Medical Administrative Assistant

Description

Hinsdale Orthopaedics, a division of Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, is currently hiring a full time Medical Administrative Assistant to work with our Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon. Travel will be required to our locations in Westmont, Downers Grove , Hinsdale, and New Lenox.

SUMMARY

This position is responsible to: coordinate patient evaluation and treatment activities within the clinic setting; ensure all necessary medical records/x-rays/reports/forms, etc. related to the patient’s visit are available on the appropriate units prior to escorting the patient to the exam room; provide patient care as per physicians’ direction/orders; assist physician with the exam/treatment process; monitor and ensure the accurate completion of patient charge tickets; reinforce patient/family education and processes referrals for outside services (e.g., surgical procedures, home health or therapy services, etc.); and ensure the adequacy of necessary supplies and cleanliness within the exam rooms and clinic area.

Requirements

Essential Job Functions

• Patient Examination/Treatment
• Assists in ensuring the adequacy of exam rooms and the equitable distribution of staff unit assignments in an effort to provide timely and efficient patient service.
• Escorts patients to exam/treatment rooms on a timely basis.  Whenever possible, keeps Patient Representative informed regarding delays, if any, occurring within the unit.
• Prepares patients for appropriate examination, triaging, as necessary, for radiologic studies.
• 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.
• Processes Rx’s and dispenses samples as per physician order.  Instructs/educates patients regarding medication side effects.
• Prepares injectable medications and equipment needed for aspirations.
• 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.

Physician Liaison Activities

• Responds to incoming phone calls and determines 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 physician.  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

• As assigned, discusses with physician special needs patient appointments.

Surgical Patient Activities

• Coordinates cardiac and medical clearance for patients prior to surgery.
• Completes appropriate form for facility, i.e. Salt Creek Surgery Center, Hinsdale or Good Samaritan Hospitals.
• Schedules appropriate pre-op and post-op visits.
• Secures pre-certification for surgery.
• Maintains and updates physician calendar regarding surgery.
• If patient fails pre-op labs/EKG, helps patient to secure appointments with appropriate physician.
• Calls for equipment representative or surgical equipment, as necessary.

Correspondence (Written/Faxed/Verbal)

• Sends prescriptions for therapy, orthotics, return to work notes, gym notes, etc. as requested.
• Opens and distributes physician’s/department mail.
• Completes “Attending physician” statements, narrative summaries for attorneys, handicap parking permits, jury duty requests, disability forms, PE excuse notes, etc.
• Prepares physician on call schedules and coordinates physician schedule changes.
• As necessary, secures appropriate releases and copies medical information for patient pick-up.  Works closely with copy service and monitors reports to ensure timely mailing of all requests for records.
• Maintains an orderly file on physician credentials and CME credits.

Support Activities

• 1-2 work days prior to patient appointment, ensures that the following data has been secured: medical chart; x-rays; MRI/dexa scan results; reports from outside sources (e.g., lab results, x-rays/reports; etc.).
• Identifies/orders, as requested, all unit supplies (e.g., clinical, cleaning, medical, medic