Medical Assistant, Plastics

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established in 1976 in Nashville, our mission remains unchanged: to provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. We are committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient.

About the Role

The Medical Assistant for the Plastics service line coordinates and schedules tests ordered by surgeons, provides patients with clear instructions for pre-surgical and pre-test preparation, and accurately records facility-based charges. This role requires maintaining a positive, professional demeanor while fostering strong, collaborative relationships with patients, providers, coworkers, and partner facilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform patient triage, including assessing complaints, obtaining detailed medical/family/surgical histories, and documenting findings.
• Obtain and record vital signs; assist providers with exams, office procedures, wound care, drain/stitch removal, and tissue expansion.
• Provide patient education and relay provider instructions; communicate test results and coordinate follow-up as directed.
• Manage patient scheduling, pre-certifications, test orders, surgery scheduling, and uploading required documents/reports into EMR/SIS.
• Collect, label, process, and reconcile lab specimens and results; scan operative and pathology reports into patient records.
• Handle patient and pharmacy calls per provider direction; ensure referring offices receive progress notes.
• Maintain medication/supply inventory, ensure accurate documentation (e.g., refrigerator temps, autoclave logs, implant details), and uphold sterile technique and equipment cleaning standards.
• Notify hospitals, surgery centers, and skilled nursing facilities of physician orders as needed.
• Support clinical flow by preparing rooms, ensuring readiness for procedures, and assisting providers during surgeries or treatments.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of all MIPS (Merit-based Incentive Payment System) requirements for providers.
• Complete charts, review and verify codes for physician charges.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Graduate of Medical Assistant Training Program or 6 months of recent Medical Assistant experience in a healthcare setting required.
• BLS certification is required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Completion of a Medical Assistant training program and/or certification (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) is preferred.
• One year of experience in dermatology or plastic surgery practice preferred.
• Knowledge of OSHA Controls/HIPAA compliance and Quality standards.
• Sterile techniques and processing of surgical instrumentation.
• Strong knowledge of medications and side effects.
• Ability to develop and communicate self-care programs.
• Knowledge of various surgical equipment and surgery treatment procedures.
• Knowledge of biohazard management.

Skills

• Proven ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements for safe handling of blood and body fluids.
• Skill in computer applications.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in gathering and reporting information.
• Exceptional customer service skills, including answering phones and greeting patients.
• Ability to work effectively with staff, internal and external partners, and agencies.
• Demonstrates a positive, respectful, and empathetic attitude at all times.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Lifting objects, possibly weights more than 30 pounds.
• Bending, reaching, and twisting.
• Ability to assist and support patients in transfer from exam rooms, out of wheelchairs, onto exam tables, during the exam process, etc.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus as needed.