Scheduled Hours

40

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