Medical Support Assistant

About the role

The Seattle - WA VA Medical Center is seeking a GS-5 Medical Support Assistant (MSA) in their Prosthetics and Sensory Aid Service (PSAS) service line. This position serves as a liaison between clinical staff and customers, both internal and external.

Responsibilities

• Schedule appointments in accordance with national guidelines, including interpreting and verifying provider orders.
• Cancel, reschedule, and monitor appointments and consults.
• Enter no-show information and prepare for clinic visits.
• Maintain and update patient demographics and insurance information.
• Process emergency and non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospitals.
• Verify and update pre-authorization requirements for specific coverage.
• Ensure encounter forms are completed for appropriate workload credit.
• Monitor both inpatient and outpatient appointments for assigned areas.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by July 20, 2026. Basic requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of education above high school (transcripts required).
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (working in a medical or clinic setting).
• Advanced knowledge of medical terminology.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of computerized programs and systems for entering, modifying, and retrieving sensitive information into electronic health records and scheduling systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers.
• Customer service skills to identify and resolve customer concerns.

Skills

• Proficiency in medical terminology to communicate clinical staff instructions to patients.
• Ability to schedule appointments in a clinical setting.
• Independent work capability to perform a variety of duties.
• Effective communication in person, electronically, and by telephone.

Benefits

The position offers competitive salary, regular salary increases, and a range of benefits including:

• Annual paid time off (37-50 days).
• Paid parental leave (up to 12 weeks).
• Childcare subsidy (up to 25% of eligible childcare costs).
• Traditional federal pension and federal 401K with employer contributions.

Pay

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The position offers a competitive salary and regular salary increases.

Physical Requirements

The work is mostly sedentary but may require periods of standing or walking. There are no physical requirements for this occupation.

Duties

MSAs provide administrative support to clinical colleagues in the care of Veterans. They are responsible for scheduling appointments, monitoring the electronic wait list, preparing for clinic visits, and ensuring encounter forms are completed for workload credit. They also verify and update patient demographics and insurance information, process transfers, and handle pre-authorization requirements.

Total Rewards

MSAs contribute to the success of VA's mission by providing efficient and effective healthcare services. They may be assigned to various areas within the medical center based on need.

References

The VA Handbook 5005/117 outlines the qualification standard for this occupation. It covers the educational and experience requirements, as well as the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position.