Job Title: Cardiologist Medical Assistant

Job Summary: A Cardiologist Medical Assistant plays an essential role in supporting cardiologists and other healthcare professionals in the care of patients with heart and vascular conditions. This position involves a combination of clinical and administrative duties, including assisting with patient assessments, preparing patients for cardiology exams, performing diagnostic tests, and maintaining accurate patient records. The role requires a good understanding of cardiology-specific procedures and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Duties:

Patient Scheduling: Schedule appointments for cardiology patients, including initial consultations, follow-ups, and diagnostic tests (e.g., EKG, stress tests).

Patient Intake: Gather patient information, including medical history, family history of cardiovascular conditions, and current medications.

Insurance and Billing: Verify insurance coverage for cardiology services, obtain pre-authorizations for tests or treatments, and assist with coding and billing for procedures such as echocardiograms and catheterizations.

Medical Records Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic health records (EHR) for cardiology patients, including lab results, test findings, and physician notes.

Patient Communication: Contact patients to inform them of upcoming appointments, lab results, and follow-up care instructions, ensuring clear communication.

Clinical Duties:

Vital Signs and Patient Preparation: Measure and record vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and weight. Prepare patients for exams by explaining procedures and ensuring comfort.

Assist in Diagnostic Procedures: Assist the cardiologist during diagnostic procedures such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiograms, stress tests, and Holter monitor placements.

Perform Diagnostic Tests: Operate and maintain cardiology equipment like EKG machines, blood pressure cuffs, and ambulatory monitors.

Cardiac Monitoring: Monitor patients during diagnostic tests, noting any abnormal findings and reporting them to the cardiologist.

Patient Education: Educate patients on heart disease prevention, medication adherence, lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise), and the importance of follow-up care.

Administer Medications: Administer prescribed medications or injections as directed by the cardiologist, such as anticoagulants, and assist with management of chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension, cholesterol).

Cardiology-Specific Procedures: Assist in non-invasive cardiology procedures, such as stress tests, echocardiograms, and treadmill testing, by preparing patients and equipment and ensuring patient safety during the tests.

Infection Control and Safety:

Sterilization and Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that cardiology equipment is properly sterilized and maintained, following all infection control procedures and safety standards.

Sanitize Exam Rooms: Keep examination rooms and patient areas clean and organized, ensuring compliance with healthcare safety regulations.

Skills & Qualifications:

Education and Certification:

Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program (certification or degree) is required.

Cardiovascular or cardiology-specific training or certification is a plus (e.g., ECG certification).

Certification as a Medical Assistant (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) is often preferred.

Knowledge of Cardiological Terminology and Procedures:

Understanding of common cardiology terms, procedures, and conditions (e.g., arrhythmias, heart disease, hypertension).

Familiarity with cardiology tests and equipment such as EKGs, echocardiograms, stress tests, and Holter monitors.

Strong Communication Skills:

Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, and other medical staff.

Comfort in discussing sensitive health information and educating patients about heart health.

Attention to Detail and Organization:

Ability to manage patient records, test results, and appointment scheduling accurately.

Strong multitasking skills and the ability to manage clinical tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Technical Proficiency:

Experience with medical software, Electronic Health Records (EHR), and patient management systems.

Ability to operate cardiology equipment and technology (e.g., EKG machines, defibrillators, etc.).

Compassion and Patient Care:

Demonstrates empathy and a patient-centered approach, especially when dealing with patients with heart disease or chronic conditions.

Physical Stamina:

Ability to assist patients physically (e.g., moving patients, preparing equipment) and work long hours, if necessary.