"Medical Assistant III - Orthopedic Surgery"

Position Summary

This Medical Assistant III position is based in the Division of Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) and focuses on supporting outpatient MSK care. The role involves working closely with a high-performing clinical team specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and nerves. The MA III plays a vital role in maintaining efficient clinic operations by preparing exam rooms, assisting with procedures, coordinating care, and providing patient support throughout the visit. This level of function may be demonstrated by serving in a lead position in a patient care setting by sharing knowledge, demonstrating flexibility and consistently showing critical thinking skills that enable them to troubleshoot and solve difficult situations/problems, supervising the work of Medical Assistants I and/or II in the clinical operation of a patient care setting, and providing a high level of support for both direct and indirect patient care aspects of a physician’s practice.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Patient Care Duties:

• Interacts directly with patients in a clinical setting and assists with MSK-focused tasks including vital signs, pre-visit screenings, range-of-motion assessments, and musculoskeletal intake.
• Prepares rooms for procedures including ultrasound-guided injections, EMGs, and orthotic fittings.
• Supports physicians with physical exams and in-office procedures related to sports injuries, joint conditions, and spine or nerve pain.
• Verifies and reconciles medication lists; may assist with prior authorizations or medication renewals under department guidelines.
• Coordinates, owns, and maintains the fluoroscopy schedule in collaboration with BJH Radiology to ensure efficient workflow and patient care.
• Oversees incoming patient communications, including phone calls and portal messages, and ensures timely triage and resolution by maintaining the provider’s in-basket.
• May assist with renewal and authorization of non-narcotic medications per standing orders and department guidelines.

Communication and Documentation:

• Performs federally mandated data collection such as medication reconciliation, smoking history
• Routes phone messages, patient questions, and telephone communications to appropriate personnel
• Assists with care coordination by doing tasks outlined under the department guidelines such as calling patients with test results, scheduling appointments, assisting with return calls; scheduling surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and admissions; and monitoring new and return patient contacts, including scheduling of appointments and follow-up appointments
• Completes necessary paperwork and documentation in a timely manner
• Answers basic questions from patient/family regarding treatments, diagnosis, and procedures
• If order entry in the electronic medical record is part of the job function, completes requisitions/orders per WashU guidelines

Equipment and Supplies:

• Monitors supply inventory, ensuring adequate supplies, equipment or garments are available and that they comply with regulations.
• Cleans and stocks exam rooms and sterilizes instruments.

Other Functions:

• Maintains required HIPAA compliance; maintains skills/competencies and participates in in-services, staff programs, continuing education and cross-training programs according to established standards and WashU policies.
• Complies with OSHA, state and federal regulatory sources/standards.
• Participates in quality improvement activities to ensure appropriate clinical outcomes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions:

• Normal office environment.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
• Requires protective devices.
• Patient care setting.
• Direct patient care setting.

Physical Effort:

• Typically sitting at desk or table.
• Typically standing or walking.
• Typically bending, crouching, or stooping.
• Occasional lifting (25 lbs. or less).

Equipment:

• Office equipment.
• Clinical/diagnostic equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications/Professional Licenses: The list below may include all acceptable certifications, professional licenses and issuers. More than one credential, certification or professional license may be required depending on the role. Basic Life Support - American Heart Association, Basic Life Support - American Red Cross, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) - National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), Licensed Practical Nurse - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Licensed Practical Nurse - Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) - American Medical Technologists (AMT), Registered Nurse - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Registered Nurse - Missouri Division of Professional Registration

Work Experience: Relevant Experience (3 Years)

Skills: Not Applicable

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

• Registered or Certified Medical Assistant with three years of related work experience (examples of related fields include military medic, emergency medical technicians, Nurse’s Aide, physical therapy and nurse technicians, and certified athletic trainers). Medical Assistant credentials must be obtained from in-person proctored exams from the following certifying bodies: NHA, AAMA or AMT. In-person proctored credentials from other certifying bodies may be accepted upon approval from Human Resources. Substitutions include:
  • Graduate of an accredited nursing program (such as RN/LPN), or comparable allied health training program with a minimum of one year of relevant experience.
  • Ability to show proof of a Medical Assistant certification/registration with successful completion of certification exam (online proctored exams are not sufficient to meet the credential requirement) within six months of hire date (or within a shorter time frame if noted by hiring manager).
• Basic Life Support certification (Online Basic Life Support certifications, those without a skills assessment component, are not sufficient to meet the Basic Life Support requirements).

Preferred Qualifications

Work Experience: Medical Assistant (3 Years), Supervisory (1 Year)

Skills: Anatomy, Communication, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Interactive Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, Medical Terminology, Physiology, Telephone Communications

Grade

C07-H

Salary Range

$19.21 - $28.85 / Hourly The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.