Job Summary:  This position serves as a clinical medical office assistant at the Alleghany County office of AppHealthCare. This position will fill a critical role by providing support in AppHealthCare’s clinical service programs. The selected employee will report to the Medical Assistant Supervisor. The employee will verify patient information by interviewing the patient, recording medical history, and confirming the purpose of the visit. Prepare patients for examination by performing vital signs, height, weight, vision, and hearing screenings; assist nurses and physicians in the clinic with standard assignments such as patient interviews, form preparation, data entry, patient exams, specimen collection, and standard care procedures. Perform laboratory functions such as waived and moderately complex testing, finger sticks, and venipuncture; prepare specimens for microscopic viewing and/or transport to an outside lab.  

Evening clinic hours from 4:45 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday through Thursday.  Opportunities available for part-time or full-time status, and will consider shift preference for 4 hours (4:00 pm-8:00 pm), 8 hours (12:00 pm-8:00 pm), 10 hours (10:00 am-8:00 pm) or 12 hours (8:00 am-8:00 pm). 

Major Duties & Responsibilities:  

• Collect vital signs, height and weight, vision, and hearing (when applicable) on all patients served by AppHealthCare, regardless of program assignment.  • Provide support for the Adult Health Clinic by interviewing patients and preparing them for the office visit with the provider (FNP or MD). Document findings according to agency policies in EMR, narrative, etc. • Assist providers and RNs with exams, and procedures such as setup with appropriate instruments, equipment, and supplies. • Triage primary care patient calls and assist patients with appointment and medication refill needs by assigning to other appropriate clinical staff. • Contact patients with provider follow-up recommendations and lab results.  • Clean exam rooms in between patients to remove used items and prepare for the next patient according to proper infection control protocol. Keep the exam room stocked with supplies that are in good date and condition that pertain to all health department programs.  • Assist nursing and provider staff in obtaining and performing standard lab tests provided by this agency, both in-house and reference laboratories.  • Collection and/or preparation of specimens for testing.  • Complete all training requirements to perform lab tests and use equipment. Maintain laboratory competency requirements to perform CLIA-waived and moderately complex test procedures by completing quarterly testing records.  • Responsible for accurately performing all test procedures assigned, and documenting lab results in EMR correctly without error.  • Routinely maintain and check all laboratory equipment to ensure that they produce accurate and controlled testing results. Keep complete equipment and instrument records of function checks, routine maintenance, and repairs.  • Maintain testing records of laboratory test orders and tracking result reports.  • Maintain record of labs ordered each day to ensure all lab results have been received in a timely manner, and assigned to the appropriate provider or nurse.  • Follows guidelines for employee and patient safety set forth by AppHealthCare Exposure Control Plan, Medical Waste Management Program, and OSHA's Chemical Hygiene Plan. Agrees to participate in initial in-service at the time of employment and thereafter as deemed necessary by the Medical Assistant Supervisor and Lab Manager. Documentation and participation in such in-services are mandatory by law and are required for continued employment. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of patient care and techniques of infection control. • Knowledge of common health and safety precautions while working in local health departments or clinical practice settings. • Ability to work with staff and patients, under supervision, as set up by departmental policies. • Ability to maintain patient records by documenting patient examination, medications, history, treatment, and lab results accurately. • Ability to maintain patient confidence, and use sound judgment and empathy in relation with patients. • Ability to follow oral and written instructions. • Ability to adhere to professional standards, policies, and procedures set forth by state, and local requirements. • Ability to demonstrate competency in clinical skills required. 

Minimum Education & Experience

High school or General Educational Development diploma, completion of a one-year formal training course in medical office assisting at a community college or technical institute; or High school or General Educational Development diploma and a combination of one year of clerical and health/dental related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

About Appalachian District Health Department

AppHealthCare is a fully accredited district health department serving Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga counties and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving Alleghany and Ashe counties. Our mission is to promote safe and healthy living, prevent disease, and protect the environment. The Appalachian District Health Department was established in 1933 and covers Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga Counties. The health department provides many services such as high quality clinical care, nutrition services, Women Infants and Children (WIC), community health services and environmental health services. The rebranding initiative represents our ability to continue to provide high quality patient care and essential services that are critical for the health of the public. We are committed to serving our patients and clients and ensuring the fulfillment of our mission to promote safe and healthy living, prevent disease and protect the environment. We provide a variety of high quality services to meet the needs of our communities: Clinical Services Environmental Health Services Nutrition Services Community Health Services AppHealthCare accepts private insurances, Medicaid, a...nd Medicare, as well as patients without health insurance. We offer a sliding fee discount program for patients. AppHealthCare is governed by a Board of Health and an FQHC Board, Partners in Public Health.

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Connections working at Appalachian District Health Department