Medical Assistant

SUMMARY

The Medical Assistant (MA) supports physicians and clinical staff in providing exceptional musculoskeletal care in an orthopedic environment. This role requires expertise in clinical practices, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage diverse responsibilities efficiently within a dynamic and fast-paced setting. Primary duties include preparing patients for examinations, assisting with orthopedic procedures such as casting, bracing, and wound care, and maintaining accurate documentation in electronic medical records (EMR). The Medical Assistant also facilitates patient flow, coordinates appointments, and provides pre- and post-visit education to ensure a seamless care experience for patients and providers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned)

• Prepares patients for visit by directing/accompanying patients to the examination or X-ray room, providing gowns/drapes, and assisting with proper positioning of patient for the examination and/or treatment.  
• Interviews patient and records medical histories, may order x-rays per provider order or protocol.
• Assists health care providers during examinations as directed.  
• Duties may include, but are not limited to, performing dressing changes, taking vital signs, performing blood draws, applying/removing casts/splints, removing sutures/staples, preparing laboratory test requests, preparing lab specimen for pick-up per protocol.
• Prepares and orders medication prescriptions and orders for x-rays, rehab, DME, etc. as directed by provider
• Completed appropriate documentation in the EMR system. Updates patient health history information as needed, keys data and scans various documentation into EMR such as hospital dictation, disability forms, laboratory test requests, or any other correspondence as directed. Receives, disseminates for provider signature, and scans test results and medical clearances into EMR. Updates patient history in EMR within 24 hours of visit.
• Schedules appointments, tests, procedures, and/or surgery following all scheduling protocols.
• Ensures follow-up appointment(s) are scheduled for patients regarding test results, post-operative care, etc. with the provider.
• Responds to patient phone calls in a timely manner as directed by provider, makes follow-up calls, and documents communications in EMR.
• Maintains exam rooms, which may include the following: prepares exam rooms including stocking of appropriate supplies, instruments, and equipment for examination of patients on a daily basis. Cleans examination rooms between patient visits and at clinic end and disposes of contaminated supplies per protocol.
• Cleans and sterilizes medical instruments and equipment.
• Prepares disability and other forms for provider signature.
• Monitors inventory and orders medical supplies.
• Occasional travel may be required. Floating positions require frequent travel.
• Other duties may also be assigned by Providers, RNs, and managers.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Medical Assistant certification (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) or completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program is preferred.
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR/EMR) systems.
• Current CPR certification (CPR, BLS)
• Two years orthopedic experience preferred
• Three years medical office experience preferred

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proficiency in use of electronic medical records preferred
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in all written and verbal communications 
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
• Ability to problem solve and use critical thinking
• Strong knowledge orthopedic terminology preferred
• Strong knowledge of orthopedic surgical and diagnostic procedures preferred
• Strong working knowledge of HIPAA and safety guidelines
• Ability to interact effectively with patients/families
• Ability to travel between multiple site locations (if applicable)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Hearing: Adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone.  

Speaking: Must be able to clearly communicate in person and over the telephone.

Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including visual examination of patient (if applicable) and reading information from printed sources and computer screens.

Other: Requires frequent lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds unassisted, including assisting patients when required. Adequate physical ability includes sufficient manual dexterity to perform the requisite health care service needed. Requires frequent bending, reaching and repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting and sitting with some heavy lifting, pushing and pulling.  

WORK ENVIORNMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to the risk of infectious diseases and bodily fluids when interacting with patients and/or family members. The employee may be occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is typical of a physician’s office.