Definition
Performs duties required to assist health care professionals in the examination and treatment of ambulatory patients such as preparation of patient and environment for treatment, conducting basic laboratory and electrocardiogram tests, care of the patient post-treatments, patient education, and clerical reception functions.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Under general supervision, assists health care professionals in the delivery of direct patient care in an ambulatory patient care setting.
Typical Work
Schedules routine and special procedures such as sigmoidoscopy, joint aspiration, surgical biopsy, amniocentesis, and lumbar puncture; prepares patients for and assists health care professionals with the procedures;
Monitors patient's condition following procedures;
Recognizes emergent/urgent problems and provides basic telephone screening;
Assists with sick call triage and reception/intake process;
Observes and documents in the medical record the patient's physical and emotional condition and vital signs; recognizes and reports symptomalogy of common medical illnesses to physician or nurse;
Performs procedures including ear irrigation, urethral catheterization, sterile dressing changes or medication administration as directed by a physician;
Performs basic laboratory examinations, venipuncture, and 12-lead electrocardiogram including rhythm strips, pregnancy testing, and throat cultures;
Recognizes and reports abnormal laboratory values and radiology reports to physician or nurse;
Presents portions of the pre- and post-procedure patient education sessions;
Prepares and maintains examination and treatment areas; prepares patient for and assists during patient examinations;
Monitors patient flow in clinic to assure efficient clinic operations;
Schedules new and return appointment; uses computer system to check patients in and out of clinics;
Prepares medical record for clinic visit and documents information to complete patient check-in process (or notes patient cancellation/failure);
Completes billing documents verifying the correctness of charges and that diagnoses have been obtained; responds to patient billing questions referring as necessary to appropriate source;
Verifies presence of medical records and x-rays prior to scheduled appointments; requests existing records and x-rays as necessary;
Transports patients and lab specimens;
Orders medical and clerical supplies; stocks examination rooms;
Performs related duties as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
Completion of a Medical Assistant course accredited by the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA);
OR
High school graduation or equivalent.
AND
one year of experience providing direct patient care in a health care setting
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
Revised Title/Class: 8-3-90
General revision. Revises class code (formerly 6265), typical work; effective July 1, 2007.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.