Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Quick Facts

• Role: Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

• Department/Setting: Emergency Department

Description

Help ensure patients receive timely, well-coordinated care by scheduling appointments, coordinating with the patient care team, and supporting clinic operations. Manage follow-up tracking (e.g., return-to-clinic orders, recalls, consults, tests), monitor pre-appointment readiness (e.g., X-ray and lab requirements), and maintain accurate records in the electronic health record. Communicate professionally and tactfully with patients, interdisciplinary teams, VA Medical Centers, and non-VA facilities while maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Schedule patient appointments and notify patients of appointments

• Coordinate clinic utilization reviews using reports and recommend corrective actions to support clinic needs

• Communicate with care teams and other agencies; facilitate secure messaging for inpatient-to-outpatient discharge coordination

• Maintain tracking systems for follow-up care and ensure continuity of care

• Participate in team huddles/meetings; prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adjust workflow to patient needs

• Monitor electronic waitlists and pre-appointment requirements to verify readiness and resolve issues

• Enter appropriate information into the electronic record based on the plan of care

• Educate providers about shared patients and bring relevant issues to the provider’s attention

• Independently complete administrative analysis, reporting, and follow-up actions with minimal supervision

• Report backlogs, deadline risks, and difficulty obtaining information from clinicians

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• High school diploma (or GED/proficiency certificate)

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Completion of all required application steps including an online assessment

• Selective Service registration (for males born after 12/31/1959)

• Background/security investigation

• Pass pre-employment physical examination

• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

• Successful completion of required onboarding and pre-employment documentation

• Ability to meet GS-06 qualifications (experience using computerized programs/systems, scheduling in clinical settings, and advanced knowledge of interdisciplinary scheduling/access processes and clinic utilization/follow-up operations)

Benefits

• A comprehensive U.S. federal benefits package (eligibility depends on the position type)

• VA Whole Health System of care mission alignment