Job Description

The Certified Medical Assistant reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

• The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a multi-skilled worker who assumes a wide range of clinical and administrative roles within the physician office setting. Under the supervision of a Physician and/or the direction of a licensed nurse, the CMA provides direct and indirect patient care, performs laboratory and other testing, and may assist with clerical functions. The CMA serves as a key team player when interacting and communicating with patients and/or clinical staff in the ambulatory care environment.

_ Responsibilities:_

• Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers. Addresses questions and concerns promptly, or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so. Provides directions or help to patients and customers with finding their way.
• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
• Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments. Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others.
• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
• Rooms patients and provides direct patient care under the supervision of a physician, and/or direction of an RN/LPN. Records medical, surgical and family histories, medications and vital signs. Prepares patients for office procedures and assists nursing and medical staff with routine examinations and patient treatments. Always considers specific patient needs; administers care according to individual age and abilities.
• Explains treatment procedures to patients; reinforces patient education regarding medication and special diets or testing that has been provided by the RN/LPN or physician (for example, the After Visit Summary).
• Administers injections and medications as directed by physician.
• Performs point of care testing, including venipuncture, urine dips, finger sticks, strep screens, flu screens, pregnancy tests, and cultures. Independently performs other tests and/or office procedures such as EKG's, pulmonary testing, and chronic disease management testing.
• Is knowledgeable about the purpose, process and results for tests and lab specimens frequently performed in an office setting.
• Relays NORMAL test results to patient or reads results, verbatim, from the physician documentation. Consults an RN, LPN, or physician should the patient have questions regarding their results.
• Adheres to CDPG Environment of Care policies. Maintains infection control standards for exam/procedure rooms and areas where patient care services are delivered. Cleans, disinfects, changes linen etc. Performs quality checks and trouble-shoots office instruments. Is knowledgeable of sterilization techniques and biological indicators for sterilization.
• Participates in shared governance, committee work, and practice/department projects.
• Demonstrates the knowledge of proper identification and reporting of medical/health care errors.
• Demonstrates a willingness to support co-workers; voluntarily pitches in. Willing to mentor and train new staff. Acts as an integral member of the team.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly with all. Maintains a good working relationship within the office and other ancillary departments. Demonstrates a positive attitude.
• Handles situations in a mature and professional manner.
• Prioritizes and re-prioritizes workflow and maintain an organized workspace.
• Engages in teamwork as a team player and a team builder.
• Meets current standards and policies for documentation. Provides documentation that is timely, accurate, up to date, complete and legible.
• Charges for all ancillary services performed
• Participates in ongoing educational activities appropriate to the area of practice. Seeks experiences, formal and independent learning activities to maintain and develop clinical and professional skills and knowledge. Shares knowledge from continuing education programs with co-workers.
• Exhibits creativity and flexibility through the dynamics of change.
• Appropriately utilizes the functionality of the medical record and practice management systems within their job responsibilities, for example, all documentation, order entry, results, referrals, etc.
• Stays informed of medical record and practice management system updates and implements into daily work.
• Utilizes online resources efficiently including Outlook, Corridors, and Team Sites.
• Completes other duties as assigned

Qualifications

_ Required:_

• Two or more years of recent experience working as a Medical Assistant in a physician office setting or completion of an accredited Medical Assisting Program
• High School Diploma or equivalent with 2 or more years of experience as Medical Assistant or completion of an accredited Medical Assisting Program
• American Heart Association accredited Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
• Completion of phlebotomy class or equivalent experience. Basic computer knowledge. Ability to type proficiently and accurately. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Ability to assess and determine situations requiring an interpreter and to use interpreter services effectively.
• New graduates/hires must obtain certification/registration within 1 year from hire date. The following certifications will be accepted:
  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
  • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT) or
  • National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
  • Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) through the National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP)
  • An active RN or LPN license in the state of Illinois will be accepted in lieu of CMA certification

_ Preferred:_

• Associates degree in Medical Assisting
• Second language proficiency a plus

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.