specialist. Provide follow-through to ensure that all issues/questions are resolved.
· Communicate with telemedicine far site clinic staff regarding consult, and patient schedules, and advise when changes are needed.
· Complete Treatment Authorization Request and follow through to obtain approval for specific medications prescribed by Telemedicine specialists.
· Responsible for working with appropriate site staff to bill for Telemedicine services.
· Updates clinic medication module to reflect medications that are prescribed elsewhere by Telemedicine specialist.
Equipment:
· Prepare consult rooms and equipment prior to scheduled consults. Make sure successful video connection has been made to specialty site and stand by during consult to provide technical assistance when necessary.
· Assist in user training of new application or system enhancements.
· Ability to maintain and properly use telemedicine cart equipment.
· Install, configure, test and maintain video conferencing hardware/software with support from the Information Technology department.

MA/CMA - Specific Tasks and Duties:
· Performs data collection and documentation for assessment purposes.
· Prepares the exam room and work station for clinic; cleans and stocks rooms in between patients.
· Prepares the patient and assists the specialist with exams and procedures when needed.
· Performs diagnostic and laboratory tests including but not limited to fasting blood sugar, HgA1C, EKG, spirometry, in-house CLIA-waived tests according to SCHC competency standards and protocols.
· Assures all diagnostics and referrals have been completed.
· Assures all documents for scanning contain patient identification.
· Performs end of shift tasks for room closure, cleans equipment, and logs off EMR.
· Assures efficient patient flow by ongoing assessment of clinician schedule, and working with other staff to minimize patient waiting time.
· Follows SCHC standards for Universal Precautions.
· Schedules patients appropriately.
· Alert Center Manager or designated person of needed supplies/equipment.
· Reports any safety hazards.
· Performs vitals, inputs in EMR, and communicates them to the specialist during clinics.
· Performs physical examinations at the direction of clinicians, to be interpreted by specialist via video connection.
· Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
· General knowledge of clinic scheduling systems and billing system.
· Computer skills and an ability to learn and understand the general technical requirements for the Telemedicine system. Ability to provide basic technical support and to triage more difficult problems to appropriate staff.
· Proficiently operate a PC, and experience with/or ability to learn word processing, spreadsheet, database, and e-mail.
· Organizational skills to prioritize workload and meet deadlines, develop and carry-out project assignments in an efficient and timely manner and to provide accurate and succinct documentation of activities.
· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with physicians and clinical staff.
· Ability to positively represent Telemedicine to external organizations and participants.
· Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and diplomacy with dealing with individuals at any level.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, use mature judgement, and work independently without supervision.
· Knowledge of standard nursing care and procedures.
· Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions.
· General working knowledge of reimbursement mechanisms and various payer types.
· Typing 35 WPM or greater.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
· High school diploma or equivalent.
· Completion of a formal Medical Assistant program.
· Current CPR/BLS certification upon hire and maintain current.
· Experience working in a clinical setting with technicians, nurses, and physicians.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· California CMA Certification.
· Previous experience working in an outpatient clinic or doctor's office.
· Typing 45 WPM or greater.
· Previous experience working in a telemedicine setting.