What Does a Medical Office Assistant Do?

Medical office assistants are important members of the healthcare team. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the office running smoothly.

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Job description

A medical office assistant is a trained professional who helps to keep a medical office running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties may include scheduling appointments, handling patient inquiries and billing, taking and transcribing medical records and handling correspondence. They may also be responsible for stocking supplies, preparing patients for examination, and performing basic clerical tasks. In larger offices, they may specialize in a particular area such as insurance billing or human resources.

Duties

The duties of a medical office assistant (MOA) are extremely important in assisting the smooth operation of a healthcare facility. MOA’s are responsible for a variety of both clinical and administrative tasks, and they play a vital role in ensuring that the office runs efficiently.

Some of the clinical duties that an MOA may be responsible for include taking patient histories, measuring vitals, performing minor medical procedures, and providing patient education. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, handling billing and coding, and maintaining Medical records In some cases, MOAs may also be responsible for managing the front office and handling customer service inquiries.

The duties of an MOA can vary depending on the size and type of facility they work in, but they all contribute to providing quality care to patients.

Qualifications

A medical office assistant may have various qualifications. Some medical office assistants have a diploma from a certified institution, while others have taken courses online or through a community college. Some medical office assistants may also have certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The NHA offers the Certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA) credential. To earn the CMAA, candidates must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of medical office procedures and terminology.

Salary

In May 2018, the median annual wage for medical office assistants was $36,710. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,840, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,980.

Career outlook

Medical office assistants, also called Medical Administrative Assistants perform a variety of administrative tasks in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities. They typically handles scheduling, insurance billing and patient records. Some may also provide basic patient care, such as taking vital signs.

Most medical office assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification. Many office assistants receive on-the-job training.

Employment of medical office assistants is projected to grow 22 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging Baby Boomer population is expected to result in an increased demand for healthcare services. As a result, there will be greater demand for medical office assistants to perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and handling insurance paperwork.

Education

Education for medical office assistants varies. Some have completed a postsecondary education program, while others have on-the-job training. Postsecondary education programs for medical office assistants typically last one year and lead to a certificate or diploma.

Certification

All medical office assistants must complete a postsecondary education program. These programs typically last one year or less and lead to a certificate or diploma. Some community colleges, vocational schools, and universities offer 2-year associate’s degree programs in medical office assisting.

Professional organizations

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national organization of physicians in Canada. The CMA’s primary objective is to advocate on behalf of its members and the public for quality health care and healthy communities. The CMA is a voluntary membership organization representing over 83,000 physicians and medical students across Canada.

Similarly, the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is the national voice of nursing in Canada. The CNA represents close to 139,000 registered nurses and nurse practitioners in Canada. The CNA’s mission is to promote excellence in nursing practice and shape health policy.

Resources

A medical office assistant is a professions that provides clerical support in a healthcare setting. They are responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling billing and insurance, and keeping the office organized.

Medical office assistants work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and insurance companies. They may also be employed by government agencies or non-profit organizations.

Job search tips

If you’re considering a career as a medical office assistant, you’re probably wondering what the job entails. In short, medical office assistants perform a variety of administrative and clerical tasks to keep medical practices running smoothly. Here are some of the specific duties you can expect to perform as a medical office assistant:

-Answering phones and routing calls
-Scheduling appointments
-Greeting patients and visitors
-Collecting patient information and medical histories
-Updating and maintaining patient records
-Billing and insurance paperwork
-Arranging for laboratory services and X-rays
-Preparing patients for examinations
-Assisting the doctor or nurse during examinations
-Instructing patients on medication and diet