3 answers
3
Questions
Asked
158 views
Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?
I would love to know a "day in a life" of a medical assistant so I can prepare myself.
Login to comment
3 answers
Updated
George’s Answer
The answers you were given so far are excellent. I can add, that in my Specialty of Podiatry, there is a position now called "Podiatry Assistant" that involves many of the duties mentioned but also may include some duties that provide direct patient care. For example, the doctor you work for may train you to debride nails, remove sutures, cast people or use equipment to obtain impressions of the feet so that orthotics (appliances that help with walking) can be sent to a laboratory to be manufactured, etc. I believe, with the advances fairly recently in able to provide more treatment and diagnostic procedures in the office, the job of a Medical Assistant can be very interesting if you have the desire to learn. You may learn to use equipment that tests nerves and blood flow, develop X-rays virtually (through computers), prepare materials for grafting wounds, dispense and fit patients to Fracture Walkers (removeable walking casts), give some injections, etc. You will do all this under the Supervision of the doctor after in-office training. Furthermore, Podiatry Assistants now are able attend seminars in different settings to review and sharpen skills you will be asked to perform. Once you obtain a position in an office it is up to you, depending on your enthusiasm and desire to learn, how interesting and rewarding that experience will be. Medical Assistants working with other Specialties may have the same opportunities. Gloria, the best way to prepare yourself is
to approach your work with enthusiasm, desire to learn, be polite to other staff members and. of course more importantly, all patients. Good luck!
to approach your work with enthusiasm, desire to learn, be polite to other staff members and. of course more importantly, all patients. Good luck!
Updated
Traci’s Answer
An MSA where I work with does various jobs such as
Scheduling, canceling, re-scheduling patients appointments and/or consults
Monitoring the electronic wait list
Preparing the patient for clinic visits
Ensuring patient forms are completed accurately
updating demographics and insurance information
Processing all emergency and non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospitals
Performing basic eligibility, co-pays and preauthorization requirements for specific coverage
Most importantly you are often the first person to greet the person and set the tone for the patient and the visit! Your approach can be very instrumental in how their visit goes.
Scheduling, canceling, re-scheduling patients appointments and/or consults
Monitoring the electronic wait list
Preparing the patient for clinic visits
Ensuring patient forms are completed accurately
updating demographics and insurance information
Processing all emergency and non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospitals
Performing basic eligibility, co-pays and preauthorization requirements for specific coverage
Most importantly you are often the first person to greet the person and set the tone for the patient and the visit! Your approach can be very instrumental in how their visit goes.
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hi Gloria,
MAs are essential to the functioning of a medical office. The medical assistants I have worked with have done some or all of the following, but it’s very practice-dependent:
- set up exam rooms
- greet patients
- gather basic history
- take vitals
- assist with exams and procedures
- chaperone exams as needed
- clean and reset rooms
- clean equipment
- place orders
- coordinate follow up
The most important roles are part of the bigger picture:
- make the patient feel comfortable and welcome
- help keep the providers’ schedule running on time
- troubleshoot challenging situations.
- work well with a team of people all with the same goal.
Hope this was helpful!
Pam
MAs are essential to the functioning of a medical office. The medical assistants I have worked with have done some or all of the following, but it’s very practice-dependent:
- set up exam rooms
- greet patients
- gather basic history
- take vitals
- assist with exams and procedures
- chaperone exams as needed
- clean and reset rooms
- clean equipment
- place orders
- coordinate follow up
The most important roles are part of the bigger picture:
- make the patient feel comfortable and welcome
- help keep the providers’ schedule running on time
- troubleshoot challenging situations.
- work well with a team of people all with the same goal.
Hope this was helpful!
Pam