Medical Assistant (Otolaryngology)

Medical Assistant (Otolaryngology)

The Department of Otolaryngology is seeking a Medical Assistant (MA) who will work in an outpatient setting and have responsibilities related to patient care and the clinic environment. The position is centralized and will work across specialty centers to ensure optimum flow and customer service within the clinic. Provides exemplary customer service to patients, physicians and internal customers to aid in meeting patient satisfaction goals of the department.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Obtains and records patient's vital signs : temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, weight, and height.
• Assists patients to the exam room and prepare patients for examination and / or diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares examination or treatment areas before, during, and after patient use; orders, stocks, and maintains exam rooms and clinic areas with standard levels of supplies (only when necessary).
• May assist with medical records preparation.
• Maintains and uses principles of aseptic technique and infection control when performing clinical duties and tasks.
• Operates clinical equipment as directed by a physician.
• May perform phlebotomy functions (only, when necessary, based on scheduled procedures).
• Collects and processes specimens according to Standard Operating Policies and Procedures at a competent level and according to age and needs of the patient population served.
• Recognizes emergency situations, implements emergency procedures according to clinic guidelines, and administers first aid, including CPR.
• Assists patients in wheelchairs and stretchers with transfers to and from exam tables, procedure tables, and scales utilizing proper body mechanics and safety measures.
• Receives, sorts, and transports used clinical instruments and equipment from procedural areas; performs decontamination procedures using approved detergents.
• Follows detailed protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing endoscopic equipment after each patient use, including inspection, documentation of each step, and preparation for reprocessing to ensure compliance with infection control standards; operates specialized reprocessing machines as required.
• Safely operates, monitors, and troubleshoots sterilization equipment (e.g., steam autoclaves, Medivators) to clean, sterilize, and package surgical instruments, tools, and medical devices, ensuring compliance with safety standards and procedures; maintains accurate records of sterilization cycles and instrument inspections.
• Inspects instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and signs of damage; reports any issues per protocol.
• Assembles and packages instrument trays and individual items according to count sheets and clinical use.
• May perform related and delegated tasks which include requests for prescription refills, taking and relaying messages, and running clinical errands.
• Ensures that soiled linens, needle containers, and potentially infectious waste are appropriately disposed of and removed from the clinic and exam area according to infection control guidelines.
• Independently resolves issues with daily room assignments and coordination of clinic flow; determines when to involve the clinic manager for matters beyond scope.
• Telemedicine triage as needed.
• Depending on clinic operational needs, the staff member may be required to assume the responsibilities of a primary full-time Medical Assistant or Patient Service Coordinator in the absence of regularly assigned personnel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications