What Does a Medical Assistant in Internal Medicine Do?

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, you may be wondering what a medical assistant in internal medicine does. Here’s a quick overview of the duties and responsibilities of this position.

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Job Description

Most Medical assistants work in outpatient care centers, physician offices, and other healthcare facilities. They perform both clinical and administrative duties, but the specifics of their job description vary depending on the state they work in and the size and type of facility they work for.

In general, Medical Assistants in internal medicine provide direct patient care under the supervision of licensed physicians. They may take vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, record patients’ medical histories, prepare them for examination, assist with routine diagnostic tests, explain treatment procedures to patients, and schedule follow-up appointments. They also may perform basic office duties, such as handling correspondence, answering phones, filing medical records and billing patients.

Medical assistants who work in larger facilities may have more opportunities to specialize in a particular area of medicine or perform more advanced clinical tasks than those who work in smaller physician offices. In some states, medical assistants may be allowed to give injections or start intravenous fluids (IVs), but they always must do so under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.

Duties

Medical assistants in internal medicine perform many different duties. They may schedule appointments, take medical histories, report patient symptoms to the physician, prepare patients for examinations, assist during examinations, and give instructions to patients after examinations. Medical assistants may also take and develop X-rays, care for minor wounds, perform EKGs, give injections, and schedule laboratory tests.

Education

The usual educational requirement for medical assistants is a postsecondary diploma or certificate from an accredited institution, although some positions may require an Associate’s degree. Although not required, certification may improve job prospects. Certification for medical assistants can be obtained through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The Certified medical assistant (CMA) credential requires completing an accredited medical assisting program and passing a national exam. recertification is necessary every 60 months.

Certification

Medical assistants in internal medicine are multi-skilled health professionals who perform both clinical and administrative tasks in the office of a physician specializing in internal medicine. Although certification is not required, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants, and some states have laws governing the use of the title “medical assistant.” Certification validates a medical assistant’s knowledge and skills, and demonstrates a commitment to quality patient care.

There are several nationally recognized certifying organizations for medical assistants, each with its own eligibility requirements and examination process. The largest and most widely recognized certifying organization is the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible for certification by the AAMA, an applicant must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and passed a comprehensive examination.

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers two certifications for medical assistants: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).To be eligible for either certification, an applicant must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program or have at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant.

Most certified medical assistants choose to maintain their certification through continuing education. Depending on the certifying organization, recertification may be achieved by completing a certain number of continuing education credits or by passing a re-examination.

Salary

The average salary for a Medical Assistant in Internal Medicine is $15.62 per hour. The median salary is $14.85 per hour.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for medical assistants in internal medicine is positive. Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for healthcare services will increase as the population continues to grow and age.

Career Path

Medical assistants in internal medicine provide direct patient care and perform administrative and clinical tasks in support of physicians who treat adults in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices.

Typical duties of medical assistants in this specialty include taking patients’ vital signs, recording their medical histories, preparing them for examinations, assisting with diagnostic tests and procedures, and providing instruction on self-care and follow-up care. They may also schedule appointments, arrange for laboratory services, process insurance forms, and perform billing and coding duties.

While most medical assistants work full time during regular business hours, some positions may require evening or weekend hours. Many medical assistants have an associate degree from an accredited community college or technical school; however, some positions may only require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to working as a medical assistant in internal medicine. On the plus side, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of patients and learn about different medical conditions. You will also be able to work closely with doctors and other medical staff to provide care for patients. On the downside, you may have to work long hours, nights, and weekends. You may also be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids.

Working Conditions

Medical assistants in internal medicine typically have duties related to patient care, administrative work and clinical tasks. They may work in a physician’s office, a clinic or a hospital. Their working conditions are generally clean, well-lit and comfortable. However, they may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous materials. They may also work long hours, including evenings and weekends.

Internal Medicine

As a medical assistant in internal medicine, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks related to patient care. You may work in a private practice, clinic, or hospital, and your duties will vary depending on the size and nature of the facility. However, there are some common responsibilities that all medical assistants in internal medicine will share.

Your duties will include both administrative and clinical tasks. Administrative tasks may include scheduling appointments, maintaining Medical records and billing insurance companies. clinical tasks may include taking patients’ vital signs, preparing them for examination, and assisting the physician during the exam. You may also be responsible for providing patients with instructions for follow-up care after their visit.

Your work hours will vary depending on the facility where you work. Many medical assistants in internal medicine work Monday through Friday during regular business hours. However, some facilities offer extended hours to accommodate patients’ schedules. You may also be required to work occasional weekends or evenings if your facility offers weekend or evening appointments.