Medical Assistant - Surgical Services

Sturdy Memorial Hospital•Attleboro, MA

About The Position

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) supports patients, providers, and nursing staff in an ambulatory medical office. The role includes preparing patients for visits, collecting and documenting clinical information, assisting with basic procedures, and coordinating patient flow. The PCA helps deliver compassionate, professional care while maintaining safe, organized clinical areas and complying with applicable regulatory standards. The position also supports administrative and clinical workflows, including appointment scheduling, referrals, prior authorizations, phone triage, inbox management, and work in the electronic medical record. The employee must adapt to a busy office environment and treat patients, colleagues, and visitors with dignity and respect across age groups and backgrounds. Duties may change, and other tasks may be assigned to support patient care and clinic operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in a medical office, ambulatory care, or healthcare is preferred, or equivalent clinical experience.
Ability to obtain and accurately document vital signs and basic patient information.
Knowledge of medical terminology and basic clinical procedures.
Proficiency with EMR/EHR systems and basic computer skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact professionally with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies.
Reliability, punctuality, and ability to follow established policies and procedures.
Ability to adapt to a busy office environment and meet care standards.
Ability to fulfill the position’s essential functions, including required work hours, locations, and physical demands, with or without reasonable accommodation, without posing a direct threat to health and safety.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and sit as needed for documentation or administrative work.
Ability to lift, move, or assist patients or equipment weighing up to 25–50 pounds, depending on clinic needs.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to assist patients or access supplies and equipment.
Manual dexterity to take vital signs, administer tests, or handle specimens; sufficient vision and hearing to assess conditions, read instruments, and communicate effectively.
Ability to safely use office and clinical equipment, including computers, phones, and medical devices.
Tolerance for varying environmental conditions, including exposure to cleaning solutions and occasional patient bodily fluids, using appropriate PPE.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in an ambulatory or outpatient medical office setting.
Familiarity with multiple EMR/EHR systems.
Customer service experience in a healthcare or patient-facing environment.
Knowledge of infection-control practices and basic safety protocols.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Ability to work as part of a collaborative healthcare team.
Comfort supporting diverse patient populations, including pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients.

Responsibilities

Room patients, obtain vital signs and routine measurements, and collect basic patient information.
Triage patient phone calls, evaluate calls, review charts, respond to provider messages, and assist with inbox management according to SMA policy.
Prepare exam rooms between patient visits and maintain a clean, safe, and organized clinical environment, including disinfecting rooms and equipment.
Obtain prior authorizations for office visits, prescriptions, and procedures or surgeries.
Assist with inbound and outbound referrals and schedule new and established patient appointments, follow-ups, and referrals as needed.
Assist providers and nursing staff during patient visits and minor procedures.
Document patient information, clinical observations, and visit details accurately in the EMR/EHR.
Greet and check in patients, verify demographic and insurance information, and maintain accurate patient records.
Provide patient education and instructions as directed by a provider or nurse.
Respond professionally and promptly to patient inquiries in person and by phone, and communicate with healthcare professionals using professional phone standards.
Coordinate with clinical and administrative staff to support efficient patient flow and established office workflows.
Follow infection-control, safety, privacy, HIPAA, and organizational policies.
Support supply management processes and needs.
Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and clinic operations.