Medical Assistant (Mohs)

U.S. Dermatology Partners•Plano, TX

About The Position

The Mohs Medical/Surgical Assistant provides assistance to licensed medical doctors in clinic and outpatient surgical settings and delivers safe, knowledgeable, compassionate, individualized care. This position travels to Plano, Dallas, and Corsicana. The assistant supports patient examinations, Mohs surgery and other procedures, documentation, scheduling, room and instrument preparation, patient education, and emergency response. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

At least one year of experience in a medical setting.
At least six months of experience in a dermatological surgery setting.
Thorough knowledge of medical terminology.
Knowledge of sterile technique, anatomy, and medications.
Detail-oriented, professional, and reliable.
Management and organizational skills to support leadership of this function.
Ability to follow or provide verbal and written instructions, with sufficient grammar and spelling skills to avoid mistakes or misinterpretations.
Interpersonal skills that support a positive patient experience.
Ability to carry out teammate needs and contribute to a supportive work culture.
Effective verbal and written communication in English.
Mathematical and/or analytical ability for basic to intermediate problem solving.
Basic to intermediate computer-operation skills.
Basic to intermediate understanding of EHR programs.
Knowledge of systems related to the job function.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations and a general understanding of HIPAA guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with EMA.

Responsibilities

Serve as a patient advocate during examinations, surgery, and treatment; interview surgical patients and obtain medical information.
Measure and record patient vital signs, weight, height, medical history, medications, allergies, and test results in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Show patients to examination, procedure, or operating rooms and prepare them for the physician.
Review surgical informed consent with patients before procedures.
Set up sterile surgical trays; inspect sterile items; open and arrange supplies using sterile technique; and apply surgical gloves using sterile technique.
Assist physicians during surgery while maintaining the sterile field, including blotting with gauze, retracting skin with skin hooks under surgeon direction, handling suture lines with forceps, clipping sutures, and assisting with cauterization.
Prepare the appropriate cautery device and understand the difference between thermal cautery and electrocautery and their use in different patient situations.
Numb patients’ skin with local anesthetics as directed by the physician.
Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, following medication-safety protocols and checking expiration dates.
Collect, log, and prepare blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens for testing.
Explain surgical and treatment procedures, medications, diets, wound care, physician instructions, and expected healing times to patients; comfort patients as needed.
Assist physicians with examinations and treatment by providing instruments and materials, giving injections, and removing sutures.
Accept triage-style patient calls and determine when patients need to be seen or can be counseled by phone; consult the surgeon when uncertain.
Under physician direction, authorize medication refills, enter prescription information into the EHR, and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
Clean surgical instruments, wrap them in sterile packs, and place them in an autoclave.
Prepare, organize, and clean treatment rooms for examinations; clean rooms and medical equipment between patients and at the end of the day; and dispose of infectious waste and biohazard materials correctly.
Assess patients throughout examinations, procedures, and surgery according to facility policies, and notify the physician and/or RN of signs of distress.
Schedule surgical and clinic appointments, including Mohs surgery, excisions, wound checks, consultations, and suture removals.
Apply dermatology and Mohs surgery knowledge to appointment coordination and patient care, including knowledge of blood thinners, pacemakers and defibrillators, skin cancers, and relevant head and neck anatomy.
Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule tests, admissions, or collaborative surgical care.
Change wound dressings and apply pressure bandages after Mohs procedures or excisions; apply Steri-Strips and use Mastisol; and select and carefully use appropriate surgical preparations, including Hibiclens, Ocusoft, alcohol, or iodine.
Inventory instruments, supplies, and equipment daily; keep rooms stocked; order medical supplies monthly; and ensure equipment is in working order.
Document procedures accurately and promptly, and enter information efficiently into the EHR.
Maintain adaptable computer skills and use equipment and supplies to respond to emergencies in accordance with nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocols.
Operate oxygen tanks, masks, and nasal cannulas; recognize vasovagal episodes and take initial steps to assist patients; and assist physicians during patient, employee, or visitor medical emergencies while documenting according to facility protocol.
Follow applicable policies and procedures and support a culture of high-quality medical care, a supportive work environment, and an excellent patient experience.
Perform other duties that may be necessary or in the organization’s best interest.