Medical Assistant/Surgery Scheduler

General Summary:  A nonexempt position responsible for performing a variety of duties including assisting physicians with patient care and handling clerical, environmental, and organizational tasks.  This dual-function role is responsible for coordinating and scheduling surgeries, assisting with pre-operative requirements, and supporting physicians with patient care duties.  The Surgery Scheduler/Medical Assistant also performs various clerical, clinical, and organizational responsibilities to ensure a smooth, patient-centered experience and to support overall clinic operations.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Surgery Scheduling Duties

1. Schedules surgeries, diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, labs), and medical or cardiac clearances as needed.
2. Coordinates with hospitals and surgical facilities to ensure scheduling accuracy and timely communication.
3. Notifies hospitals of any specialized equipment or supply needs.
4. Ensures all pre-op paperwork, consents, allergies, medication lists, and health histories are complete and documented.
5. Reviews surgery instructions with patients, answers questions, and ensures understanding.
6. Schedules post-operative follow-up appointments and testing.
7. Communicates schedule changes to the surgeon, patient, and hospital.
8. Obtains prior authorizations for surgeries, tests, medications, and procedures.

Medical Assistant Duties

1. Assists physicians with patient care including exams, procedures, and education.
2. Takes and records vital signs (weight, height, BP) in the EHR.
3. Prepares patients for exams (gowning, collecting specimens, assisting with mobility).
4. Enters physician orders and relevant clinical data into the EHR.
5. Adheres to meaningful use and clinical workflows; follows up with EHR tasks timely.
6. Administers injections as directed.
7. Notifies patients of test results as instructed by the provider.
8. Answers and returns patient calls per provider guidance and CNS protocols; checks voice mail throughout the day.
9. Obtains medication refill approvals and communicates with pharmacies.
10. Assists with patient discharge after appointments.
11. Manages inbound/outbound faxes and ensures physician review before scanning to the medical record.
12. Completes administrative tasks including: obtaining lab/radiology reports, hospital notes, and referrals; completing forms, requisitions, and prior authorizations; confirming insurance and patient demographics; maintaining and updating medical records.
13. Schedules in-office appointments and ensures all pre-visit requirements are met.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:  High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED), medical assistant certification from an accredited institution preferred.

Experience:  Minimum one year of recent experience working in a medical facility as a medical assistant or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.

Other Requirements:  Current CPR certification preferred or in process of recertification.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of health care field and medical office protocols/procedures.
2. Knowledge of HIPAA Privacy and Security rules.
3. Knowledge of specific assisting tasks related to medical practice.
4. Knowledge of information that must be conveyed to patients and families.

Skills:

1. Skill in performing medical assistant tasks appropriately.
2. Skill in tact and diplomacy in interpersonal interactions.
3. Skill in understanding patient education needs by effectively sharing information with patients and families as directed by the physician.

Abilities:

1. Ability to work in a team based environment that places patient satisfaction as the primary focus for measuring success.
2. Ability to appropriately determine the urgency of a patient problem and communicate the information to the physician and/or management.
3. Ability to learn and retain information regarding patient care procedures.
4. Ability to multitask and handle various priorities in a flexible, rapidly changing environment.
5. Ability to effectively articulate information and respond to questions.
6. Ability to relate to and work well with a diverse community population.
7. Ability to work under pressure.
8. Ability to work cooperatively with other department staff.
9. Ability to project a pleasant and professional image.
10. Ability to plan, prioritize, and complete delegated tasks in an appropriate timeframe.
11. Ability to demonstrate compassion and caring in dealing with others.

Equipment Operated:  Standard medical exam/office equipment, which may include computerized health information management system for medical records, etc.

Work Environment:  Combination of medical office and exam/procedure room settings. Well-lit, well-ventilated, adequate space.

Mental/Physical Requirements:  Variety of walking, standing, sitting, bending, twisting, and reaching.  Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics techniques when making necessary patient transfers and helping patients with walking, dressing, etc.  Occasional need to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds.