Surgery Processor Lead Medical Assistant

Arrowhead Orthopaedics•Chino Hills, CA

About The Position

The Surgery Processor Lead Medical Assistant works under the supervision of the Clinic Manager and their designees. The role supports an assigned provider during clinic visits, coordinates and processes surgical patients, and maintains a full surgical schedule. It is an hourly position, typically scheduled within a five-day workweek; hours and days may vary according to operational needs, subject to applicable California wage-and-hour laws. The role involves high-volume work and daily access to confidential patient files, which must be handled with privacy, discretion, and professionalism. The employee must be 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 also supports team workflow and process improvement and performs other duties as assigned by the Clinic Manager, physician leadership, or designated supervisors.

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 manage multiple priorities, 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.
Ability to perform job duties satisfactorily, demonstrate excellent work habits, provide superior service, and maintain professionalism.
Positive communication and professional interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and respect toward patients and coworkers.
Professional conduct in appearance, communication, attendance, reliability, and teamwork.
Strong organization, time management, and productivity, including maintaining an orderly work area.
Willingness to succeed and help others succeed.
Compliance with safety program requirements, including safe work practices, training, protective equipment, and reporting safety concerns or 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 and pass a background check.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified under 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 in a clinic training role, preferred.

Responsibilities

Obtain and complete required authorizations before patient visits and scheduled procedures.
Verify that diagnostic studies, imaging, laboratory results, and medical reports are available for provider review.
Maintain accurate and 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 previous visit.
Review and process provider charges, ensuring EMR documentation supports billing activities.
Confirm documentation requirements for diagnostic testing, therapies, and surgeries, and coordinate authorization requests.
Educate patients about surgical procedures and pre- and post-operative expectations, and provide contact information for ongoing support.
Act as a primary liaison among patients, providers, surgical facilities, and care teams to support communication and continuity of care.
Respond promptly to patient calls and electronic 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 protocols and assigned schedules.
Review surgical orders for completeness and accuracy, including procedures, equipment, diagnostic tests, 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 appropriate service coordination.
Monitor surgeon schedules to maximize operating room utilization and schedule surgical patients promptly.
Regularly review pending surgery logs with surgeons, office leadership, and clinical teams to identify barriers and maintain scheduling efficiency.
Protect patient information, maintain a secure work environment, comply with HIPAA and organizational privacy standards, and promptly address compliance concerns.
Support team operations through workflow management, process improvement, and staff guidance when appropriate.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Clinic Manager, physician leadership, or designated supervisors.