Medical Assistant - Telephone Triage in Portland, Oregon at Fanno Creek
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Job Description
About Company:
Fanno Creek Clinic is state certified, tier 3 patient-centered primary care home located in Southwest Portland, Oregon. We serve a diverse adult patient population and offer high quality primary health care together with the convenience of on-site specialists, lab, X-ray, ultrasound, and screening mammography. Owned by both the physicians and staff members, we collectively strive to create an environment that supports providing personalized, patient-centered health care.
About the Role:
The Medical Assistant - Telephone Triage plays a critical role in delivering timely and accurate medical guidance to patients. This position involves assessing patient symptoms over the phone, determining the urgency of their condition, and providing appropriate advice or directing them to the right level of care. The role requires strong clinical knowledge combined with excellent communication skills to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. By effectively managing patient inquiries and coordinating with healthcare providers, the Medical Assistant helps optimize clinical workflows and improve overall patient outcomes. This position is essential in supporting healthcare teams by acting as the first point of contact for patients seeking medical assistance via telephone.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program.Certification as a Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).Minimum (5) years experience in a clinical setting, preferably with telephone triage and direct patient care.Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and clinical procedures.Excellent verbal communication and active listening skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in Telephone Triage Nursing or equivalent specialized training.Experience working in a fast-paced healthcare environment or call center.Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and telehealth platforms.Bilingual abilities to support diverse patient populations.Basic life support (BLS) certification.ACLS certification (optional but preferred).
Responsibilities:
- Under the direction of clinic physicians and RN's, conduct thorough telephone assessments of patients’ symptoms and medical histories to determine the urgency and nature of their condition.Provide clear, accurate, and compassionate medical advice within the scope of practice and established protocols.Document all patient interactions and clinical information accurately in electronic health records.Coordinate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to facilitate appropriate patient care and follow-up.Educate patients on self-care, medication instructions, and when to seek emergency care or in-person evaluation.Maintain confidentiality and comply with all healthcare regulations and organizational policies.Participate in ongoing training to stay current with telephone triage protocols and medical knowledge.
Skills:
The required skills enable the Medical Assistant to accurately assess patient symptoms and communicate effectively to provide safe and appropriate medical advice over the phone. Strong clinical knowledge ensures that the assistant can interpret patient information and recognize urgent conditions that require immediate attention. Communication skills are essential for building patient trust, explaining medical instructions clearly, and managing potentially stressful situations calmly. Proficiency with electronic health records and telehealth technology supports efficient documentation and coordination with healthcare teams. Preferred skills such as bilingualism and specialized telephone triage certification enhance the ability to serve a broader patient base and improve the quality of care delivery.
Monday - Friday 8 hour shifts