filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling
appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory
services, and handling billing and bookkeeping.The clinical
duties performed would vary according to State law and may
include taking medical histories and recording patient vital
signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing
the patients for their examination, and assisting the doctor
during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare
laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on
the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize
medical instruments. They also instruct patients about medications,
special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed
by a physician,
authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions
to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x rays, take
electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.
They may also arrange examining-room instruments and equipment,
purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting
and examining rooms neat and clean.Some assistants may specialize
in particular healthcare areas and would have additional duties
to perform. Medical assistants do not examine, diagnose, or
treat patients, as a physician's assistant would.Future career
advancements may include advancing to office manager. Some
may qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations
or may opt to teach medical assisting.
With additional education and cerifications, some may advance
into other health career occupations, such as nursing and
medical technology. Since the preference of many healthcare
employers are for trained personnel, job prospects should
be best for medical assistants with formal training, experience
and particularly for those with accredited certification.About
the Author:Greg Smith publishes information on medical career
issues at
http://www.teddycare.com/Medical_Careers/ . Visit the
Health Information Resources site at http://www.teddycare.com/.
This article may be freely reprinted as long as the author's
resource box and url links remain intact.
