Dermatology Assistant
il y a 1 jour
Overview
Under the direction of the nurse leader and supervising provider, the Dermatology Assistant provides both clinical and documentation support to ensure efficient, high-quality dermatologic care. This role combines the responsibilities of a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) and a Clinical Scribe, with additional dermatology-specific clinical duties such as biopsy preparation, assisting with procedures, and post-visit coordination. The Dermatology Assistant plays a key role throughout the entire patient encounter — from room preparation and patient intake, to scribing and assisting during procedures, to ensuring all documentation, orders, and follow-ups are complete. This position requires attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Responsibilities
- Greet patients and assist with the rooming process.
- Prepare exam rooms, ensuring they are clean, stocked, and ready for use.
- Provide patients with gowns and explain where to place clothing and personal belongings.
- Assist patients with mobility or wheelchairs as needed.
- Review the visit flow with patients and inform them of any learners (medical students, residents, etc.) participating in their care.
- Ensure patient charts are accurate and up to date before provider entry.
- Prepare patient forms with demographic information.
- Assist patients in completing questionnaires.
- Maintain patient charts in compliance with Health Information Services (HIS) requirements.
- Perform daily quality checks on point-of-care testing machines, medication refrigerators, and emergency stations as appropriate.
- Order, obtain, and restock supplies while monitoring expiration dates.
- Perform low-level disinfection and adhere to infection prevention and safety standards.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment for patients and staff.
- Accurately and thoroughly document all aspects of the visit in real time as the provider performs exams, procedures, and patient education. Documentation includes:
- Patient history and physical exam findings.
- Procedures and treatments performed.
- Risks, benefits, and patient education.
- Provider-dictated diagnoses, prescriptions, and follow-up instructions.
- Take and securely upload clinical photos through the approved app and into the EMR.
- Prepare instruments and supplies for dermatologic procedures (e.g., biopsies).
- Assist with biopsies and other minor dermatologic procedures under provider supervision.
- Handle, label, and deliver specimens to the appropriate laboratory following established policies.
- Maintain professional, non-intrusive interactions with patients throughout the visit.
- Conduct training for new Derm Assistants as needed.
- Oversee and maintain clinical templates and provider-specific EMR tools.
- Communicate effectively with providers, nurses, and the multidisciplinary team to support patient flow and safety.
- Pend provider orders, including medications, labs, and biopsy orders.
- Schedule follow-up visits or place recalls as directed by the provider.
- Print and deliver After Visit Summaries (AVS) to patients.
- Make follow-up calls to check on patients when requested by providers.
- Ensure specimens are delivered promptly and accurately to the lab.
- Restock and clean exam rooms following patient visits.
- Return medications to appropriate storage per Medication Storage and Handling Policy.
- Maintain readiness for regulatory compliance and participate in safety huddles and quality improvement activities.
- Escort patients throughout the clinic as needed.
- Assist in the setup and breakdown of procedural rooms.
- Participate in daily safety and workflow huddles.
- Handle incoming calls professionally, assisting with scheduling or routing as needed.
- Participate in medication conveyance (excluding controlled substances) per policy.
- Demonstrate consistent use of safety and communication tools (e.g., SBAR, repeat back).
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Prior experience as a medical scribe, medical assistant, or patient care assistant preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to accurately document medical encounters in an electronic medical record system.
- Strong proficiency with computers, typing, and data entry.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.
- Ability to learn dermatologic terminology, procedures, and specimen handling requirements.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment.
- Strong attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to patient confidentiality.
Required Licensure/Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 30 days of employment.