Internal Medicine Medical Assistants – Job Duties and Responsibilities

Internal medicine Medical assistants are a vital part of any medical facility. From greeting patients and scheduling appointments to handling billing and insurance paperwork, they are responsible for a variety of tasks. If you are considering a career as an internal medicine medical assistant read on to learn about the job duties and responsibilities you can expect.

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Introduction

Medical Assistants are in demand in many healthcare facilities. Although they may perform a variety of tasks, their main responsibility is to provide support to physicians and other medical personnel. The job duties of medical assistants vary depending on their work setting and the state in which they practice. However, there are some common duties that most medical assistants perform.

Medical assistants typically perform both clinical and administrative tasks. Clinical tasks may include taking and recording vital signs, drawing blood, preparing patients for examinations, and giving injections. Administrative tasks may include scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, maintaining medical records and billing insurance companies. In some states, medical assistants may also be allowed to perform more advanced tasks such as assisting with minor surgery or taking X-rays.

Medical assistants must be able to work well under pressure and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously. They must also have excellent communication skills and be able to follow instructions accurately. Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma or equivalent; however, some employers may prefer applicants who have completed a formal medical assisting program. Most states do not require certification for medical assistants; however, many employers prefer or require certification.

What do internal medicine medical assistants do?

Medical assistants perform a variety of duties to support the work of physicians and other health care professionals. They may work in both outpatient and inpatient settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

The duties of medical assistants vary by location and employer, but they generally include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the exam, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, billing and coding insurance forms, and ordering supplies. Some medical assistants also perform basic laboratory tests, give injections or immunizations, take X-rays, remove sutures (stitches), change dressings on wounds, or apply electrocardiography (EKG) electrodes.

The job duties of an internal medicine medical assistant

The job of an internal medicine medical assistant is to provide support to the physicians and staff of a medical office that specializes in internal medicine. Internal medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system.

As an internal medicine medical assistant, your duties will vary depending on the size and specialty of the medical office where you work. In a small office, you may be responsible for a wide range of tasks, from scheduling appointments and answering phones to taking medical histories and performing basic laboratory tests. In a larger office, you may be assigned to specific duties, such as working in the billing department or acting as a liaison between the physician and the patient.

Regardless of the size or specialty of the medical office, all internal medicine medical assistants share certain core job duties. These duties include:

Greeting patients and checking them in for their appointments
Escorting patients to examination rooms and preparing them for examination by the physician
Taking and recording patient vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature
Assisting the physician during examinations and procedures
Collecting urine and blood samples from patients for laboratory testing
Instructing patients on how to take prescribed medications
Answering patient questions about their condition or treatment
Scheduling follow-up appointments for patients

The responsibilities of an internal medicine medical assistant

The responsibilities of an internal medicine medical assistant include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, maintaining Medical records handling insurance paperwork and coding, sterilizing equipment, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting the physician with procedures. Medical assistants may also give injections and draw blood.

The skills required for an internal medicine medical assistant

An internal medicine medical assistant must have excellent clinical skills in order to provide quality patient care. They must be able to take medical histories and perform physical examinations, as well as assist the physician with diagnostic procedures. In addition, they must be able to perform routine office and laboratory procedures, such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, and performing EKGs. They must also have excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team.

The training and education required for an internal medicine medical assistant

The training and education required for an internal medicine medical assistant typically includes a high school diploma or equivalent, although some positions may require postsecondary education, and most positions require completing a formal medical assisting program. After completing their education and training, internal medicine medical assistants must pass a credentialing exam to earn their credential.

Internal medicine medical assistants typically perform the following duties:
-Greet patients and escort them to the examination room
-Take and record patient vital signs, weight, and height
-Prepare patients for examination, assists physician during examination, and collect patient specimens
-Carry out diagnostic tests and instruct patients on test preparation
-Schedule patient appointments, laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, and surgeries
-Manage patient billing and payments
-Maintain patient medical records
-Ensure that examination rooms are stocked with supplies

The certification required for an internal medicine medical assistant

To work as an internal medicine medical assistant, one must have completed a medical assistant program and have at least a year of experience.

In order to qualify for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program and have passed the CMA exam. The CMA exam is a computer-based test that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. The examination covers topics such as professional conduct, medical knowledge, patient care, and interpersonal skills.

The salary of an internal medicine medical assistant

The salary of an internal medicine medical assistant may vary depending on their employer, experience, and location. Glassdoor reports that the average salary for an internal medicine medical assistant is $15 per hour. The low end of the salary range is $11 per hour, and the high end of the salary range is $19 per hour. Payscale.com reports that the median salary for an internal medicine medical assistant is $14.82 per hour.

The job outlook for an internal medicine medical assistant

The job outlook for an internal medicine medical assistant is favorable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. A number of factors are contributing to this demand, including an aging population, advances in medicine, and a growing emphasis on preventive care.

As the baby-boom generation ages, they will need more medical care for a variety of conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. At the same time, new technologies are allowing physicians to treat more conditions with less invasive procedures. And as insurance companies put more emphasis on preventive care, patients are seeking more routine checkups and screenings. All of these factors are increasing the demand for medical assistants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, internal medicine medical assistants play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of a medical practice. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including scheduling appointments, taking patient histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting the physician with procedures. They must be able to multitask and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously. They must also have excellent communication skills and be able to work well under pressure.