What is the role of a medical assistant?
Medical Assistants have always played a role in physicians' offices, clinics, and other facilities where health care services are offered on an outpatient basis. With the changes in health care, the onset of managed care, and the explosion of knowledge and technology in medicine, physicians' offices as well as health care agencies are looking for well trained medical assistants. Clinical duties vary and will include but not limited to the following responsibilities: Apply principles of aseptic technique and infection control Prepare and assist with examinations, procedures, and treatmentsObtain patient history and vital signsCollect and process specimensPerform or assist with diagnostic tests, including performing an EKG. Taking blood for examination (Phlebotomy) performing certain lab testsScreen and follow patient test results, Maintain medication and immunization records. Medical assistants Adhere to established triage procedures, Coordinate patient care infor mation with other health care providers. Administrative duties include but are not limited to the following responsibilities:
Basic clerical dutiesSchedule, coordinate, and monitor scheduling, Schedule inpatient/outpatient procedures and admissions. Perform medical transcription,Perform procedural and diagnostic coding. Obtain reimbursement through accurate claims (insurance) submissionMonitor and follow-up on third-party (insurance) reimbursement,Apply bookkeeping principles,Document and maintain accounting and banking recordsManage accounts payable, accounts receivables, and payrollProfessionally manage telephone responsibilities,Receive, organize, prioritize, and transmit written and verbal communications and information .
Medical Assistants have always played a role in physicians' offices, clinics, and other facilities where health care services are offered on an outpatient basis. With the changes in health care, the onset of managed care, and the explosion of knowledge and technology in medicine, physicians' offices as well as health care agencies are looking for well trained medical assistants. Clinical duties vary and will include but not limited to the following responsibilities: Apply principles of aseptic technique and infection control Prepare and assist with examinations, procedures, and treatmentsObtain patient history and vital signsCollect and process specimensPerform or assist with diagnostic tests, including performing an EKG. Taking blood for examination (Phlebotomy) performing certain lab testsScreen and follow patient test results, Maintain medication and immunization records. Medical assistants Adhere to established triage procedures, Coordinate patient care infor mation with other health care providers. Administrative duties include but are not limited to the following responsibilities:
Basic clerical dutiesSchedule, coordinate, and monitor scheduling, Schedule inpatient/outpatient procedures and admissions. Perform medical transcription,Perform procedural and diagnostic coding. Obtain reimbursement through accurate claims (insurance) submissionMonitor and follow-up on third-party (insurance) reimbursement,Apply bookkeeping principles,Document and maintain accounting and banking recordsManage accounts payable, accounts receivables, and payrollProfessionally manage telephone responsibilities,Receive, organize, prioritize, and transmit written and verbal communications and information .
What is the current JOB OUTLOOK for medical assistants?
Medical Assistants generally work in outpatient settings. These types of medical settings are expected to grow much faster than average during the next 10 years spurring the demand for flexible support personnel. It is one of the fasted growing occupations. Heading the list for demand in these medical settings will be the medical assistant. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is expecting an increase in the need for Medical Assistants of 59% by the year 2012.
Medical assistant is an unlicensed multi-skilled health professional who offers administrative, clerical and technical support to the physician. Medical assistant provides services for front office, back office and other clinical laboratory areas. Medical assisting is a versatile career for men and women. Medical assistant provides services in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and other health practicians to work smoothly. Medical assistants are not like physician assistants who diagnose and treat patients under direct control of physician. Duties of medical assistants depend on the specialty of practitioner. Medical assistants work under the control of department administrator. They do several administrative duties like answering telephones, greeting patients, updating medical records of patients etc. Medical assistant plays significant role in the medical offices or clinical environments. They don’t make any decisions, about diseases, treatment or emergency plan of patients, independently. They are not allowed to perform independent practice. Medical assistants perform administrative as well as clinical duties. Their clinical duties include explaining treatment procedures to the patients, preparing patients for medical examination, and supporting physician during examination. Sometimes they perform vital laboratory tests and disinfect medical instruments. They give instructions to the patients about medications or special diets. Sometimes they purchase medical supplies for the clinic and examining room equipments and instruments. They usually work in clean and well-lighted environments. Some medical assistants work part time and many on regular basis.
Medical Assistant Registration
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. According to the United States Department of Labor, "...employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for those with formal training."Our online Medical Assistant training program is designed in such a way to provide working and busy individuals the flexibility of learning at anytime in an affordable way with convenient online medical assistant classes and exams. In most cases the entire course doesn’t take more than 8 weeks of your time. The medical assistant course is designed by medical and educational professionals to give an advantage for our students. Our support team of experts is always ready to assist with all your questions and requests.
Online Education for medical assistants:
About Distance EducationBy Jamie Liddlefield, MA
Medical Assistant Distance Education Myths:
Myth #1 - Distance learning schools aren't as good as traditional schools. Online universities can offer as good an education as any traditional school. You just have to choose the right online program. Many quality programs allow students to interact with expert teachers and learn through multimedia software. Distance learning can help students develop skills, build a portfolio, and advance in their careers.
Myth #2 - Employers won't accept degrees from distance learning universities. Degrees from accredited schools are accepted by employers in the same way that traditional degrees are accepted. In fact, there is usually nothing on a diploma to indicate that courses were taken online.
Medical Assistant Distance Education Myths:
Myth #1 - Distance learning schools aren't as good as traditional schools. Online universities can offer as good an education as any traditional school. You just have to choose the right online program. Many quality programs allow students to interact with expert teachers and learn through multimedia software. Distance learning can help students develop skills, build a portfolio, and advance in their careers.
Myth #2 - Employers won't accept degrees from distance learning universities. Degrees from accredited schools are accepted by employers in the same way that traditional degrees are accepted. In fact, there is usually nothing on a diploma to indicate that courses were taken online.
Myth #3 - Online schools are faster and easier than traditional schools.While some online students choose accelerated programs, others select online schools that let them do their work slowly, over a longer period of time. Just like traditional schools, some online institutions are known for being easier and others are known for being harder. Flexibility is key in the world of distance learning and the majority of online programs tailor their curriculum to fit the needs of specific students.
Distance Education Programs for Medical Assistants:
St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants
Accredited: Yes
Certified program: Yes
Online Classes: Yes
Website: MedAssistant.org
