Medical Assistants Keep the Office Running Smoothly?

Medical Assistants Keep the Office Running Smoothly

Medical assistants are essential members of the healthcare team. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks that keep the office running smoothly and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Administrative tasks

Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative tasks, including:

* Scheduling appointments

* Answering phones and taking messages

* Maintaining patient records

* Preparing insurance claims

* Coding and billing for services

* Handling patient correspondence

* Ordering and tracking supplies

* Managing the office budget

Clinical tasks

In addition to administrative tasks, medical assistants also perform a variety of clinical tasks, such as:

* Taking patient vital signs

* Administering injections

* Performing electrocardiograms (EKGs)

* Drawing blood

* Assisting with minor surgeries

* Instructing patients on how to use medications and medical devices

Other duties

Medical assistants may also perform other duties, such as:

* Cleaning and maintaining the office

* Sterilizing equipment

* Answering patient questions

* Providing emotional support to patients and their families

Education and training

Medical assistants typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a one-year training program. Training programs typically cover topics such as:

* Medical terminology

* Anatomy and physiology

* Pharmacology

* Medical law and ethics

* Administrative skills

* Clinical skills

Job outlook

The job outlook for medical assistants is expected to be excellent over the next few years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of medical assistant jobs will grow by 19% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Salary

The median annual salary for medical assistants was $32,660 in May 2019. The top 10% of earners made more than $48,440, while the bottom 10% earned less than $23,980.

Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare system. They keep the office running smoothly and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.