A medical assistant is someone who supports the medical staff of a hospital or other healthcare facility. They are a vital part of the healthcare team, working closely with doctors and patients and providing them with support and assistance. They also perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks.
Roles of a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals who perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep medical offices running smoothly. They are an integral part of the healthcare team, and their duties vary depending on the size and type of medical facility they work in. However, there are some common duties that all medical assistants perform.
These include:
Scheduling Appointments
One of the essential duties of a medical assistant is scheduling appointments. That includes making appointments for patients and scheduling them for other healthcare team members, such as doctors, nurses, and specialists. Medical assistants must be able to keep track of many appointments and ensure they are all scheduled in a timely manner.
Maintaining Medical Records
Another vital duty of medical assistants is maintaining medical records. That includes keeping track of patients’ medical histories, test results, and medications. Medical assistants must be able to accurately and efficiently input this information into the medical office’s electronic medical records system.
Billing and Coding Insurance Forms
Another typical duty of medical assistants is billing and coding insurance forms. That includes submitting insurance claims and coding them correctly. Medical assistants must be familiar with insurance companies’ different systems to code claims correctly.
Administering Injections
Some medical assistants are also responsible for administering injections. That includes vaccinations, as well as injections of medication prescribed by a doctor. Medical assistants must be familiar with the different types of injections and how to administer them properly.
Drawing Blood
Some medical assistants are also responsible for drawing blood, including taking blood samples from patients and delivering them to the lab for testing. Medical assistants must be familiar with the different types of blood tests and how to draw blood properly.
Preparing Patients for Exams
Medical assistants may also be responsible for preparing patients for exams. They may need to take vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. They may also need to collect urine and stool samples.
Top Reasons for Considering Being a Medical Assistant
If you are considering studying to become a medical assistant, here are some reasons for pushing through with your decision.
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You Can Make a Difference
You will play a vital role in the healthcare industry as a medical assistant. You will be helping patients receive the care and treatment they need, and you will make a difference in their lives.
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You Can Help Others
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a medical assistant is the ability to help others. If you are compassionate and enjoy helping others, then a career as a medical assistant may be a good fit for you.
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You Can Have a Rewarding Career
A career as a medical assistant can be both rewarding and challenging. You will be working with patients and their families and helping to improve their lives. A great deal of satisfaction comes with knowing you are making a difference in the lives of others.
Conclusion
A medical assistant position is a great way to get into the medical field. The job is essential and can be very rewarding. There are many ways to become a medical assistant, but the most important thing is to get the training and education you need. Many schools offer medical assistant programs, and you can also find many online courses. Once you have the training you need, you can start looking for a job and enjoy the reaps of your hard work.
Northwest Suburban College is a healthcare career training college located near Schaumburg, Illinois. Our certified medical assistant program is one of the most comprehensive and affordable programs available. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the certified medical assistant exam successfully. Contact us today.
