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Medical Administrative Assistant?
Labeled as one of the fastest growing occupation over the next eight years, medical administrative assistants perform the administrative and clinical tasks that keep physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists, and other heath related professional offices running efficiently. The daily duties of a medical administrative assistant vary depending on the size and location of the office as well as the practitioner’s specialty. In small offices medical administrative assistants handle all the administrative and clinical responsibilities, and they usually report to the office manager or the physician. Assistants in large offices tend to focus on one area of expertise and report to department administrators. There is a distinct difference between a physician’s assistant and a medical administrative assistant. Physician assistants actually examine, diagnose and treat patients under a physician’s supervision. Medical assistants fill out and file patient medical records, arrange laboratory services and hospital admissions, as well as perform daily office tasks like greeting patient’s, answering calls, scheduling appointments, and handling the billing and office correspondence. Medical administrative assistants usually find themselves handling several duties at once. Most full-time assistants work forty hours a week, but part time evening and weekend positions are also available in most cities, especially in larger hospitals and offices. A number of medical administrative assistants are trained on the job because no formal training or degree is needed, but most assistants enroll in a one or two year program offered by vocational schools or community colleges. These programs cover anatomy, medical terminology, and physiology as well as recording keeping, accounting, transcription, and insurance processing. There are about 490,000 medical administrative positions in the US. Sixty-two percent of them work in private or corporate medical offices; thirteen percent work in public and private hospitals, and eleven percent of them are employed in other healthcare offices. The remaining assistants work in nursing homes, out-patient care centers, and other healthcare businesses. Medical administrative assistants average $28,000 a year, but earnings depend on the size and location of the office or healthcare facility. Assistants can earn $35,000 or more in some offices and usually have good benefit packages. Medical administrative assistant positions are expected to increase thirty-four percent over the next eight years.
How much school is needed to be in the medical field?
Depends on what you want to do in the medical field. A physician has 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and 3-8 years of internship. There are also medical technicians, registered nurses, nursing assistants, etc, all with different educational requirements.
Medical Assistants Keep the Office Running Smoothly?
A medical assistant is an essential member of a doctor's staff. Though the duties may vary from office to office, medical assistants perform the administrative tasks necessary to keep a medical office running smoothly. Duties may include maintaining and filing patient records, arranging for laboratory tests and hospital admissions, and filling out insurance forms. Medical assistant jobs also include other duties. Setting appointments, answering phones, and processing billing are all part of the job. A medical assistant is also there to greet patients and take payments. A clinical medical assistant may have additional duties. State law dictates what tasks a clinical medical assistant may do in a particular state. Duties may include sterilizing medical equipment, preparing laboratory specimens, and recording vital signs. Keeping examining rooms and equipment clean and organized may also be part of the job. Some medical assistants specialize in a particular field. Medical assistant jobs in the ophthalmic field help provide eye care by performing diagnostic tests, testing the function of the eye muscles, and measuring and recording a patient's vision. Also providing eye care are optometric medical assistants, who work with an optometrist and may provide instruction to patients such as how to use contact lenses. And podiatric medical assistants process x-rays and make castings of feet. While no formal education beyond a high school diploma is required for medical assistant jobs, most employers prefer some formal training. Many vocational schools and community colleges offer certification programs for the medical assistant. The employment outlook for medical assistant jobs is excellent; the field is expected to grow over the next few years. A medical assistant may expect a salary in the low- to mid- $20,000 range in the first year; with experience, this may increase to the upper $20,000 range. Medical assistants need to be organized and efficient. A patient and pleasant personality is also helpful, as medical assistants deal with the public. If this describes you, a career as a medical assistant may be for you.
How long do you keep medical records for patients in Wisconsin?
Medical records need to be kept at least 7 years in their office and another 3 years (either at their office or in another location). A total of 11 years is the requirement throughout the nation.
Information on How to Become a Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant is someone who works with doctors, nurses, patients, and families of patients to make sure that patients are receiving the best care possible. There are several different opportunities for employment as a medical assistant, including working as an administrative assistant, a clinical assistant, or assistants specialized in a certain field such as optometry, pediatrics, or orthopedics. Most medical assistants work full-time, but there are exceptions where some work only nights or weekends. There are many different tasks that may be assigned to a medical assistant. For example, many administrative assistants spend the majority of their time in an office environment, filing medical papers, scheduling appointments, and organizing medical records. Clinical assistants spend more time with patients. They may be responsible for taking blood pressure, weighing patients, recording medical histories, and more. However, medical assistants are not trained to prescribe medication or to perform exams or surgeries, so their interactions with the patients are limited in this way. Those who specialize in a particular field will usually meet with the patients before the doctor arrives, possibly conducting basic tests or asking questions about the patient's medical history. Most medical assistants receive their training on-the-job or from a one- or two-year program. Educational programs for medical assistants are offered at many high schools and junior colleges. In these programs, students learn about human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical transcription, ethical and legal issues, and more. Some educational or certification requirements vary from state to state as well. Currently, job prospects for those interested in becoming a medical assistant are looking positive. There is expected to be an increased need for medical assistants in the years ahead, as baby boomers grow up and require more medical care. However, it is important to meet all of the educational and certification requirements before applying for a job. Employers are looking for individuals with a high level of education and/or experience in the field. This will be key in securing a job as a medical assistant. Most medical assistants earn around $26,000 to $30,000 yearly, depending on training, experience, and the type of facility in which you work.
How should you answer 'Why are you interested in becoming a medical assistant'?
opinion why MA's and CMA's are welcomeMedical assistants are new to our society in the aspect that they are confused with CNA's. A CMA is much different. Medical assistants learn just as much as a LPN except they learn more of the administrative part of a doctor's office and less pharmaceutical subjects. A medical office can hire a medical assistant that can work the front desk, lab, clinical, insurance, coding, and even management, when a LPN or RN mostly do clinical and labwork. This lets the office hire 1 person instead of 2, therefore saving overhead costs. LPN's and RN's are more likely to work in hospitals. Most CMA's or MA's that I know Have gone to school for a total of 2 years and have received a Associates Degree in Applied Science. Then they go on to be certified by the AAMA making them a CMA instead of a MA.
salery of a medical office management?
According to Payscale.com the median salary for medical office management with one to four years experience is 39 thousand to 48 thousand dollars a year.
Medical Assistants are in Demand?
The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing industries in today's job market. Due to the high demand, there is a shortage of healthcare professionals, including medical assistants. In fact, medical assisting is predicted to increase over 34% over the next 10 years, providing for job security in this field. Medical assistants are a very important part of a doctor's office. Medical assistants are tasked with keeping doctor's offices, medical centers and clinics running smoothly from patient to patient. One advantage to becoming a medical assistant is that you can receive your degree in as little as 9 months, depending where you decide to attend school. Once you receive your degree and certification, your starting salary ranges between $25,000 and $35,000 annually, depending on where you live.Job ResponsibilitiesThere are several different areas that medical assistants can work in, but many positions require assistants to work in most, if not all of the areas. These areas are clerical, administrative, clinical and specialized. Clerical duties include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, answering phones, sorting mail and similar responsibilities. The administrative duties required of medical assistants include updating patient files, submitting medical claims, scheduling medical tests and arrange for hospital admissions. Clinical responsibilities of a medical assistant include all medical-related tasks, like prepping patients for the doctors and checking weight and blood pressure. Specialized medical assistant responsibilities vary depending on their specialty. Specialties can be attained in nearly every medical field, and can many times earn you more money than a general degree in medical assisting.Job BenefitsMedical Assistants generally receive very good benefits from their employer. However, the levels of benefits vary depending on the size of the practice or facility that the medical assistant works for. Smaller family medical practices may not offer the same level of benefits that a large medical facility does. Nevertheless, major medical, retirement savings plans and tuition reimbursement plans are all included in most benefits packages offered to medical assistants. Medical assisting can provide you with a comfortable, steady income that will only increase over time. This could be the career that provides you with quick entry and excellent earning potential that you have been looking for.
How much do medical office assistants get paid in Louisiana?
The salary can be as high as $45K per year, but is most likely to start off at around $28 - $30K, rising slightly over the years. That is full time and you will need university training or several years experience. It's a good job to have, but Louisiana can be lower pay than other states.
Important Information for Future Medical Assistants?
Medical assistants are versatile and self motivated individuals that perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks. These assistants work in hospitals, as well as the the offices of doctors, chiropractors, podiatrists, and other healthcare specialists. A medical assistant's main responsibility is to maintain the efficiency of their work environment.In smaller practices, medical assistants may be entrusted with a wide range of clinical and administrative duties. These assistants often maintain patient records, answer telephones, complete insurance forms, greet patients, schedule appointments, record patient vitals, update medical histories, perform lab tests, collect testing samples, prepare patients, and answer patient questions. They may also be responsible for bookkeeping and billing.In larger practices, medical assistants usually only perform administrative or clinical duties. If an assistant works for a chiropractor, podiatrist, or other specialty healthcare provider, their duties will be a bit different, as these doctors have different needs.Educational RequirementsMedical assistants are not required to complete a training program to secure employment. However, many employers prefer applicants that have completed formal training. Medical assistants may complete a one or two year program at a vocational school or community college.Medical assistants also have the option of becoming professionally certified. Certifications are offered through the Association of Medical Technologists and the American Association of Medical Assistants. Professionals may choose to become a Certified Medical Assistant or earn their certification in a specialty field. While certification is not required, it is often appreciated and may lead to higher earnings and more job opportunities.Salary and Job OutlookAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average full-time medical assistant earned $29,760 in 2010. However, according to PayScale, inexperienced medical assistants may earn quite a bit less. Assistants with less than one year of experience may earn anywhere from $17,410 to $36,663. Salary will vary by location, employer, credentials, and field.The more experience a medical assistant has, the higher their earning potential. On average, those that work in specialty fields also earn more than general medical assistants. Because this field is expected to grow in the upcoming years, prospective medical assistants can expect to enjoy plenty of job opportunities in their chosen career field.
Where can I learn more information about becoming a medical assistant?
There are two types of educational programs available to aspiring medical assistants. Some schools offer a one-year certificate, or you may complete a two-year associates degree from an accredited school. The coursework for medical assistants will include medical terminology, math and science, first aid, medical billing, and more. After completing the program, MAs can sign up to take the certification exam to become a CMA. The course is offered three times per year by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The certification must be renewed every five years. Some employers do not require the certification, but CMAs will typically have more job options than MAs.
Careers As A Registered Medical Assistant?
Individuals employed as registered medical assistants are responsible for the clinical and administrative tasks to keep the offices of various health care professionals running as smooth as possible. They are often employed by physicians, chiropractors, optometrists and podiatrist. The duties of registered medical assistants vary depending on whether they are working as administrative, clinical or ophthalmic medical assistants.Registered administrative medical assistants are usually tasked with the responsibility of completing insurance claim forms, updating the medical records of patients and arranging patients admission to the hospital. They may also be tasked with general secretarial duties which may include answering phones, organizing records and answering the questions of patients.Registered clinical medical assistants are responsible for completing patient's medical histories, explaining treatment options to patients and getting patients ready for their examinations. They may also collect laboratory specimens and may give patients detailed instructions about medications they have been prescribed.Registered ophthalmic medical assistants have highly specialized duties which may include measuring patient's vision parameters, applying eye dressings and administer various eye medications.Registered Medical Assistants Educational RequirementsAlthough there are instances where registered medical assistants are trained right on the job, the majority of individuals who enter this field complete a one or two year vocational program. Medical assisting programs are generally offered by community colleges, junior colleges and vocational schools. Courses required to complete a medical assisting program includes diagnostic and clinical procedures, medical ethics and the principles of pharmaceuticals.Certification as a registered medical assistant varies according to state law but usually requires the applicant to complete a certification program offered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Association of Medical Technologists. Individuals may also have to complete special training offered by their employer.Registered Medical Assistants Earning PotentialThe earnings of a registered medical assistant varies greatly according to their experience level and the type of institution they are employed. Generally speaking, registered medical assistants have a median annual salary of approximately $28,000 per year. The bottom ten percent of registered medical assistants made less than $20,000 per year, while the top ten percent earned more than $40,000 per year.Expected Job Growth For Registered Medical AssistantsJob Growth for registered medical assistants is expected to grow at a rate of about thirty-five percent over the next ten years. This growth is due to advances in medical technology and the increased need for medical professionals to treat an ever-aging population.
