Podiatry Assistant - Orthopedics Penn National

General Summary

Provides safe, therapeutic, and efficient care and services to podiatry patients. Assists in direct patient care, performs treatments, administers medications (if qualified and appropriately supervised), operates and obtains x-rays, obtain Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) & Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) studies, operate laser treatment equipment, fit, and dispense durable medical equipment, and instructs patients and their families in appropriate care, as directed by their provider. Is an active team participant in the patient-centered practice, by aiding in the development of office workflows that support patient centered care. Specific clinical duties and responsibilities can vary depending on the needs of the specialty.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Obtains and documents reason for visit, patient vital signs which may include temperature, blood pressure, weight, BMI, respirations, and pulse.
• Collects specimens as directed by provider. Uses appropriate equipment and protocols for specimen collection, processing, handling, and storage. Ensures all specimens are tracked/logged prior to transportation to lab.
• Ensures all patient care areas are adequately stocked with unexpired medical supplies and has equipment that is in good working condition with up-to-date biomedical assessment checks. Properly handles, stores, and cleans instruments, equipment, and supplies per manufacturer guidelines.
• Prepares patients for scheduled procedures by assuring patient is appropriately gowned and instruments and supplies are set-up. Uses Standard Precautions for all patient encounters.
• Arranges for patients ordered diagnostic and therapeutic services by completing necessary paperwork and scheduling of appointments. Under the direction of the provider, tracks, reviews and monitors follow-up of diagnostic test results. Relays information from the provider to the patient regarding results and follow-up instructions.
• Under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse or provider, prepares and administers vaccines, medications and controlled substances/narcotics as prescribed by the provider and as skilled competencies permit. Asks prescribed screening questions, identifies risks and contraindications, questions and observes for appropriate responses.
• Documents and processes prescription requests and refills per protocol.
• Performs basic office procedures, examinations and/or tests ordered by provider and as skill competencies demonstrate competence (i.e., EKGs, ear lavage, vision tests etc.).
• Provides patients with standard patient care instructions and education, and reviews with patient and family members as directed by providers.
• Obtains comprehensive health information from patient/family members to review with providers or clinical resource over the phone. Uses this information to assist providers in determining the urgency for care or an alternative venue for care for patients with acute problems, should access not be readily available at the practice. Returns calls to patient in a timely matter.
• Completes pre-visit planning and visit prep according to established guidelines. Obtains comprehensive health information from patient/family members at the time of the visit. This may include review of systems and history of present illness and/or past medical and social history. Obtains an accurate medication review updating the EHR. Completes office standing orders for the chronic and preventative healthcare needs of the patient.
• Efficiently manages daily patient flow to manage fluctuating patient volumes and demands. Prioritizes daily patient care tasks and activities that are delegated by the care team, including but not limited to in basket management.
• Under the direction of your supervisor, takes ownership in an office function/process improvement.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient's health information. Completes annual WSH Corporate Compliance, and other mandatory education.
• Supports the provider during the visit and patient exam by collecting and entering information in the patient record, carrying out orders and completing post visit patient care education and instructions.
• Operate x-ray machinery while maintaining patient safety standards.

Common Expectations:

• Demonstrates a commitment to patients, visitors and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors into the Safety Reporting System (SRS System), as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analysis as required.
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Maintains the cleanliness of work areas as required.
• Maintains professional growth and development.
• Embraces the concepts for ensuring a positive patient/family experience every visit, every time. Fosters teamwork with coworkers, and providers. Practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation. Attends Practice meetings.
• Maintains required clinical competencies throughout employment
• Responsible for the care and maintenance of department/entity equipment and supplies; mail distribution.
• Enters and/or retrieves data from established computer files using knowledge of various computer software applications.

Required for All Jobs:

• Performs other related duties as identified.
• WellSpan Health has adopted and implemented a compliance program to support WellSpan's values and standards for professionalism, integrity, and ethics. Expected to support and meet the values and standards of the organization and the performance expectations of the job, the department, and the compliance program.
• WellSpan Health has adopted and implemented a privacy program to safeguard the patient information and the business and operational information of the organization. Expected to support and meet the values and standards of the organization to safeguard patient and business/operational information.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Physical Demands:

• Standing - Frequently
• Walking - Frequently
• Sitting - Occasionally
• Carrying/Lifting - Occasionally (50lbs)
• Pushing/Pulling - Occasionally (50lbs)
• Kneeling/Crouching - Occasionally
• Reaching - Occasionally
• Talking - Frequently
• Hearing - Frequently
• Repetitive Motions - Occasionally
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Occasionally

Working Environment:

• Occupational Hazards - Occasionally
• Bloodborne Pathogen - Exposure

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• Diploma Program From an accredited Medical Assistant program. Required

Licenses:

• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required and
• Certified Medical Assistant Upon Hire Required and
• Podiatric Radiology Assistant Certification within 180 days Required

Courses and Training:

• Maintain required education for use of x-ray equipment. Upon Hire Required and
• Completes all required education programs and competency testing needed to perform at an advanced level. Upon Hire Required and
• Medical terminology. Upon Hire Required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient communication skills including SBAR technique.
• Ability to effectively present clinical information to the care team.
• Proficient in navigating and entering information into an electronic health record.
• Models teamwork.
• Self-motivated and dependable.
• Able to work independently.

Benefits Offered:

• Comprehensive health benefits
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Short-term disability
• Education assistance
• Financial education and support, including DailyPay
• Wellness and Wellbeing program
• Caregiver support via Wellthy
• Childcare referral service via Wellthy