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How to Become a Medical Assistant By Mark Stout The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner's specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually do many different kinds of tasks, handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators. Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with Physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.The duties and job details of medical assistants vary according to what is allowed by State law. Some common tasks include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, assisting physicians during examinations. Medical assistants collect
and prepare laboratory specimens and sometimes perform basic laboratory
tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize
medical instruments. They might instruct patients about medications
and 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.Medical assistants also usually
perform administrative tasks such as update and file patient medical
records, fill out insurance forms, and arrange for hospital admissions
and laboratory services. They also perform tasks less specific to medical settings, such
as answering telephones, greeting patients, handling correspondence,
scheduling appointments, and handling billing and bookkeeping. Medical
assistants also may arrange examining room instruments and equipment,
purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and
examining rooms neat and clean.According to the United States Department
of Labor, employment for this filed is projected to grow much faster
than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing
occupations over the 2006-16 decade. Job opportunities should be
excellent, particularly for those with formal training or experience.In
most cases a medical assistant is a none licensed health care professional
and they are trained in a variety of way.Click
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