Medical Assistant Job Description and Duties

Medical assistants handle basic clinical tasks and perform certain administrative duties to aid physicians working in hospitals or clinics for a smooth and efficient operation. Medical assistants can work in various healthcare facilities with different  settings and their duties and responsibilities also varies accordingly.

What does a medical assistant do?

The two major areas where a medical assistant may be assigned are: in front desk handling administrative tasks and in the back office working as a clinical medical assistant. These two positions have separate and distinct job descriptions and duties. Sometimes medical assistants also work in laboratories as lab assistant under “medical laboratory assistant” title. medical Lab assisting job also comes with its own job description. All of these are discussed in the following sections.

Although medical assistant duties may differ depending on the setting of the healthcare facility, this is the list of typical medical assistant responsibilities and duties:

Medical office/administrative assistant job description:

  • Responsible for keeping, updating and filing of medical records. Part of this task is safekeeping records for future reference
  • As a medical office assistant, they also record the medical history of patients and test results in the individual record sheet
  • Record bills and take note of codes for insurance purposes
  • Schedule appointments for patients and make sure of the availability of the doctor
  • When working in the front desk, medical support assistant also greets patients and log them in after arriving in the clinic or office
  • Complete medical insurance forms
  • Perform bookkeeping duties like keeping financial records
  • Mail monthly statements to patients
  • Handle credit and collection
  • Perform common office functions like taking dictation and answering telephones.
  • Contact medical departments and facilities to schedule tests and admissions for patients.

Clinical medical assistant job description

  • Clinical medical assistant checks vital signs, blood pressure, temperature, weight and height of patients.
  • Prepare patients for doctor’s assessment and show them to examination rooms.
  • Keep examination and treatment rooms clean and tidy for the next patient.
  • Prepare and administer medications according to physician’s orders.
  • Explain to patients the instructions given by physicians as well as treatment procedures, diets and medications.
  • Provide pharmacies with prescription information and approve drug refills.
  • Sterilize and clean instruments as well as throw away supplies that are already contaminated.
  • Change wound dressings.

Medical lab assistant job description:

  • Collect laboratory specimens like blood or tissue, register the specimens and get them ready for laboratory tests.
  • Check inventory of office, medical and laboratory equipment and supplies.
  • Order additional equipment and supplies when needed.
  • Medical laboratory assistant also sets up simple medical laboratory equipment.
  • Medical lab assistant also performs regular lab tests and analyses of samples.

To summarize the above list, the medical assistant duties can be categorized into administrative duties, clinical duties and specialized fields, where the specialties include:  pediatric medical assistant, lab assistants, medical research assistant etc. The administrative duties involve paper works and office functions – more like clerical jobs or duties of a secretary, while the clinical duties may depend on the imposed restrictions of local state laws. These duties can vary depending on the type of medical profession practiced by the employer and the location of the hospital or clinic.

Where else can a medical assistant work?

For the specialized fields, some medical assistants work in podiatry, optometry or ophthalmology. They are usually seen working more closely with physicians compared to the other medical assistants working in other fields of medical care. Their help is needed from examination and treatment to equipment usage and direct penitent care. However, they receive lesser pay compared to those who are employed in the office of a general practitioner. Other specialty fields include orthopedic surgery, hematology, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology. Medical assistants in these fields of healthcare get better pay rates.

Working as a medical assistant is one of quickest ways to start a career in healthcare. The administrative and medical tasks performed are considered as a very good foundation and exposure if you plan to advance to higher levels in the medical profession.