What is a medical assistant and what do they actually do? Essentially, a medical assistant is someone who performs both administrative and clinical duties that helps to keep the offices of general physicians, chiropractors, pediatricians, ophthalmologists and other health care practitioners running smoothly and efficiently. There is also a great deal of patient interaction, so being a ‘people-person’ is part of the job.
Do you have a genuine interest in health care and medicine? Are you a ‘people person’ who enjoys helping others? Are you good at multi-tasking job responsibilities? Do you prefer a job with some diversity? Are you looking for an occupation that is steadily expanding?
If you answered yes to these questions, then the medical assisting profession may be a great career opportunity for you to consider.
Job duties are going to vary from office to office depending on the health care practitioner’s area of expertise, office size and location. In smaller practices, a medical assistant reports directly to an office manager, physician or other health care practitioner and is usually responsible for handling both administrative and clinical tasks. Those working in large health care facilities, such as a hospital, work as part of a team staff under the supervision of a department administrator and usually have a specialized role in either the administrative or clinical aspect of medical assisting. If working within a specific field of health care such as ophthalmology or podiatry, additional duties and skill sets are often required. For example, those working for ophthalmologists are required to be knowledgeable in eye and vision care, whereas those working for podiatrists must know how to assist during foot surgery, take x-rays and make castings of feet. In any case, having the ability to work well with others is an essential requirement to be successful as a medical assistant.
In general, the duties of a medical assistant fall under the category of either administrative or clinical. Administrative tasks typically involve a range of responsibilities from answering telephones and greeting patients to insurance processing and bookkeeping. Handling paperwork, updating and filing patient medical records, arranging laboratory services and hospital admissions, coding and filling out insurance forms, billing, setting up appointments and essentially being present at the front desk to answer patient questions and concerns are all part of the general duties of an administrative medical assistant.
Whereas administrative duties are more front desk oriented, clinical duties on the other hand tend to involve working more directly with the patient, and require a reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity. Responsibilities may vary according to State law, but generally include recording vital signs, taking medical histories, explaining treatment procedures to patients and preparing patients for examinations while also providing general assistance to the physician during an examination or medical procedure. Other duties may also consist of collecting and preparing laboratory samples, performing basic laboratory tests, sterilizing medical instruments and disposing of contaminated supplies. They may also, instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, phone prescriptions to a pharmacy, take electrocardiograms, draw blood, remove sutures and change dressings.
Since a big part of the job is dealing with people, being courteous and having a pleasant demeanor is a must along with being neat and well groomed in appearance. Medical assistants must also have the ability to put patients at ease and have good communication skills in order to explain instructions given by the health care practitioner.
A full-time medical assistant usually works a regular 40-hour week, however, they may also only work part time, evenings or weekends.
If you have the desire to embark upon a new and exciting profession within the health care industry, then consider becoming a medical assistant. While not everyone who wants a career in the field of health care can afford the time and expense needed to attend medical school, training to become a medical assistant can be just as challenging and rewarding, but at a more affordable cost. Through medical assistant training programs offered at vocational schools, community colleges and universities, it typically only takes one to two years to earn your certificate or degree. There are even online courses available, making it even easier and convenient to get your training. From there you can immediately begin looking for a position or apply for medical assistant certification. Getting certified has its advantages and rewards you with a credential that potential employers often favor when hiring personnel.
So to sum up what is a medical assistant, it is a dedicated individual who enjoys patient care and working with people while making sure the administrative and clinical procedures that take place in the office or facility of a medical practitioner, runs smoothly and efficiently.