The medical field is one of the fastest-growing job fields in the United States. You don't have to become a doctor in order to enjoy the growth of the medical field. One great way to enter the medical field is by studying to become a medical assistant.
Task #1: Set Up Appointments
Medical assistances often answer the phone for doctor's offices and medical clinics. They talk to patients, listen to their concerns, and figure out how soon the patient needs to be seen. They manage the appointment book.
Task #2: Manage Medical Records
Next, medical assistances help to manage patients' medical records.
When a patient comes in, the medical assistant is often the person who sits down with the patient and reviews their medical history. It often falls on the medical assistant to make sure that nothing is overlooked in the patient's history.
They help write down what happens during the patient's visit and make sure each patient's record accurately reflects what the doctor told them, as well as all tests scheduled and results gathered during the visit.
Beyond that, they also manage medical coding and billing. They have to be proficient in medical billing coding, which can be really complicated to understand.
Task #3: Prepare Examination Rooms
Another task that medical assistants take on is preparing the examination room for a patient. That means making sure all the right supplies and equipment are set out for the patient's visit. They make sure that every room is set-up in a way that will expedite the appointment.
Task #4: Clean Equipment
After equipment is used, the medical assistant is often the person who helps clean up the equipment. They have to know how to correctly sanitize and clean equipment so that it will be sterile for the next patient.
Task #5: Draw Blood
Medical assistants go through training so that they can take patients' blood. Drawing blood is such an everyday part of the business in a doctor's office and having a medical assistant trained to draw blood helps with this routine task.
Task #6: Take Vitals
Medical assistants also take vitals. They are trained to take blood pressure and the other measurements that the doctor may need.
Task #7: Run Diagnostic Tests
Many medical assistants also undergo training that allows them to learn how to run diagnostic tests. They will run various diagnostic tests based on the type of medical practice where they are working.
As a medical assistant, you can help with the various tasks necessary to keep a doctor's office running. You can set-up appointments, manage medical records and deal with billing. You can also clean and prepare exam rooms. Additionally, you can interact directly with patients, by taking their vital signals, drawing blood, and even performing diagnostic tests. You can work in a large variety of different types of medical offices and settings with a medical assistant degree.
For more information on becoming a medical assistant, get in touch with a medical assistant program in your area.
