POSITION SUMMARY: A podiatric medical assistant/nail technician will perform the routine activities for a licensed podiatrist physician in order to keep the medical clinic running smoothly. Duties may vary, but commonly include a mixture of administrative and clerical duties: Patient vitals, cleaning of exam rooms, setting up instruments and equipment and cleaning sterilizer according to the maintenance schedule. Greeting patients and escorting patient’s to exam rooms.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Review the provider schedule the day before to determine the appropriateness of the schedule and that the necessary equipment is available the day of the patient’s visit that will be used for patient’s examination.
Greet patient in the waiting area and bring patient to the examination area.
Prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas in preparation for patient care.
Explain treatment procedures to patient and answer any questions a patient may have. Obtain patient vital signs, including but not limited to blood pressure, pulse rate, height, weight, etc.
Establish and document a brief explanation in the patient’s electronic medical records.
Inquire of the patient if the requested laboratory and imaging studies were performed and when; if the consultant saw the patient as recommended and when. Review patient’s electronic chart to determine the presence of items requested during the previous visit for the following: laboratory and imaging reports, and consultation letters. Locate missing information and have available on the chart for the provider’s review prior to the provider seeing the patient. Inform the provider of the status of missing reports so that the provider can give additional instructions.
Instruct the patient on how to prepare for physician’s examination. Ask the provider, if uncertain of the type of examination the provider plans to perform based on the information medical assistant obtained initially from the patient.
Document, update and dates patient allergies. Review and document the patient’s current medication.
Act a chaperone at all times in the exam room during the Patient-Provider visit.

Educate patients in their responsibilities relating to third-party reimbursements.
Provide hands-on assistances that may entail helping elderly patient’s take off and put on shoes and move them around the exam room area.
Debridement of corns/callouses and bandaging of the patient’s feet.
Assist provider with diabetic foot exams, but not perform actual exam. Assist provider with, but not perform exam of minor surgeries ranging from ingrown nail removal to bunion surgery.
Staff the assigned provider’s schedule.
Comply with all policies and procedures related to the clinic and the corporation.
Check for and assist with obtaining signed patient consents i.e. HIPPA, Consent to Treat, etc. Enter these forms into the appropriate section of the electronic chart.
Maintain supply and inventory for exam room and medical assistant cart. Stock and prepare rooms/carts according to provider’s specialty prior to the end of each clinical session.
Notify the charge nurse of low quantities of supplies. Provide assistance with disrobing and robing patient’s in need of help, i.e. handicap, pediatric, etc.
As directed by the provider, apply dressings, assist with treatments/procedures and administer injections, based on provider orders.
Operate and maintain equipment relating to the provider’s specialty, i.e. toenail nippers (nail clippers), nail files blacks files, nail splitters, scalpel, serrated toe nail scissors, nail drills, podiatrists drill, double ended spatula/nail packer, sawn Neck Double Ended Probe, autoclave equipment, corn/hard skin debridement drill/grinding tool, Halsted mosquito forceps. Notify the charge nurse immediately of missing, poorly functioning or non-functioning equipment.
Assist and advised the patient regarding the recommended provider orders for scheduling consultations, collection of specimens for ordered laboratory studies, scheduling of x-rays and other procedures, etc. prior to returning the chart to medical records.
Contact patients and record in the chart efforts to remind them of their appointment at least one to two days in advance and attempt to reschedule patient for missed appointments.
Provide back up for co-workers breaks, leaves, as needed when assigned.
Work collaboratively with the provider for the coordination of quality health care to the clinic’s patients.
Inform scheduled patients of any delays due to physician delays, emergencies, schedule backup, etc.
Provide patients with educational materials to read related to the visit before and after a visit, as is appropriate.
Attend and record all notes for scheduled staff meetings, conferences, trainings, etc.
Apply computer and other electronic equipment techniques to support office operations.
Perform and actively participate in quality control, quality improvement, and organizational strategic plans.
Screen all messages to providers and review with the provider how they want the messages handled.
Inform your Charge Nurse of any altercations, incidents involving patients or providers.
Report directly to the charge nurse. The Lead Nurse implements assignments and other duties.
The Lead Nurse must approve provider-scheduling changes.
The Lead Nurse must approve vacation and leave requests.
Serve as a problem solver and resource person to the provider and the patient.
Attend and actively participate in department and other organizational/corporate meetings.
Document in writing, any deficits, factors that impeded the care of patients in your charge and submit to your charge nurse with 24 hours of the occurrence.
Participate in continuing education/professional training opportunities.
Assignment is not permanent and may be changed at any time at the discretion of the Lead Nurse to meet the needs of the corporation.
Performs other job-related duties, as may be assigned by the Charge Nurse or Nurse Lead.

Education: Certification as a Medical Assistant, American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA). Certification in CPR is helpful but not mandatory.
Experience: As least one year in a podiatry clinic, physician’s office or hospital setting is helpful but not mandatory. Students who have completed nail technician courses will be highly considered.
Expertise: Proficiency in conversational Spanish is a plus. Must demonstrate the ability to handle and deal with multiple situations effectively. Must have empathy and compassion for all patients and staff. Demonstrate the ability to treat all patients and staff with dignity and respect. Must always perform in a professional and courteous manner. Must demonstrate the ability to work efficiently, effectively and productively with Providers and staff. Demonstrated excellence in customer service. Ability to communicate with the provider, charge nurse, lead nurse in a cooperative, respectful, and constructive manner is essential.
Language: Comprehend and use basic language either written or spoken to communicate information and ideals. Intermediate to advanced computer and EMR proficiency.
Hours of Work: May vary based on Organizational need.
Travel: May vary based on Organizational need.

Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

Position No Longer Available

Job Summary

Company

Milwaukee Health Services

Start Date

As soon as possible

Employment Term and Type

Regular, Full Time

Hours per Week

Required Education

Certification or Vocational

Required Experience

1 to 5 years