Medical Assistant III - Orthopedic Surgery

Medical Assistant

May lead the work of Medical Assistants I and II in the clinical operation of a patient care setting and/or acts as the primary clinical resource in a large multi-physician clinical practice. Functions as a Medical Assistant in the department, prepares and maintains exam rooms, prepares charts, obtains reports and records; directs patient flow and ensures the overall smooth running of the clinical office.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Patient Care Duties:

• Interacts directly with patients in clinic setting and completes tasks, which may include obtaining vital signs, conducting EKGs, completing a phlebotomy and verifying medications.
• Prepares for office hours by doing tasks such as obtaining charts, scheduling tests and preparing exam rooms.
• Assists with examinations, procedures and lab tests.
• May assist with renewal and authorization of non-narcotic medications per standing orders and department guidelines.
• May administer medications under the order of physicians or nurse practitioner (this includes vaccines and intramuscular and subcutaneous injections).

Communication and Documentation:

• May schedule and assign work to other Medical Assistants to ensure appropriate staffing; assists in orientating and training new Medical Assistants.
• Directs patient flow, assists with special procedures/treatments, and completes requisitions.
• Routes phone messages, patient questions and telephone communications to appropriate personnel.
• Assists with care coordination by doing tasks outlined under the department guidelines, such as calling patients with test results; scheduling appointments; assisting physician with return calls; scheduling surgeries, diagnostic procedures and admissions; and monitoring new and return patient contacts, including scheduling of appointments and follow-up appointments.
• Completes necessary paperwork and documentation in a timely manner.
• Answers basic questions from patient/family regarding treatments, diagnosis and procedures.
• May complete requisitions/orders per WashU guidelines.

Equipment and Supplies:

• Monitors supply inventory, ensuring adequate supplies, equipment or garments are available and that they comply with regulations.
• Cleans and stocks exam rooms and sterilizes instruments.

Other Functions:

• Maintains required HIPAA compliance; maintains skills/competencies and participates in in-services, staff programs, continuing education and cross-training programs according to established standards and WashU policies.
• Complies with OSHA, state and federal regulatory sources/standards.
• Participates in quality improvement activities to ensure appropriate clinical outcomes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions:

• Normal office environment.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
• Requires protective devices.
• Patient care setting.
• Direct patient care setting.

Physical Effort:

• Typically sitting at desk or table.
• Typically standing or walking.
• Typically bending, crouching, or stooping.
• Occasional lifting (25 lbs. or less).

Equipment:

• Office equipment.
• Clinical/diagnostic equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications /Professional Licenses :

The list below may include all acceptable certifications, professional licenses and issuers. More than one credential, certification or professional license may be required depending on the role.Basic Life Support - American Heart Association, Basic Life Support - American Red Cross, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) - National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), Licensed Practical Nurse - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Licensed Practical Nurse - Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) - American Medical Technologists (AMT), Registered Nurse - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Registered Nurse - Missouri Division of Professional Registration

Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

Washington University in St. Louis