Medical Assistant III - Surgery

Washington University in St Louis • Saint Louis, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Assistant III works in a patient care setting and may lead Medical Assistants I and II or serve as the primary clinical resource in a large multi-physician practice. The role supports clinical operations by preparing and maintaining exam rooms and charts, obtaining records and reports, directing patient flow, and helping ensure the smooth operation of the clinical office. The position includes direct patient interaction and clinical support, communication and documentation, supply and equipment monitoring, and compliance with applicable policies and standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent high school certification, or a combination of education and/or experience.
• Registered or Certified Medical Assistant with three years of related work experience; examples 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, graduate 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 with successful completion of the certification exam within six months of hire, or within a shorter period if specified by the hiring manager; online-proctored exams do not satisfy this requirement.
• Basic Life Support certification. Online BLS certifications without a skills assessment component do not satisfy this requirement.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of Medical Assistant work experience.
• One year of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of anatomy, communication, electronic medical records (EMR), interactive communication, interpersonal relationships, medical terminology, physiology, and telephone communications.

Responsibilities

• Interact directly with patients and perform clinical tasks such as obtaining vital signs, conducting EKGs, performing phlebotomy, and verifying medications.
• Prepare for office hours by obtaining charts, scheduling tests, and preparing exam rooms.
• Assist with examinations, procedures, and laboratory tests.
• Assist with renewal and authorization of non-narcotic medications under standing orders and department guidelines.
• Administer medications, including vaccines and intramuscular or subcutaneous injections, when ordered by a physician or nurse practitioner.
• May schedule and assign work to other Medical Assistants to support appropriate staffing, and assist with orienting and training new Medical Assistants.
• 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 by communicating test results, scheduling appointments, assisting physicians with return calls, scheduling surgeries, diagnostic procedures and admissions, and monitoring patient contacts 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 and orders in accordance with WashU guidelines.
• Monitor supplies and ensure adequate supplies, equipment, and garments are available and comply with regulations.
• Clean and stock exam rooms and sterilize instruments.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance, skills, and competencies; participate in in-services, staff programs, continuing education, and cross-training according to standards and WashU policies.
• 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.

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.
• Defined contribution 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%, for eligible employees.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program, financial resources, and access to dietitians.
• Four weeks of caregiver leave to bond with a new child, plus family 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED