Work of a medical administrative assistant

I'm exploring careers in the medical field beyond being a doctor or nurse. Can anyone shed light on what medical administrative assistants do on a daily basis and what kind of qualifications are needed?

Medical administrative assistants, often referred to as medical secretaries or medical office assistants, play a crucial role in healthcare facilities. Their everyday duties vary depending on the exact nature and size of their workplace, which could be anywhere from a small medical practice to a large hospital.

Typical responsibilities include scheduling appointments for patients, registering new patients and updating existing patient records, answering phones, and responding to patient inquiries. They can also manage correspondence between the clinic or hospital and other healthcare providers or insurance companies, process insurance claims, and manage billing tasks. Some medical administrative assistants might also be asked to help with basic clinical tasks, like taking a patient's vital signs— but this depends on the specific role and facility.

In terms of educational qualifications, many employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, you'll boost your employability if you possess a certificate or associate's degree in medical assisting, health administration, or a related field. Programs specific to medical administrative assisting not only cover administrative skills like billing and transcription but also medical terminology and healthcare laws and ethics.

Practical experience in the healthcare field or with administrative tasks can also be beneficial. This can be attained through internships or entry-level jobs in healthcare facilities. Being well-versed with electronic health record (EHR) systems and having excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are generally regarded as important traits for this role.

In short, medical administrative assistants are the backbone of healthcare operation management and play a significant role in the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities. Their jobs involve a mix of administrative and, sometimes, basic clinical tasks, with their education and training typically centered around these duties.