Medical Assistant - Rheumatology

Job Overview Join to apply for the Medical Assistant - Rheumatology role at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute. Responsibilities Patient Examination/Treatment Escorts patients to exam rooms on a timely basis. Whenever possible, keeps team members informed regarding delays. Prepares patients for appropriate examination, triaging as necessary for radiologic studies, cast removal, etc. Assists physicians, as needed, in the patient examination process. Evaluates need for wound care, if any, and ensures adequate provision of care and patient education. Provides for splint/cast applications and removals when applicable. Processes prescriptions per physician order and instructs/educates patients regarding medication side effects. Prepares injectable medications and equipment as needed. Coordinates referrals for ongoing services and needs such as therapy services, home health, surgical procedures, DME, etc. Acts as a patient intermediary/liaison for resolution of patient problems. Overall fulfills environmental responsibilities such as setting up instruments and equipment, cleaning exam/procedure rooms and instruments, maintaining infection control, and managing supplies. Fulfills patient care responsibilities including checking schedules, organizing patient flow, accompanying patients, assisting with transfers, collecting specimens, performing screenings, charting, relaying instructions, answering calls, and providing information. Physician Liaison Activities Responds to incoming phone calls and determines the best method for resolution of caller’s needs. Channels requests appropriately to ensure resolution. Secures charts related to diagnostic tests and discusses issues with physicians; completes chart notes as appropriate. Appointment Scheduling Assists in scheduling appointments for new and established patients. Discusses special needs patient appointments with physicians and secures appointment approvals as required. Correspondence (Written/Faxed/Verbal) Sends prescriptions for therapy, orthotics, return to work notes, gym notes, etc. as requested. Provides workers’ compensation carriers with updated status on patients. Completes “Attending physician” statements, narrative summaries for attorneys, handicap parking permits, jury duty requests, disability forms, PE excuse notes, etc. Overall fulfills clerical responsibilities such as sending/receiving medical records, obtaining lab reports, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, and managing charts. Support Activities Prepares clinical charts prior to patient appointments with required data. Notifies management when clinic supplies are low. Ensures exam rooms are clean, orderly, and fully stocked at the end of clinics. Operational Participates in learning new systems as required for the service area. Actively informs patients of delays, directs information, responds to inquiries or complaints, and maintains professional image. Attends mandatory in‑service programs and fulfills organizational responsibilities such as respecting patient rights and responding to emergency codes. Requirements Certification in Phlebotomy required with recent phlebotomy experience. Successful completion of an accredited Medical Assistant Program (CMA) preferred. Must maintain CPR certification. Experience in an orthopedic healthcare setting preferred. Able to multi‑task and work in a fast‑paced environment. Good verbal and written communication skills. Good working knowledge of practice management and EHR software, Google products, Microsoft Office and Windows‑based applications. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate professionally with physicians, patients, and staff across all levels of the organization. Physical Demands and Work Environment Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye‑hand coordination. Involves standing and walking. Requires occasional lifting associated with patient transfers up to 35 lbs. Benefits & Compensation Base salary $18–$25 per hour based on skills and experience. Eligible employees (30+ hours a week) receive medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, long and short‑term disability, 401k program with company match and profit sharing, wellness program, health savings accounts, flexible savings accounts, ID protection plan, accident, critical illness and hospital benefits. Paid holidays and paid time off are also provided. #J-18808-Ljbffr Illinois Bone & Joint Institute