Description

OAK Orthopedics, a division of Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, is currently seeking a full-time Medical Assistant.

Summary

The Medical Assistant is responsible for performing daily administrative and clinical duties to facilitate efficient operations in an outpatient clinic setting. This position provides support in providing safe, quality care and customer service to patients, physicians/providers and other members in the clinical care teams.

Responsibilities

Patient Examination/Treatment

* Escorts patients to exam rooms on a timely basis. Whenever possible, keeping team members informed regarding delays.

* Prepares patients for appropriate examination, triaging, as necessary, for radiologic studies, cast removal etc. 

* Assists physicians, as needed, in the patient examination process.

* Evaluates need for wound care, if any, and ensures adequate provision of care and patient education.

* Provides for splint/cast applications and removals when applicable

* Processes prescriptions per physician order. Instructs/educates patients regarding medication side effects.

* Prepares injectable medications and equipment needed. 

* Coordinates referrals for ongoing services/needs (e.g., therapy services, home health, surgical procedures, DME, etc.).

* Acts as a patient intermediary/liaison for resolution of patient problems.

* Overall fulfills environmental responsibilities as assigned which may include: setting up instruments and equipment according to department protocol; cleaning exam/procedure rooms, instruments and equipment between patient visits to maintain infection control as regulated by OSHA; cleaning sterilizer according to scheduled maintenance program and keeping appropriate records; ordering, sorting, storing supplies; restocking exam/procedure rooms.

* Fulfills patient care responsibilities as assigned which may include: checking schedules and organizing patient flow; accompanying patients to exam/procedure room; assisting patients as needed with walking, transfers, dressing, collecting specimens, preparing for exam, etc.; collecting patient history; performing screenings per provider guidelines; assisting physicians/nurses/doctor's assistants with various procedures; charting; relaying instructions to patients/families; answering calls and providing pertinent information. 

Physician Liaison Activities

* Responds to incoming phone calls and determines the best method for resolution of caller’s needs through the identification of the most appropriate respondent (i.e., physician, administration, clinical/nursing staff, other support staff, etc.).

* Channels requests appropriately in an effort to ensure resolution.

* Secures charts related to diagnostic tests, physical/occupational therapy reports, etc. and discusses issues with physicians. Relates physician information back to patient/requestor. Completes chart notes, as appropriate. Assists, as requested, in securing missing diagnostic codes/information on charge tickets.

Appointment Scheduling

* Assists in scheduling of appointments for new/established patients.

* As assigned, discusses with physician special needs patient appointments, supplying medical charts for review as required and secures appointment approvals for visits outside of routine scheduling templates.

Correspondence (Written/Faxed/Verbal)

* Sends prescriptions for therapy, orthotics, return to work notes, gym notes, etc. as requested.

* Provides workers’ compensation carriers with updated status on patients.

* Overall fulfills clerical responsibilities as assigned which may include: sending/receiving patient medical records; obtaining lab/x-ray reports, hospital notes, referral information, etc; completing forms/requisitions as needed; scheduling appointments, tests and surgeries; verifying insurance coverage and patient demographics; managing and charts to ensure information completed and filed appropriately

Support Activities

* Clinical chart preparation prior to patient appointment, ensures that the following data has been secured: x-rays; MRI/dexa scan results; reports from outside sources (e.g., lab results, x-rays/reports; Auth’s for injections when needed, etc.).

* Notifies management when clinic supplies are low. 

* Ensures that exam rooms, cast rooms, etc. are clean, orderly and fully stocked at the end of clinics.

Operational

* Participates in learning new systems, as required, for the service area.

* Performs, as an informational contact for patient and family as follows:

* Notifies patients of delays.

* Directs/seeks information on behalf of patients in order to increase their knowledge base.

* Responds appropriately to inquiries or complaints.

* Maintains professional image of organization by way of professional dress and presentation.

* Attends mandatory in-service programs to keep abreast of current insurance/registration issues.

* Fulfills organizational responsibilities as assigned which may include: respecting/promoting patient rights; responding appropriately to emergency codes; sharing problems relating to patients and/or staff with immediate supervisors quickly.

Requirements

Job Requirements

• Maintains CPR certification. 
• Experience in an orthopedic healthcare setting is preferred. 
• Able to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Good verbal and written communication and writing skills.
• Possess good working knowledge of practice management and EHR software, Google products, Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to work well and communicate professionally with physicians, patients and staff in all levels in the organization. Able to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintain them over time.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Position requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination.
• Involves standing and walking. 
• Requires occasional lifting associated with patient transfers (i.e., up to 35 lbs.)