Chapter 50: The Medical Assistant as Office Manager – Key Terms

As a medical assistant you will be responsible for managing the medical office. This chapter provides key terms you should know to help you be successful.

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The medical assistant as Office Manager – Key Terms

The medical assistant as office manager is a vital position in any healthcare facility. In this capacity, the medical assistant is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office, including scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records and handling billing and insurance. Key terms associated with this position include:

Appointments: The schedule of patients seen by a healthcare provider.

Billing: The process of submitting insurance claims and collecting payments from patients.

Insurance: A type of financial coverage that helps pay for medical expenses.

Medical records: The patient files kept by a healthcare facility.

Scheduling: The process of setting up appointment times for patients to see a healthcare provider.

The Duties of a Medical Assistant

Most Medical assistants have many duties, including clerical, administrative, and clinical tasks. Clerical duties might include answering phones, greeting patients, scheduling appointments, updating and filing Medical records and billing and coding insurance forms. Administrative duties might include handling finances, ordering supplies, and handling correspondence. Clinical tasks might include taking patient vital signs; preparing patients for examination; collecting and processing lab specimens; scheduling diagnostic tests; explaining procedures to patients; assisting the physician during examinations; and giving injections. Some Medical Assistants specialize in areas such as optometry or podiatry.

The Medical Assistant as an important member of the Healthcare Team

As a medical assistant, you are an important member of the healthcare team. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Code of Ethics establishes our responsibility to put patients first. This means always using our knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver the highest quality of care possible.

The american Association of Medical Assistants Code of Ethics:
1. Puts Patients First
2. treats colleagues with respect
3. upholds confidentiality
4. Advocates for patients
5. Promotes positive image of profession

The Role of a Medical Assistant in a Medical Office

A medical assistant is a key member of the medical office team. The medical assistant’s roles and responsibilities vary from office to office, but generally include a combination of administrative and clinical tasks. In larger offices, the medical assistant may specialize in either clinical or administrative duties, or may be assigned to specific areas of the office such as insurance billing or patient scheduling. In smaller offices, the medical assistant may be responsible for a variety of tasks.

The medical assistant is often the first point of contact between the patient and the medical office. The medical assistant greeting the patient and gathering information such as the reason for the visit, vital signs, and updating the patient’s medical history. The medical assistant also schedules appointments, assists with laboratory procedures, and may perform basic diagnostic tests such as measuring height, weight, and blood pressure.

The clinical duties of a medical assistant include preparing patients for examinations, assist physicians with examinations and procedures, collect and prepare laboratory specimens, perform basic laboratory tests, instruct patients on medication and diet regimes, give injections, take X-rays, remove sutures and change dressings. Medical assistants must maintain strict confidentiality when handling patient information and must follow all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.

The Skills Required of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals who perform both clinical and administrative tasks in ambulatory care settings. They must be able to work effectively as part of a team and be proficient in a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting with procedures, performing laboratory tests and administering medications. In addition to clinical skills, medical assistants must also have strong communication and customer service skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage office operations.

The Education and Training of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They are trained to perform both clinical and administrative duties in medical offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Medical assistants must be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. They must be able to maintain confidentiality, handle medical records properly, and understand medical office procedures.

The education and training of a medical assistant is important in preparing them for their role on the healthcare team. Medical assistants must complete an accredited program that includes both classroom and hands-on training. Upon completion of their program, medical assistants may choose to pursue certification through a professional organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

The Certification of a Medical Assistant

The Certification of a Medical Assistant (CMA) is a professional credential awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible to take the CMA exam, an applicant must have graduated from a medical assistant program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or have completed at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant.

To maintain their credential, CMAs must complete 60 continuing education credits every 60 months. In addition, they must also pay an annual fee to the AAMA.

The Medical Assistant as an Office Manager

The medical assistant is a Qualified Healthcare Provider (QHP) who has graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and has either successfully completed a formal examination, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination offered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), or has met state licensure requirements, if applicable. The medical assistant is qualified by education and training to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures.

The term “office manager” is not a protected title. Anyone can call themselves an office manager, regardless of their qualifications or experience. However, the medical assistant who functions as an office manager does have specific responsibilities and functions that are different from other office staff members, such as receptionists and billing clerks.

The Job Description of a Medical Assistant

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in an outpatient setting such as a medical office or clinic. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. Depending on their specific job duties, medical assistants may be responsible for answering phones, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, billing patients, handling insurance claims, coding medical charts, and performing basic laboratory tests. In some states, medical assistants may also take patient histories and record vital signs.

The Salary of a Medical Assistant

How much does a medical assistant make? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a medical assistant was $34,800 in 2019. The lowest 10% of earners made less than $24,930, and the highest 10% made more than $50,410.

Factors that can affect a medical assistant’s salary include their level of experience, education and training, geographic location, and the type of employer they work for. For example, medical assistants who work in physicians’ offices tend to earn more than those who work in other healthcare settings, such as hospitals or clinics.

Medical assistants can increase their earnings potential by pursuing additional education and training, such as becoming certified or registered. Medical assistants who are certified may earn higher salaries than those who are not because they have demonstrated to their employers that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to do their job effectively.