Monica Salinas
San Pedro
Summary
Experienced Certified Medical Assistant with 8 years in front and back office roles across surgical, urgent care, specialty, and community clinics. Demonstrated leadership as Team Lead and expertise in prior authorizations and EMR systems, including Epic and eClinicalWorks. Committed to enhancing patient care and effectively managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
1
1
year of post-secondary education
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Assistant
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
08.2024 - 03.2026
- Assisted physicians during in-office procedures including incision and drainage, lipoma excisions, laceration repairs, and other minor surgical procedures.
- Performed clinical procedures within scope of practice, including wound care, dressing changes, and splint application.
- Obtained and documented accurate vital signs, medical histories, and chief complaints using Epic EMR.
- Delivered comprehensive front and back office support in a fast-paced surgical practice.
- Coordinated prior authorizations for medications, imaging, and surgical procedures, facilitating timely approvals and continuity of patient care.
- Ensured exam room readiness, adhered to sterile techniques, and upheld patient safety standards while providing compassionate care.
- Adapted to multiple Cedars-Sinai locations including Torrance, San Pedro, and El Segundo, showcasing flexibility and commitment to patient service.
Team Lead Medical Assistant
Exer Urgent Care
Lawndale
05.2019 - 07.2024
- Promoted to Team Lead while overseeing daily front and back office operations in a high-volume urgent care clinic.
- Trained and mentored new Medical Assistants on clinical workflows and EMR documentation, ensuring effective onboarding and integration into the team.
- Administered vaccines, performed COVID-19 testing, obtained vital signs, collected laboratory specimens, and assisted providers with patient care.
- Assisted with patient registration, scheduling, check-in/check-out, and telephone triage.
- Performed insurance verification for PPO, HMO, Medicare, Medi-Cal, Workers’ Compensation, and travel insurance plans.
- Collected blood, urine, and stool specimens while ensuring proper labeling and laboratory processing.
- Resolved patient concerns, de-escalating difficult situations and contributing to high patient satisfaction rates.
- Streamlined office operations through enhanced teamwork, organization, and communication, contributing to smoother workflow in a high-volume clinic.
- Maintained HIPAA compliance and ensured accurate EMR documentation.
Medical Assistant
Signature Med Spa
Torrance
09.2018 - 05.2019
- Led medical assistant team in supporting both front and back office operations.
- Executed patient intake, rooming, vital signs, phlebotomy, and EMR documentation, ensuring accurate patient records.
- Educated patients on treatments, medications, and post-procedure instructions to improve understanding and compliance.
- Informed patients about treatment options, medication dosages, and post-procedure care in a clear manner.
- Assisted with office workflow improvements and trained newly hired Medical Assistants.
- Scheduled appointments, verified PPO insurance benefits, and answered high-volume telephone calls.
Shift Leader
Ono Hawaiian BBQ
04.2017 - 04.2019
- Delivered customer service in fast-paced retail environment, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety standards and fostering a safe work environment.
- Managed inventory levels and coordinated supplies for peak service times.
- Managed inventory levels and coordinated supply deliveries, optimizing readiness for peak service times.
Medical Assistant
Community Clinic
12.2017 - 09.2018
- Conducted venipuncture and documented patient vitals in electronic health records to ensure accurate medical histories.
- Performed venipuncture and recorded patient vitals in electronic health records.
- Coordinated and scheduled patient appointments to optimize clinic workflow.
- Maintained and updated patient records in electronic health systems, enhancing data accessibility for healthcare providers.
Troys Burgers
02.2015 - 07.2017
- Customer service and POS.
Education
Certified Medical Assistant -
American Career College
Long Beach, CA 03.2017 - 01.2018
High School Diploma -
Skills
- Venipuncture
- IM/SubQ Injections
- EKG
- Patient Triage
- Prior authorization
- EHR/EMR
- Epic
- EClinicalWorks
- Practice Fusion
- Medical Records
- Scheduling
- HIPAA
Certification
BLS/CPR Certified (2025)
Timeline
Medical Assistant
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
08.2024 - 03.2026
Team Lead Medical Assistant
Exer Urgent Care
05.2019 - 07.2024
Medical Assistant
Signature Med Spa
09.2018 - 05.2019
Medical Assistant
Community Clinic
12.2017 - 09.2018
Shift Leader
Ono Hawaiian BBQ
04.2017 - 04.2019
Certified Medical Assistant -
American Career College
03.2017 - 01.2018
Troys Burgers
02.2015 - 07.2017