Surgical Technician/Medical Assistant - Long Beach, CA

Our Ideal Candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Detailed knowledge of surgical instruments and prescribed procedures.
• Completed an accredited surgical technology program.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in an operating room, assisting surgeons and medical staff during surgery.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Medical Assistant Diploma from an accredited institution required.
• Medical Assistant Certification preferred.
• American Heart Association BLS Certification required or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire. 
• Venipuncture and injection training to be completed within 30 days of hire.
• Reproductive health care experience desirable.

About the position:

• Abortion patients are cared for at each of our health centers, and in part through the administrative, support, and other non-clinical services provided at all PPLA locations, and by all PPLA employees. Supporting these critical services is an essential job duty, and a fundamental responsibility of all employees and contractors.
• Surgical duties, front office duties and back office duties.
• Patient Intake.
• Prepare room for examination.
• Assist the patient in preparation for examination..
• Prepare lab slips.
• Operation/Procedure room duties.
• Recovery room duties.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including extended hours, as requested.
• Ability to travel to other health centers as requested by Health Center Supervisor/Center Manager.
• Ability and willingness to travel within Los Angeles County.
• Reliable means of transportation for onsite and off-site work.  

Surgical Duties:

• Provides the surgeon(s) and surgical staff the appropriate instruments and supplies throughout the course of surgery, maintaining aseptic technique.
• Maintains the operating room in aseptic conditions at all times.
• Sets up operating room prior to surgery by obtaining and checking equipment, instruments, packs and supplies needed in surgery.
• Ensures support equipment are set up, operative and assembled for surgical cases daily; such equipment includes suction machines, scopes, diagnostic equipment and lights to ensure proper operation.
• Prepares and processes instrument trays and other supplies as needed throughout the day and in preparation for future surgeries.
• Turns down the operating room after surgery by cleaning and sterilizing the operating room, equipment and instruments.
• Utilizes sterilizer, ultrasonic and Steris and disposes of waste and soiled supplies in appropriate receptacle.
• Counts sponges, needles, supplies and instruments before and after surgery to ensure all surgical supplies are accounted for. 
• May assist in transporting patients from operating room to recovery room.
• May assist the surgeon and nursing staff in positioning, prepping and draping patients for surgery.
• May assist in maintaining and labeling specimens collected during surgery.
• May assist the surgeon with suctioning, cutting sutures, applying and removing dressings for operative procedures.
• Trains support staff, if necessary.

Front Office Duties:

• Register patients, compiling complete and accurate information for health center records and timely reimbursement.
• Prepare and assemble charts checking for completeness, signatures and appropriate assembly.
• Assist with the Patient Portal Enrollment process.
• Copy, transfer and scan charts as needed.
• Reconcile billing at the end of patient visit.
• Maintain effective patient flow to assist in prompt treatment of the patient.
• Maintain effective working relations with all health center staff in order to ensure work flow effectiveness.
• Greet and assist all patients and visitors, whether in person or by telephone, using guest relation techniques while professionally representing the visions and values of PPLA.
• Utilize various computer programs to verify eligibility, schedule and register patients, enter charges, obtain benefit information and generate letters for authorizations.
• Respond to Billing Department and Call Center inquiries and responds effectively to questions and concerns expressed by patients and other staff.
• Communicate/coordinate with health center staff to resolve issues relating to scheduling of patients.
• Ensure the accuracy and presence of appropriate documentation for effective patient care.
• Ensure appointments conform to established authorizations.
• Appropriately schedule, reschedule, cancel or confirm patient appointments in a timely manner to maximize scheduling for patient volume as needed or requested.
• Obtain demographic information from patients and enters into appropriate computer system.
• Act as Data Steward by following appropriate procedures regarding requests, access and disclosure of PHI in accordance with HIPAA regulations, and takes necessary precautions to prevent unauthorized access.
• Register patients as appropriate based on type of admission, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information.
• Resolve problems (registration, eligibility, billing or financial) in a timely manner.
• Accept and process cash payments according to established guidelines.
• Accurately prepare correspondence and documents.
• Accurately verify insurance coverage, including Medical Group eligibility.
• Answer incoming calls and provides information or directs caller as appropriate.
• Appropriately determine patient eligibility in relation to established program, insurance or contract standards.
• Appropriately perform basic reception functions to ensure smooth health center operations and patient flow.
• Appropriately refer patients to correct agencies or offices for service(s).
• Appropriately schedule surgery/procedures/diagnostic testing in a timely manner according to patient and physician schedule.
• Assist internal customers with patient location and status updates.
• Effectively use all applicable computer software programs as needed or required to ensure accurate and timely delivery of work.
• File documents according to health center standards.
• Input patient schedule into system for general anesthesia patients.
• Maintain accurate filing system per departmental standards.
• Perform data entry accurately and timely.
• Process prescription refill requests in accordance with established procedures.
• Take accurate messages and provides information to callers as appropriate.
• Encourage client feedback.

Back Office Duties:

• Obtain medical history.
• Assist with the Patient Portal Enrollment process.
• Obtain vital signs (blood pressure, height, weight, etc.).
• Accompany clients during procedures, as necessary.
• Clean and stock exam and interview rooms.
• Complete daily quality control log.
• Assist Nurses and Clinicians.
• Pregnancy testing and options review.
• Provide abortion information per agency protocols, make appointments and complete pre-screening form.
• Comply with infection control, safety and emergency guidelines. 

Generous salary and benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options for you and eligible dependents
• Free basic life/AD&D policy with additional voluntary coverage options
• Short Term Disability, Critical Illness and Accident policies
• 403(b) Retirement plan with up to 3% employer match
• Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Account plans
• Public Transportation and Commuter Pre-Tax Reimbursements
• Generous vacation, sick, and holiday benefits
• Hiring Range: $25.00 - $29.00 (Non-Exempt)