Friday, July 14, 2006

Medical Assistant FAQa

FAQs on Medical Assisting
For your convenience, here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the medical assisting profession.
Q. What responsibilities can be included in a medical assistant's job description?
A. Duties vary from office to office depending on location, size and specialty.
Administrative duties may include...
Using computer applications
Answering telephones
Greeting patients
Updating and filing patient medical records
Coding and filling out insurance forms
Scheduling appointments
Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping Clinical duties vary by state, but may include...
Taking medical histories
Explaining treatment procedures to patients
Preparing patients for examination
Assisting the physician during the exam
Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
Performing basic laboratory tests
Instructing patients about medication and special diets
Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
Authorizing prescription refills as directed
Drawing blood
Taking electrocardiograms
Removing sutures and changing dressings