Medical Assistant II - Orthopedic Surgery

Washington University in St Louis • Saint Louis, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Assistant II supports the clinical office by preparing and maintaining exam rooms, preparing charts, obtaining reports and records, assisting with patient flow, and helping ensure the office runs smoothly. Local travel to satellite offices may be necessary.

The role interacts directly with patients and performs clinical tasks such as obtaining vital signs, conducting EKGs, phlebotomy, and medication verification. It assists with examinations, procedures, and lab tests; may support non-narcotic medication renewals and authorizations under standing orders; and may administer medications, including vaccines and injections, under a physician’s or nurse practitioner’s order.

The Medical Assistant II coordinates patient flow and communications, completes requisitions and documentation, routes calls and questions, and supports care coordination, including sharing test results and scheduling appointments, procedures, surgeries, admissions, and follow-ups. The role also monitors supplies, cleans and stocks exam rooms, sterilizes instruments, follows HIPAA and regulatory requirements, maintains competencies, participates in training and quality improvement, and performs other assigned duties.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent high school certification, or a combination of education and/or experience.
• Registered or Certified Medical Assistant with six months of related work experience. Related fields may include military medic, emergency medical technician, Nurse’s Aide, physical therapy or nurse technician, and certified athletic trainer.
• Medical Assistant credentials must be obtained through an in-person proctored exam from NHA, AAMA, or AMT. In-person proctored credentials from other certifying bodies may be accepted with Human Resources approval.
• Alternatively, graduation from an accredited nursing program (such as RN/LPN), or a comparable allied health training program, with at least one year of relevant experience.
• Provide proof of Medical Assistant certification or registration and successful completion of the certification exam within six months of hire, or within a shorter timeframe if specified by the hiring manager. Online-proctored exams do not satisfy this requirement.
• Basic Life Support certification. Online certifications without a skills assessment component do not satisfy this requirement.
• No specific work experience is required in the general qualifications; the additional Medical Assistant qualification specifies six months of related experience or the stated substitution.
• A driver’s license is not required.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of Medical Assistant work experience.
• Skills or knowledge in anatomy, clinical care, communication, cross-functional teamwork, EKG, electronic medical records (EMR), Epic EHR, HIPAA compliance, interpersonal communication and relationships, medical terminology, OSHA compliance, patient care, patient medications, phlebotomy, physiology, and vital signs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain exam rooms, charts, reports, and records; assist with patient flow and the smooth operation of the clinical office.
• Interact directly with patients and perform clinical tasks, including obtaining vital signs, conducting EKGs, phlebotomy, and verifying medications.
• Prepare for office hours by obtaining charts, scheduling tests, and preparing exam rooms.
• Assist with examinations, procedures, and laboratory tests.
• May assist with non-narcotic medication renewals and authorizations in accordance with standing orders and department guidelines.
• May administer medications, including vaccines and intramuscular or subcutaneous injections, under the order of a physician or nurse practitioner.
• Direct patient flow, assist with special procedures and treatments, and complete requisitions.
• Route phone messages, patient questions, and telephone communications to appropriate personnel.
• Support care coordination, including calling patients with test results, scheduling appointments and follow-ups, assisting with return calls, and scheduling surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and admissions.
• Monitor new and return patient contacts and schedule appointments and follow-up appointments.
• Complete required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner; answer basic patient and family questions about treatments, diagnoses, and procedures.
• May complete requisitions or orders according to WashU guidelines.
• Monitor supply inventory and ensure supplies, equipment, and garments are available and compliant with regulations.
• Clean and stock exam rooms and sterilize instruments.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and required skills and competencies; participate in in-services, staff programs, continuing education, and cross-training.
• Comply with OSHA and applicable state and federal regulations and standards.
• Participate in quality improvement activities to support appropriate clinical outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May travel locally to satellite offices.

Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays or coinsurance.
• Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• Eligible employees may participate in a defined contribution 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, with employee and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness resources, including wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, an employee assistance program, financial resources, and access to dietitians.
• Four weeks of caregiver leave to bond with a new child and family care resources, including childcare and adult care resources.
• Tuition coverage for employees and their families, including dependent undergraduate tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED