Clinical Practice Assistant - Dept of Surgery

Company: Cambridge Health Alliance
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: November 3, 2025

Job Description:

Location: CHA Cambridge Hospital Work Days: 8:30 to 5p Category: Medical Assistant Department: CHA Breast Center Cambridge Job Type: Full time Work Shift: Day Hours/Week: 40.00 Union Name: CH Laborers 380 The CHA surgery team has highly skilled providers who help thousands of patients each year. We offer a wide range of surgical subspecialties, treating patients with many different needs – from foot care to eye surgery and nearly everything in between. Led by a team of fellowship-trained physicians, the surgery team sees patients at all three CHA Hospitals, with surgeries performed at either Cambridge or Everett Hospital. We work closely with the BIDMC Department of surgery Summary: The Clinical Practice Assistant (CPA) position consists of both administrative/clerical functions in addition to the clinical responsibilities of the medical assistant. CPA's are essential members of the ambulatory team. They provide the ambulatory site the flexibility of meeting both clinical and administrative needs, while contributing to the smooth operation of the clinic by facilitating patient flow. Job Duties / Responsibilities: Administrative and Clerical Responsibilities: • Completes patient registration according to established protocols. • Verifies patient identify using two patient identifiers. • Collects and processes cash payments using Safe-Pay and provides receipt to patient. • Verifies patient insurance eligibility using Passport. • Obtains prior authorization from insurance companies for appointments. • Answers telephone promptly and courteously using appropriate script to identify self and site. • Determines urgency of phone call using phone routing guidelines and ensures “warm hand-off” to nurse or other staff member when warranted. • Schedules patient appointments, both new and follow-up, within an appropriate time frame. • Charge router duties as assigned. • Assists in clinic efficiency by handing out health care proxy info, screening forms, completes letters, etc. • Processes requests for patient forms. • Ability to answer and assist patients with billing questions. • Identifies need and utilizes interpreter services when needed. • Utilizes critical thinking skills to effectively and efficiently address patient requests and concerns, and maximize flow of patients through the clinic. • Communicates with patient regarding delays. • Creates prescription refill encounters and routes to central pharmacy. • Participates in the prior authorization process for medications. Clinical/MA Responsibilities: • Actively and efficiently manage the flow of patients through the clinic: • Pre-visit chart medical record preparation and information gathering to optimize the visit. • Participate in team huddles and team meetings. • Room patients: • Assist providers with medical histories • Appropriate documentation in the electronic health record • Check routine vital signs and point of care testing (based on patient’s reason for visit, age and diagnosis • Perform screening questionnaires and pain score, as needed • Actively communicates with patients to set expectations, e.g., wait times, what to expect during visit. • Provides clear and timely observations to providers regarding patient issues. • Manages room cleaning, stocking, set-up, and turnover. • Assists providers with clinical procedures. • Participate in process improvement initiatives. • Participate in staff meetings, MA meetings and continuing education sessions. • Assist co-workers in their duties within the limitations of training and scope of practice • Other duties as required. Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduation from an accredited medical assistant program. Certifications: Maintains current Basic Life Support Linguistic Capabilities: Ability to write and verbally communicate in English. Knowledge of a second language preferred. Work Experience: Minimum of 2 years experience as a Medical Assistant in an outpatient surgical setting preferred Minimum of one year administrative duties in a surgical setting preferred. In keeping with federal, state and local laws, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) policy forbids employees and associates to discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to establishing and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination. We are fully committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not tolerate unlawful discrimination in the recruitment, hiring, termination, promotion, salary treatment or any other condition of employment or career development. Furthermore, we will not tolerate the use of discriminatory slurs, or other remarks, jokes or conduct, that in the judgment of CHA, encourage or permit an offensive or hostile work environment. Cambridge Health Alliance brings Care to the People - including your neighbors, friends and family. Our local hospitals and care centers serve our vibrant, diverse communities, and play an integral role in improving health. As passionate advocates for the underserved, we actively partner with our communities to take on challenging public health issues, and conduct important research to help reduce barriers to care. We believe that everyone deserves access to high quality, convenient health care. This is why our employees believe in where they work and why many build long, rewarding careers at CHA. Healthcare is changing rapidly. CHA has a strategic plan that charts a proactive course for our future. It is built on a vision of equity and excellence for everyone, every time. It also recognizes that our workforce is our most valuable asset and prioritizes competitive salaries, benefits and professional development opportunities for employees. The strategic plan is changing the way we provide care and improving the health and experience of our patients; we are looking for smart, committed, compassionate people who want to be part of making our vision of better health and equity a reality. At CHA, you can believe in where you work and go home every day knowing you made a difference. Join our team and help us bring Care to the People.

Keywords: Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge , Clinical Practice Assistant - Dept of Surgery, Healthcare , Cambridge, Massachusetts