Surgery Processor Lead Medical Assistant

Arrowhead Orthopaedics•Chino Hills, CA

10d

About The Position

The Surgery Processor Lead Medical Assistant assists an assigned provider with all aspects of patients’ clinic visits, coordinates and processes surgical patients, and maintains a full surgical schedule. The position works under the supervision of the Clinic Manager and their designees. It is a high-volume role involving daily access to confidential patient files, which must be handled with privacy, discretion, and professionalism. The employee must remain available to the physician and patients while clinic is in progress and may leave an ongoing clinic only with direct permission from the Office Manager or designees. The position is hourly. Workdays are typically scheduled within a five-day workweek, though hours and days may vary based on operational needs. Scheduling complies with applicable California wage-and-hour laws. The role requires working knowledge of computers and office or healthcare software used by the practice.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
CPR certification required.
Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
Comprehensive knowledge of orthopaedic surgical procedures, medical terminology, anatomy, insurance authorization requirements, and surgical scheduling processes.
Proficiency operating a computer, scanner, and other office equipment.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and other healthcare-related software.
Strong telephone etiquette and customer service skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with patients, providers, and staff.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to handle multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and high-volume workloads.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to independently resolve complex scheduling, authorization, and patient-care coordination issues.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and recordkeeping.
Demonstrated experience assisting providers with patient care, procedures, and clinical documentation.
Positive communication and professional interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and respect.
Professional conduct in appearance, communication, attendance, reliability, and teamwork.
Organization, an orderly work area, strong time management, and productivity.
Desire to succeed and willingness to help others succeed.
Support for safety program requirements, including following policies, using safe work practices and protective equipment, participating in training, and reporting safety concerns and hazards.
Adherence to the employer’s code of conduct and high standards of ethics and integrity.
Ability to obtain a negative result on a pre-employment drug screening.
Ability to pass a background check.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified in accordance with applicable federal requirements.

Nice To Haves

Medical Assistant Certificate or Diploma preferred.
Five years of experience as a Back Office Medical Assistant in an orthopaedic medical office preferred.
One year in a lead or supervisor capacity, or a training role within a clinic setting, preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure required authorizations are obtained and completed before patient visits and scheduled procedures.
Verify that diagnostic studies, imaging, laboratory results, and medical reports are available for provider review.
Maintain accurate, complete patient documentation in the EMR, including templates, medication reconciliation, medical and surgical histories, weights, and vital signs.
Document changes in patient condition, treatment progress, or clinical status since the prior visit.
Review and process provider charges for services rendered, ensuring supporting EMR documentation is complete.
Confirm documentation requirements for diagnostic testing, therapies, and surgical procedures, and coordinate authorization submissions as needed.
Educate patients about surgical procedures and pre- and post-operative expectations, and provide contact information for ongoing support.
Act as a liaison among patients, providers, surgical facilities, and care teams to support communication and continuity of care.
Respond promptly to patient phone calls and portal messages, documenting communications, instructions, and concerns in the patient record.
Collaborate with Patient Services Representatives, Clinic Managers, and providers to support efficient scheduling and patient flow.
Communicate provider schedule delays or changes to front-office staff and patients as appropriate.
Keep exam rooms ready by stocking supplies, equipment, and linens; clean and maintain rooms and dispose of dirty linens and regulated medical waste according to safety standards.
Clean, process, and prepare instruments for sterilization according to established protocols and schedules.
Review and verify surgical orders for completeness and accuracy, including procedures, equipment, diagnostic testing, laboratory work, medical clearances, DME, therapy, medications, home health, and skilled nursing arrangements.
Submit surgical authorization requests within 48 hours of receipt.
Coordinate submission of outpatient surgical cases for ambulatory surgery center review, approval, denial, and utilization management.
Notify Case Management about bundled care patients and ensure services are appropriately coordinated.
Monitor surgeon schedules to maximize operating room use and schedule surgical patients promptly.
Review pending surgery logs regularly with surgeons, office leadership, and clinical teams to identify barriers, track progress, and maintain scheduling efficiency.
Safeguard patient information and comply with HIPAA and organizational privacy standards, maintaining a secure work environment and addressing compliance concerns promptly.
Support team operations through workflow management, process improvement, and staff guidance when appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinic Manager, physician leadership, or designated supervisors.