How Much Does a Medical Office Assistant Make?

How Much Does a Medical Office Assistant Make?

If you’re considering a career as a medical office assistant, you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a look at the average salary for this profession, as well as the factors that can influence your earnings.

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Job Description

A medical office assistant is a versatile position in a medical office or clinic. The medical office assistant may perform administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and verifying insurance benefits. The medical office assistant may also be responsible for clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs, performing EKGs, and assisting with minor office procedures. Depending on the size and type of medical practice, the medical office assistant may have additional responsibilities, such as billing and coding.

The job description of a medical office assistant can vary depending on the size of the medical practice and the scope of services offered. In most cases, the medical office assistant will report to the practice manager or administrator. In some cases, the medical office assistant may report to a nurse or other clinical staff member.

Duties

medical office assistants perform a variety of duties in support of medical staff in outpatient facilities, such as clinics and physicians’ offices. They may work directly with patients to schedule appointments and provide information about insurance coverage and billing procedures. Medical office assistants also may handle patients’ medical records prepare examination rooms, assist physicians during examinations, and provide guidance to patients on follow-up care and medications. With experience, medical office assistants may assume additional duties such as handling more complex insurance billing procedures, coding Medical records for insurance reimbursement, or scheduling surgeries.

Qualifications

The average medical office assistant make around $15 an hour. However, this number will differ depending on the qualifications of the medical office assistant. The more experience and education the medical office assistant has, the more money they will make.

Work Environment

Medical office assistants typically work in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. They usually work full time, and some may have to work evenings or weekends.

Salary

Medical office assistants are one of the vital cogs in the healthcare machine. Without them, patient records would go un-filed, appointments would be un-made, and vital information would be lost in a sea of paperwork. Medical office assistants usually report to and work under the supervision of a licensed medical professional such as a physician, nurse, or medical receptionist. Their duties may vary depending on their specific job title and the size and location of their employer, but typically include scheduled patients for appointments, maintaining and organizing patient medical records preparing correspondence, handling incoming and outgoing calls, transcribing medical reports, stocking supplies, processing insurance claims, and collecting payments.

Medical office assistants typically have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, but some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification. Many community colleges offer certification programs specifically for medical office assistants. Some larger employers may require applicants to have several years of experience working in a medical office setting before they will be considered for open positions.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical office assistants is expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and continued growth in the number of medical offices and clinics will spur demand for medical office assistants. In addition, as more physicians enter group practices and hire assistants to perform routine administrative tasks, opportunities for medical office assistants should be plentiful.

Prospective medical office assistants can receive on-the-job training from a physician or other health care provider, or they can complete a postsecondary education program in medical office assistant practices. Although not required, certification may improve job prospects. The American Medical Technologists offers a certified medical office assistant (CMOMA) credential, and the National Healthcareer Association offers a certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) credential.

Education

A medical office assistant is a person who performs administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office. They provide support to the medical staff and help to keep the office running smoothly.

A medical office assistant typically needs to have at least a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a postsecondary training program. Many community colleges offer programs that lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree in medical office assistance. Some programs may take as little as one semester to complete, while others may take two years or more.

Training

There are many ways to become a medical office assistant, but most will require some form of training. Many community colleges and private schools offer certificate or diploma programs specifically for medical office assistants, which can take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete. Some programs may be offered online, although most will require at least some on-campus work, such as laboratory work or externships. Medical office assistant programs typically cover topics such as Medical Terminology transcription, insurance billing and coding, administrative skills, and more.

Skills

Medical office assistants are in charge of a variety of administrative tasks in doctors’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They typically have an associate’s degree in medical office administration or a related field. Their duties include answering phones, scheduling appointments, handling billing and insurance paperwork, and greeting patients.

Medical office assistants must have strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills. They must be able to multitask and stay calm under pressure. They also need to be able to use computers and various types of software programs.

Licensing

In order to work as a medical office assistant, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or GED. However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a postsecondary training program. These programs typically last one year or less and result in a certificate or diploma. Some community colleges offer two-year associate’s degree programs in medical office assistant studies, which may offer more comprehensive training and lead to higher wages.