Medical assistants perform many administrative and clinical tasks. They
schedule appointments, fill out insurance forms, oversee all billing and bookkeeping
tasks, create correspondence and answer phones.
"[My job] is very fun, rewarding and challenging. Either the doctors, co-workers
or patients are ready to make your day," explains Annette Batchelor, certified
podiatric medical assistant.
Depending on where you live (regulations vary between states), you may
also get to perform routine clinical duties and be a valuable clinical team
member. Medical assistants take patient histories, collect and prepare laboratory
specimens, draw blood, call prescriptions into the pharmacy, instruct patients
about prescription drug effects and special diets, and sterilize valuable
medical equipment.
"As an assistant, I am working directly with the doctor. I get to follow
along with the doctor as he needs direct help," says Batchelor.
Some choose to specialize. Ophthalmic assistants work closely with ophthalmologists
(eye doctors) and perform diagnostic tests, administer some medications (under
doctor supervision) and work closely with patients. Podiatric medical assistants
can expose and develop X-rays, make foot castings and assist podiatrists during
surgery.
Medical assistants can look forward to a 40-hour workweek with some overtime.
Depending on office hours and duties, there may be some evening or weekend
work.
"I work Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to around 5:30 p.m., or until my work
is done for the day," says Batchelor.
There are many places that hire medical assistants. They can work in nursing
homes, hospitals, private physicians' offices, chiropractic offices or any
other medical office.
Medical assistants are constantly working with the public. Patients may
be nervous about visiting the doctor or need specific assistance -- and medical
assistants must be able to listen effectively, stay calm and help anxious
patients.
"You have to be able to listen a lot. When you listen, patients are more
comfortable with you and your judgment," says Judy Yung, a medical assistant
for a general practitioner's office.
Good eyesight and manual dexterity are important. Medical assistants must
be able to read charts, assist physicians, help with patients and input any
necessary data. Because medical assistants constantly work with the public,
a neat, groomed appearance is essential -- and will put patients more at ease.
"Hidden job hazards can happen by moving patients improperly, hazardous
chemicals and slips from spills," says Wayne Henderson, a certified clinic
assistant.
Medical assistants use many tools including glucometers, microscopes and
audiograms. They also work with more common equipment such as photocopiers,
fax machines and computers.
"I use at different times a stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff, thermometer
and bandage scissors," says Henderson.