Assistant Medical/Cast Specialist - Ortho - Full Time 8 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

Escorts patients to x-ray and exam rooms, monitors patient flow, assists physicians with minor clinical procedures including staple removal, suture removal, and wound care. Casting and splinting removal and application as directed by the physician. Supply utilization tracking and ordering, including stocking exam rooms and work stations. Schedules diagnostic tests ordered by the physician as needed. Reviews and codes charge slips, submits insurance claims. Returns patient phone calls. Performs various office and clerical duties. Must work with any and every physician in the Orthopaedic Clinic.

Essential Duties:

• Schedules patient appointments, answers general questions, obtains authorizations and pre-authorizations for patient care services. Schedules appointments with ancillary departments or other care providers as needed. Maintains master calendar for physician(s).
• Ensures patient charts are prepared prior to appointment including x-rays and pertinent lab work, makes arrangements to obtain any special equipment needed. Sets up exam rooms, assists physician with exams as needed, monitors patient flow.
• Reviews and codes charge slips for patient care services rendered and/or surgeries performed in accordance with department deadlines. Develops supporting documentation for insurance claims and submits claims to insurance carriers.
• Maintains files and records, oversees equipment and office supply inventory. Photocopies, collates, faxes, distributes, mails, and performs errands. Reads and prioritizes incoming mail. Handles or routes as appropriate.
• Assists physicians with minor orthopaedic clinical procedures including staple removal, suture removal, and wound care.
• Ensures that physician orders for medications and treatments are implemented by the appropriate staff.
• Submits all workers compensation and HMO requests. Relays disability status to adjusters and nurse case managers.
• Returns patient phone calls in a timely manner in accordance with departmental policy.
• Casting and splinting removal and application as directed by the physician.
• Supply utilization including tracking of supplies used and ordering new supplies in a timely manner in order to keep clinic stocked appropriately.
• Stocks exam rooms and work stations to ensure all supplies are available prior to clinic times.
• Checks supplies and medications (if applicable) for expiration dates and disposes of them according to hospital and Joint Commission standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school or equivalent
• Specialized/technical training Graduate from an accredited school of Orthopaedic Program.

• 5 years Medical Assistant Experience.

• Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Specialized/technical training Graduate from an accredited Medical Assistant Certificate/Diploma program
• 1 year; Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience Experience in acute care setting
• Spanish language skills.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Familiarity with word processing, IDX, AS400 and scheduling software.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified Orthopaedic Technologist (NBCOT)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
• Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)

The hourly rate range for this position is $26.39 - $44.88. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.