Medical Assistant - Pulmonary

Employment Duration: 4-5 months (w/ potential for extension)

As a patient-centered organization, UCSF Medical Center exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership and respect. UCSF Medical Center seeks faculty and staff who are committed to the values of professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence that are integral to our mission.

Under the supervision of the Practice Supervisor/Manager, guided by the policies and procedures of Ambulatory Services, and in collaboration with the Clinical Nursing Staff, the Hospital Assistant assists in the delivery of care to patients in the Pulmonary, ILD and Optimal Clinics. Responsibilities include a variety of personal care and clinical procedures to support positive patient care outcomes. The Hospital Assistant performs assigned patient care, review of systems data collection, laboratory procedures, and supports specialty care services provided to patients. The incumbent adheres to the Medical Center Telephone and House Standards and serves as a mentor to support staff development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform routine clinical functions and document patient information, including vital signs, height, weight, pain screening, and chief complaints.
• Document interpreter use and coordinate interpreter services for patient appointments.
• Prepare patients for examinations and procedures in collaboration with nurses and providers.
• Perform walk tests.
• Assist with departmental procedures as needed.
• Assist patients in updating and reviewing medication lists.
• Abstract and update medical information for providers.
• Assist patients with completion of clinical research forms.
• Accurately enter clinical data into patient flowcharts.
• Review required laboratory results prior to provider visits and obtain missing results when necessary.
• Complete required competencies to perform or assist with specialty procedures.
• Support providers in managing and reviewing in-basket messages.
• Serve as a chaperone for medical providers as needed.
• Provide internal float coverage across the department.
• Transport patients safely as directed.
• Monitor patient flow throughout the clinic.
• Maintain required clinical logs.
• Assist with clinical surveys and chart audits.
• Coordinate referrals ordered by physicians.
• Perform clinical activities accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist providers with preparing and sending patient communications.
• Mentor incoming staff by sharing knowledge and resources.
• Comply with Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies related to infection control, safety, administrative and clinical practice, including applicable regulatory requirements.
• Complete annual competency testing.
• Ensure medication cabinets remain secure and clinical supplies are adequately stocked.
• Communicate and coordinate patient care with providers and support staff.
• Review clinical information to support specialty medication prior authorizations.
• Review incoming referrals for required information before clinical review.
• Process prior authorizations for medications and procedures.
• Support appeals for denied medications and procedures by providing additional clinical information.
• Process durable medical equipment (DME) orders and coordinate with DME vendors and representatives.
• Review after-visit summaries, checklists, and treatment plans with patients as directed.
• Participate in daily clinic huddles.
• Manage clinical in-basket messages with the care team.
• Prepare new patient referrals for clinical review using disease-specific checklists.
• Review approved patient education materials with patients.
• Assist clinical research staff in preparing patients for research visits.
• Support patient registration, scheduling, insurance verification, authorizations, provider scheduling, and related administrative functions as assigned.
• Maintain professional communication with patients, families, providers, and staff in accordance with UCSF Telephone and House Standards.
• Notify providers of delays, communicate clinic status updates, and assist with patient concerns using conflict management skills.
• Utilize the electronic health record (APeX) within scope of practice, including documentation, point-of-care testing, medication reconciliation, telephone encounters, and provider message management.
• Maintain clean, organized, and well-stocked exam rooms and clinical areas.
• Coordinate meal and rest break coverage with other Hospital Assistants.
• Follow infection control, cleaning, disinfection, and equipment sterilization procedures.
• Participate in quality improvement and customer service initiatives.
• Perform other patient care-related duties as required.

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