The Duties of an Endocrinology Medical Assistant

Endocrinology Medical assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks related to patient care, office administration, and medical records

Checkout this video:

Job Description

The endocrinology medical assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks in the daily operation of an endocrinology practice. The medical assistant may be responsible for patient care, administrative duties, or a combination of both.

Patient care duties may include taking and recording vital signs, assisting with patient examinations and procedures, scheduling appointments, and providing patient education. Administrative duties may include verifying insurance benefits, coding and billing insurance claims, handling correspondence, and ordering supplies. The medical assistant may also be responsible for maintaining Medical records

The endocrinology medical assistant must have strong communication skills and be able to work effectively with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. The medical assistant must be able to maintain confidential patient information and have a strong attention to detail.

Duties

endocrinology medical assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks in the office, including scheduling appointments, taking patient histories, performing lab work and taking vitals. They may also be responsible for handling insurance paperwork and billing. In some cases, they may even be asked to assist with patient education or provide support to the endocrinologist during procedures.

Qualifications

An endocrinology medical assistant requires at least an associate’s degree in medical assisting. Some employers prefer certification, which can be obtained through an accredited program. Candidates should have basic knowledge of medical office procedures, computers, and terminology. They should also be detail oriented, able to work independently, and have good customer service skills.

Salary

Endocrinology Medical Assistants can expect to earn a comfortable salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for medical assistants was $33,610 per year in 2017. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $24,280, while the highest 10 percent made more than $46,930. Pay will vary based on factors such as your geographic location, employer type, and years of experience.

Career Outlook

Demand for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau projects a 23 percent increase in employment for medical assistants between 2014 and 2024, which is more than three times the average growth rate for all occupations. This demand is largely attributable to an aging population that will require more medical care as they live longer and stay active later in life.

Education and Training

Most endocrinology medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some may have completed a postsecondary medical assisting program. Those who have completed a formal training program will have studied courses such as anatomy and physiology, Medical Terminology and office procedures. Many states regulate medical assistants, and some states require certification. Certification for medical assistants is voluntary, but may be required by some employers. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To earn the CMA credential, candidates must pass an exam administered by the AAMA.

Certification

There are many nationally recognized organizations that offer certification for endocrinology medical assistants, such as the American Association of Endocrine Nurses and Assistants (AAENA) and the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE). To be eligible for certification, you must have completed an accredited endocrinology medical assistant program and have at least one year of full-time work experience in the field. Once you have been certified, you will need to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education credits.

Advancement Opportunities

Working as an endocrinology medical assistant can be a very rewarding career. Not only will you be working with patients who have unique needs, but you will also have the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of medical conditions. In addition, working as an endocrinology medical assistant can provide you with opportunities for advancement within the field.

Key Skills

Endocrinology medical assistants typically work in outpatient settings, such as endocrinology clinics and private practices. They may also work in hospitals or research centers. In all settings, they perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support endocrinologists and other healthcare providers who treat patients with disorders of the endocrine system.

Key skills for endocrinology medical assistants include:
-Strong written and verbal communication skills
-Excellent organizational skills
-Ability to multitask and prioritize
-Detail oriented
-Flexibility
-Interpersonal skills
-Computer literacy

Work Schedule

The Endocrinology Medical Assistant will generally work a full-time schedule during regular business hours. There may be some variation in the specific days and hours worked, depending on the needs of the endocrinology practice. Some endocrinology practices are open on evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of patients, so the medical assistant may be required to work some late nights and weekends. Overtime hours may also be available.