MA Quality Champion in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

The Quality Champion Medical Assistant will play a vital role in advancing patient-centered care by supporting the implementation of Epic system improvements and PCIC (Primary Care Improvement Collaborative) initiatives. This position will serve as a bridge between clinical operations and quality improvement, helping to refine workflows, close care gaps, and enhance data accuracy. The successful candidate will support clinical teams through training, panel management, and continuous monitoring of quality metrics. Travel between clinic sites may be required. Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range starts from $23.42/hour.

· Collaborative environment: Work closely with multidisciplinary clinical teams and quality improvement professionals.

· Professional development: Access to ongoing training and development opportunities, including support for certifications such as Epic modules or quality improvement methodologies.

· Impactful work: Help ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care by directly contributing to closing care gaps and meeting quality performance benchmarks.

· Location perks: Boone, North Carolina offers unmatched access to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor adventures, unique dining, and a vibrant arts and music scene.

· Top-tier community: Boone is home to Appalachian State University and boasts a highly rated public school system—ideal for families and professionals alike.

· Compensation: Commensurate upon education & experience - range is $23.42/hour or more (depending on education & experience). Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position.

· Wellness support: Eligible employees can participate in UNC Health Appalachian’s award-winning Love Your Life wellness program, featuring incentives and educational wellness activities.

· Employee to Employee (E2E) program: Supports coworkers in times of unexpected financial need, funded through voluntary staff donations.

· Discounts & deals: Enjoy exclusive discounts for local attractions such as Tweetsie Railroad, Dollywood, Biltmore, and more (subject to change).

· Support Epic system enhancements and ensure proper usage by staff to improve clinical workflows.
· Serve as a liaison between clinical teams and quality improvement initiatives.
· Assist in staff training on quality metrics and documentation processes.
· Monitor and track quality performance data, contributing to the achievement of care benchmarks.
· Manage PCIC panel responsibilities including attribution issue resolution and proactive care gap closure.
· Coordinate with providers and care teams to ensure timely interventions and accurate documentation.
· Assist with data analysis and preparation for regulatory audits or accreditation reviews.
· Support compliance with healthcare standards including NCQA and Joint Commission.

Minimum Education:
· High school diploma or equivalent required.
· Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program preferred.

Experience:
· Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Medical Assistant in a clinical setting.
· Prior experience with the Epic electronic health record system preferred.
· Familiarity with care gap closure strategies, panel management, and quality improvement initiatives highly desirable.
· Background in outpatient settings and regulatory compliance preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification:
· CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) or RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) required.

· Basic Life Support (BLS) is required at time of hire.
· Epic certification in relevant modules is a plus but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
· Strong understanding of accreditation and compliance standards (e.g., NCQA, Joint Commission).
· Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
· Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret and present clinical quality data.
· Proficient in EHR platforms and quality tracking software.
· Experience with performance improvement tools (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) preferred.
· Highly detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities.

· Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
· Capable of lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally.

· Full-time, Monday–Friday schedule.
· Some travel between outpatient clinic locations required.
· May involve occasional extended hours during system upgrades or audits.

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.