What Is a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics.
In Demand | Medical assisting is one of the nation's careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, attributing job growth to the following:
Predicted surge in the number of physicians' offices and outpatient care facilities
Technological advancements
Growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment
Job Responsibilities | Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties, as evidenced by the Occupational Analysis of Medical Assistants.
Here is a quick overview (duties vary from medical practice to medical practice depending on location, size, specialty, and state law):
Clinical Duties (may include, but not limited to):
Taking medical histories
Explaining treatment procedures to patients
Preparing patients for examinations
Assisting the physician during examinations
Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
Performing basic laboratory tests
Instructing patients about medication and special diets
Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
Transmitting prescription refills as directed
Phlebotomy
Taking electrocardiograms
Wound care and changing dressings
Administrative Duties (may include, but not limited to):
Using computer applications
Answering telephones
Welcoming 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
Patient Liaison | Medical assistants are instrumental in helping patients feel at ease in the physician’s office and often explain the physician's instructions.
Source: https://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant