Medical Assistant ATC - Orthopedics

Overview

This Medical Assistant - Athletic Trainer position is responsible for performing daily administrative and clinical duties to facilitate efficient operations in an outpatient orthopedic clinic setting. This Medical Assistant - Athletic Trainer position works closely with our Orthopedic Physicians to provide support in providing safe, quality care and customer service to patients, physicians/providers and other members in the clinical care teams.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Sends prescriptions for therapy, orthotics, return to work notes, gym notes, etc. as requested.
• Provides workers’ compensation carriers with updated status on patients.
• Completes “Attending physician” statements, narrative summaries for attorneys, handicap parking permits, jury duty requests, disability forms, PE excuse notes, etc.
• 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.

• Clinical chart preparation prior to patient appointment, ensures that the following data has been secured: x-rays; MRI/dexa scan results;…