Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Medical Assistant
A medical assistant is a healthcare practitioner who helps doctors and other medical professionals in their duties. For example, taking vital signs, recording medical histories, and preparing patients for inspection and treatment. They may also be responsible for administrative duties like answering phones, arranging appointments, and operating office machines. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Medical Assistants.
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Main Responsibilities of Medical Assistant
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Medical Assistant:
Acquire
Acquire data from patients for studies in which they may be enrolled.
Acquire appropriate signatures.
Add
Add new medications to patient record in EMR system.
Adheres to
Adheres to expectations of required / mandatory in services and certifications.
Adheres to safety and scientifically accepted infection control practices and standards.
Adheres to UCSF Benioff Children's Physicians's behavior and service standards.
Adhere to all OSHA guidelines.
Adhere to HIPPA guidelines.
Adhere to infection control measures.
Adhere to infection control techniques and principles.
Adhere to LMC's Administrative Policy Manual and Care Promise.
Administer
Administer and document medication as directed by the provider.
Administer body-temperature scans, utilizing non-invasive equipment.
Administer eye drops and topical ointments as directed.
Administer immunizations.
Administer immunizations and medications as per protocol.
Administer injections and distribute oral medications under physicians' order.
Administer injections / medications and perform routine testing.
Administer intramuscular and subcuticular injections and vaccinations.
Administer medications and injections.
Administer medications, injections and immunizations, as ordered by provider.
Administer prescribed injectable medications and treatments in accordance with approved techniques.
Administer routine stock medication under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.
Alert
Alert physician of problems / concerns / abnormalities.
Answer
Answer multiple line and multiple language telephone lines.
Answer phones in a professional and friendly manner.
Answer questions and follow through on patient inquiries.
Answer multi-line phone system within 3 rings.
Answer phones, check in / check out patients, and processe referrals when needed.
Answer telephone calls and screens for appropriate handling.
Answer telephone and process phone calls.
Answer telephone calls from patients, physicians and other facilities.
Anticipate
Anticipate / set up equipment or supplies needed for visit.
Arrange
Arrange for diagnostic testing, specialist appointments and hospital admission.
Arrange patient transport as needed.
Ask
Ask for assistance as needed to expedite patient concerns as quickly as possible.
Assemble
Assemble supplies (PPE, Test kits, etc.) and delivers as necessary.
Assess
Assess and respond to prescription and pharmacy requests.
Assist in
Assist and participates in the supervision of staff and future leadership development.
Assist as necessary with reception, medical records, scheduling and billing functions of the office.
Assist clients in person as well as over the phone, mail, fax and email.
Assist clients through processing and prepares them for exams or procedures.
Assist during clinic with immunizations, other injections, and ECG's.
Assist in data collection and activities as assigned.
Assist in delivery of patient care.
Assist in distributing student recognition pins and attendance stars.
Assist in emergency situations as directed.
Assist in inventory and ordering of supplies and texts.
Assist in maintenance of equipment.
Assist in orientation of new team members and serves as a role model of best practices to others.
Assist in positioning / moving patients throughout surgical process.
Assist in providing lunch, break and absence coverage as needed.
Assist licensed staff, as needed.
Assist nurses and clinicians.
Assist nurses as needed / requested with vital signs, patient care and other duties as able.
Assist physician during procedure while utilizing aseptic techniques.
Assist physician in applying splints and dressings.
Assist physician in exam rooms.
Assist physician or other provider with clinical procedures.
Assist physicians in patient care, medical procedures and emergency situations.
Assist Physicians with difficult exams.
Assist physician with patient care.
Assist providers with exams and in-office procedures.
Assist the medical care provider during examinations and procedures.
Assist the Pearson College Emergency Response Team (PCERT) in practice and scenario-based training.
Assist the PM with monitoring and improvement of office flow and work efficiency.
Assist with any physical exam as directed by the physician – help with stethoscope.
Assist with collection of specimens.
Assist with daily and monthly quality assurance reviews including emergency kit check off.
Assist with diagnostic testing including obtaining and / or preparing specimens.
Assist with examinations and / or treatments.
Assist with exams and procedures as requested.
Assist with investigation and resolution of incident reports.
Assist with light housekeeping duties which include spills.
Assist with minor procedures, apply and monitor dressings and bandages, remove sutures as required.
Assist with minor surgical / diagnostic exams.
Assist with more complex procedures, such as HRA, (DXA) bone density scans.
Assist with procedures directly supervised by the clinician.
Assist with procuring medical records.
Assist with sample medications and sample medication logs.
Assist with sterile procedures.
Assist with the clinical care of male and female fertility patients.
Assist with the delivery of occupational health care.
Assist with training of new lab staff.
Assist with triaging walk-in patients before they are seen by the BH Provider.
Assist with visual and / or audio screenings and documentation thereof.
Assure
Assure accuracy of billing.
Assure appropriate consent has been obtained prior to treatment or procedures.
Assure appropriate verifications and authorizations are complete before patient sees provider.
Assure daily deposits are made and completion of day sheet reconciliation.
Assure timeliness of services rendered to patients.
Attend
Attend and participate in all team meetings and Briya MA professional development.
Attend periodic team meetings.
Attend health fairs / events.
Attend to physician and practitioner needs to support patient care and practice development.
Check
Check patients in through IDX system.
Check voicemail throughout the day and returns patient calls within 24 hours.
Circulate
Circulate patient through surgery.
Clean
Clean and sterilize instrument and dispose of contaminated supplies.
Clean rooms after patient usage and ensures appropriate disposal of contaminated materials.
Clean sterilizer according to scheduled maintenance program and keeps appropriate records.
Collaborate
Collaborate with Medical Records department for suspected duplicate records.
Collaborate with PAR to manage appointment wait list and promote timely access to care.
Collect
Collect and process specimens.
Collect and document patient screening data for the healthcare team.
Collect blood specimens from patient veins and fingers.
Collect patient and insurance payments and reconcile charges on a daily basis.
Collect specimens for select microbiology testing.
Collect vital signs and testing as required by the healthcare provider.
Comfort
Comfort patients by anticipating patients' anxieties and answering patients' questions.
Communicate
Communicate clinic status to families in the waiting area using the principles of AIDET.
Communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, clients, doctors and community agencies.
Communicate relevant medical information to medical and clinical staff as part of the treatment team.
Communicate with insurance companies for proper billing procedures.
Complete
Complete all documentation and records with accuracy as directed or necessary for the patient's care.
Complete and submit billing documents in a timely and complete manner.
Complete daily accountability board.
Complete diagnostic coding and procedure coding.
Complete HMO referrals (paper and / or electronic).
Complete lab requisitions.
Complete Lab Slips for toxicology, obtain Urine for Urinalysis.
Complete lab test follow up and medical record documentation.
Complete quality controls on lab equipment.
Complete the daily administrative tasks in Accuro and oversees task management.
Complete third party forms and letters in compliance with the legal requirements.
Complete third-party forms & letters when required.
Conduct
Conduct day to day inventory of supplies and report items to be ordered.
Conduct follow-up in retrieval of missing reports.
Contact
Contact other medical departments to schedule patients for various testing.
Contact patients regarding test results or for other related reasons as directed.
Coordinate
Coordinate patient physicals and work place injuries for partner accounts.
Coordinate processing and care provided to patients examined by the provider in the office.
Coordinate staffing schedules.
Coordinate the inventory, ordering and supply stock maintenance of medical supplies.
Develop
Develop and maintains effective communication mechanism with all external and internal customers.
Discharge
Discharge and arrange follow up appointments.
Discharge papers must list an Honorable Discharge Status.
Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable.
Document
Document all medical instructions given to patients.
Document accurate information in proper format.
Document accurately all patient information in electronic health record.
Document care provided accurately on patient records.
Document need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.
Document relevant material in medical record for physician to review and sign.
Document same in the medical information system.
Draw
Draw blood from patient for regenerative procedures.
Draw blood and performs laboratory tests.
Encourage
Encourage clients to actively participate in their treatment and beginning recovery.
Ensure
Ensure all ordered tests are performed accurately and in a timely manner.
Ensure availability of x-rays, lab slips, medical records and other pertinent info.
Ensure ethical and moral practices are carried via the mission of the healthcare centers.
Ensure nursing standards of care including participation in quality improvement activities.
Ensure patient understanding and documents thoroughly.
Ensure policy and procedures are followed including infection control, privacy and confidentiality.
Ensure quality services are delivered to special populations.
Ensure safe & efficient patient flow.
Ensure tests are tracked and logged, and that the care team is presented with test results.
Ensure that all logs, forms, records, and charts are complete, thorough, and accurate.
Ensure that all medical records are properly secured.
Ensure that all samples are checked for expiration dates.
Ensure that patient charts are complete prior to the Physician seeing the patient.
Ensure that rooms are maintained as a safe, secure, comfortable, attractive and therapeutic milieu.
Ensure the compliance of treatment plans created by the provider.
Ensure the procedure rooms are sterile and properly supplied.
Ensure the proper disposal of biohazards and sharps waste.
Ensure the proper vitaling and appropriate documentation of routine patient intake.
Ensure treatment rooms are stocked as needed.
Enter
Enter orders for all prescreening labs (male and female) into ArtWorks.
Enter medication refill orders per protocol.
Enter 'No shows', and performs 'No Show' follow up procedures.
Enter requisitions into computer.
Escort
Escort patients to ancillary services as needed.
Escort patients to exam rooms and provides direct patient care.
Escort patients to room and ensures that exam rooms are thoroughly cleaned and stocked.
Explain
Explain prescribed procedures and treatments to patients.
Follow
Follow clinic-specific procedures related to test follow-up and patient notification.
Follow established Back Office clinic protocols, EKGS, Holter and Event Monitors.
Follow HIPAA regulations for confidentiality at all times.
Follow all other Rooming Standards as established by the Medical Foundation.
Follow appropriate chain of communication / command.
Follow documentation procedures and completes required paperwork related to patient visit.
Follow infection control procedures.
Follow Medical Foundation policies and procedures for handling referrals.
Follow PCC customer service guidelines and protocols.
Follow procedure for operation of autoclave and properly documents each load.
Follow the patient intake / rooming work in place at the practice.
Foster
Foster an inclusive, scholarly, and collaborative learning climate.
Foster healing, hopeful, honest and trusting relationships for consumers and employees.
Greet
Greet and check-in the patient.
Greet and prepare patient for the health care provider.
Greet and prepare patients for the health care provider.
Greet patients, completion of registration forms, and gives instructions.
Greet and direct patients, salespeople and visitors.
Greet patients and escort to exam rooms.
Handle
Handle all providers' prescription calls.
Handle day-to-day office operations.
Help
Help maintain a clean, courteous and professional working environment.
Help prepare, organize, sterilize rooms, tools / equipment, and set up medical equipment.
Identify
Identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students' varying needs.
Identify community resources for health maintenance.
Inform
Inform provider of test results.
Inform nursing staff, technical staff and / or supervisor of arrival of patients.
Initiate
Initiate and finalize managed care referrals.
Initiate and follow through on prior authorizations, referrals, and medication refills.
Input
Input information into the Electronic Medical System.
Keep
Keep patient exam rooms stocked, clean and orderly.
Keep an up-to-date and accurate patient log.
Log
Log on to the servers in the clinic rooms daily.
Maintain
Maintain a clear line of communication with the MA II and the Branch Supervisor.
Maintain all exam / treatment room disinfection protocols.
Maintain an approved schedule, and acceptable level of attendance.
Maintain and restock supplies and equipment for patient exam and treatment rooms.
Maintain and updates patient information as necessary.
Maintain an organized and clean work area, free of clutter.
Maintain a positive, caring attitude towards patients.
Maintain appropriate education, certification, licensure and training.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with rules and regulations.
Maintain a safe physical environment for clients in the outpatient facility.
Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) competency.
Maintain BLS certification.
Maintain cleanliness and stocking of exam rooms.
Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms after use.
Maintain client confidentiality and privacy.
Maintain consistency with clients, staff, visitors, and the public.
Maintain current BLS CPR training (as required by state).
Maintain current knowledge of all physicians and services of the Practice.
Maintain Customer Loyalty score at or above company benchmark.
Maintain equipment and supplies to prevent expiration.
Maintain equipment (autoclaves, sterilizes, washes speculums, checks expiration dates, etc.).
Maintain established stock levels in assigned areas.
Maintain examination room and stocks if necessary.
Maintain exam rooms, cleansing between patients and restocking as needed.
Maintain intake tracker with new hires / departures / roles / leave of absences and languages spoken.
Maintain laboratory logs as specified.
Maintain MA resource and training manual and reference syllabus.
Maintain par levels of office, patient, and medical supplies.
Maintain patient care areas.
Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping patient care information confidential.
Maintain required certification and licensure.
Maintain supplies for the blood drawing stations.
Maintain the sterilization inventory.
Maintain various logs and tickler files and ensures confirmed EKGs are seen by clinician.
Make
Make referral and follow-up phone calls.
Make appropriate changes in computer system.
Manage
Manage medical supplies inventory and ordering with Office Manager.
Manage and coordinates the physicians daily schedule for new and existing patients.
Manage the clinic schedule for multiple physicians and practices.
Measure
Measure and record vital signs.
Monitor
Monitor and maintenance of Crash Cart.
Monitor and manage the appointment schedules daily.
Monitor attendance of students and submit to registrar's office before leaving work day / evening.
Monitor student attendance and coordinate with our Administrative Office when absences occur.
Monitor students and assess their needs to provide the best possible care and advice.
Observe
Observe and interpret students' symptoms and communicate them to physician and their therapist.
Observe signs, symptoms and reactions and report unusual conditions as appropriate.
Obtain
Obtain impressions for orthotics, padding and custom molded shoes.
Obtain and records patient history and vitals.
Obtain medication review.
Obtain Pre-Visit Daily report and reviews with provider.
Operate
Operate clinical equipment according to equipment guidelines.
Oversee
Oversee and train new and existing staff along with the clinic manager.
Participate
Participate in orientation of new employees and attend mandatory meetings.
Participate in preparing department for internal and external site audits.
Perform
Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of provider.
Perform all Medical Assistant front and back office functions.
Perform all other duties assigned within the scope of your certification.
Perform and reads routine lab tests such as urinalysis, urine pregnancy, hemoglobin and strep tests.
Perform / assists with procedures according to organizational / departmental standards.
Perform certain procedures, such as blood draws, EKGs.
Perform clerical duties to maintain effective office operations.
Perform diagnostic tests.
Perform duties within scope of practice.
Perform EKG's and Spirometry.
Perform extractions, injections and other patient treatments.
Perform individualized patient procedures, treatment and tests.
Perform initial patient work up.
Perform initial portion of the exam by obtaining measurements and gathering a brief patient history.
Perform intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections as directed.
Perform labeling and logging of specimens in compliance with hospital standards.
Perform light typing, as needed.
Perform medical receptionist duties as necessary.
Perform nursing and administrative duties.
Perform nursing procedures under supervision of physician or physician assistant.
Perform office procedures including all general administrative duties.
Perform ordered lab tests.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Perform other similar job related duties as required or directed.
Perform patient care functions.
Perform patient record audits.
Perform phlebotomy as directed by Physician orders.
Perform pre-visit vital signs, weights, blood pressure, pulses, weights and temperatures.
Perform procedures as assigned.
Perform proper sterilization.
Perform Quality Control and maintenance for Point of Care in-office lab procedures, as applicable.
Perform quality control testing as directed for all CLIA waived in-house lab tests.
Perform routine clinical tasks.
Perform routine clinical t asks to support medical staff.
Perform routine screening tests.
Perform semen washes and sets up for IUIs.
Perform triage and obtain vital signs.
Perform urinary dipstick testing and other CLIA waived exams.
Perform vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height and weight).
Post
Post and oversee lab charges, and complete lab requisitions.
Post patient's information to medical records.
Practice
Practice safety and OSHA regulations in regards to biohazard waste and non-biohazard waste.
Practice Standard Precautions, including hand washing and disposal of biohazardous materials.
Prepare
Prepare and clean room for patient and get patient prepared for the physician encounter.
Prepare consent forms as needed and required.
Prepare exams room for providers.
Prepare meeting spaces and medical rooms.
Prepare members for appointments, procedures, and also provide efficient follow-up.
Prepare path / lab specimens per protocol.
Prepare patients for treatments and aftercare.
Prepare, clean and maintain exam and treatment rooms, as well as supplies and equipment.
Prepare equipment and aid Physician and Nurses during treatment and examination of patient.
Prepare laboratory and radiology requisitions.
Prepare paperwork and medical records for clinic visit.
Prepare patient electronic charts for clinic visits prior to date of service.
Prepare patients for examination using Village Medical Rooming Guidelines.
Prepare patients for Provider visit / examinations.
Prepare patients for tests / procedures by providing appropriate instructions.
Prepare patients properly and efficiently for patient care.
Prepare patient to be seen by physician.
Prepare treatment rooms for patients' examinations and keeps the rooms neat, clean and stocked.
Prepare treatment rooms for examination of patients and direct physicians to rooms.
Process
Process appropriate documents in an organized and accurate fashion.
Process medication refills as directed by a provider and according to hospital policies.
Process orders appropriately and accurately.
Process patient accounts receivable and payable (credit card, debit, cheque and cash payments).
Process payments (cash, credit cards, cash).
Process prescription refill requests.
Provide
Provide abortion education per agency protocols, make appointments and complete pre-screening form.
Provide advanced assistance with medical clinic operations and monitoring of clinic flow.
Provide and reviews appropriate instructions to patients regarding procedures or testing.
Provide appropriate PPE for potential at risk personnel.
Provide assistance during examinations and treatment.
Provide back up support coverage, which includes all functions of a medical assistant.
Provide care to patients ranging in age from 0 to 100+.
Provide direct patient care to a diversified patient population, across continuum of care.
Provide excellent customer service.
Provide feedback for staff reviews in collaboration with the Ops Director / Manager.
Provide general clerical support to department physicians.
Provide general office support including phone and fax management.
Provide information to patients so they may fully utilize and benefit from the clinical services.
Provide instructions and education to patients as instructed by providers.
Provide MOA or MA coverage support as needed.
Provide patient care in accordance to standards and guidelines.
Provide patient care under direction of nursing staff.
Provide patients with relevant instructions for specific tests and procedures.
Provide pre and post op education.
Record
Record accurate and pertinent data in the medical record according to documentation guidelines.
Record and document in the medical record.
Record pertinent data on the consumer's medical record.
Report
Report issues to a licensed staff member when necessary.
Report all accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards.
Report back all feedback including discrepancies to the manager.
Report equipment or supply needs to Administrator.
Report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
Report patient demographics, admissions, and missed appointments.
Respond
Respond to all patient messages.
Respond to emergency situations according to established policies.
Respond to patient questions in office and on phone as instructed.
Review
Review fee tickets to ensure that all tests and procedures have been recorded.
Review patient records, labs, imaging and contact info.
Review patient's medical record prior to admitting patient into the exam area.
Review provider instructions regarding abnormal results.
Schedule
Schedule, coordinate, and monitor appointments.
Schedule diagnostic testing.
Schedule outpatient procedures.
Schedule patient for diagnostic testing and follows up to ensure completion of testing.
Schedule and confirm appointments.
Schedule patient appointments for office visits through IDX system.
Screen
Screen patient calls to the physician.
Screen telephone calls for referrals to nurse or physician.
Set-up
Set-up and assist physician with some procedures.
Set-up EKG machines, and perform routine specimen collection and tests.
Stock
Stock exam rooms and keep exam rooms neat and orderly.
Stock exam rooms on daily basis.
Support
Support and follows Standard Delegation of Orders (SDO).
Support and implement organization's goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and systems.
Support of regional clinics by driving to various assigned locations.
Support Performance Improvement and Patient Safety activities.
Support the Native Health mission as needed.
Take
Take ocular measurements both anatomical and functional.
Take patient's vital signs.
Take patients vital signs, perform lab tests, prepare room and patients for procedures.
Take action to reduce or eliminate patient risk.
Take and forward messages as appropriate.
Take manual inventory of drugs.
Take, record, and report patient vital signs using medical equipment.
Take vital signs, patient weight, and date of birth.
Understand
Understand and interpret written reports.
Understand and participate in the interview, hiring and development of new employees.
Understand, assist with and supervises the processing of medical record requests.
Update
Update and file medical records and insurance reports.
Update and maintain all client records.
Update, file medical records and insurance reports.
Update patients' demographic data and contact information.
Use
Use CPR skills when necessary, all under physician supervision.
Use problem solving processes to make decisions related to patient care.
Use proper charting procedure, i.e., noting date, time signature and job title.
Use traffic signs to direct car to testing tent.
Utilize
Utilize critical thinking and good judgment in performance of tasks.
Utilize online systems for ordering of laboratory and genetic tests as necessary.
Utilize computers to obtain information and schedule appointments.
Utilize standard precautions in room preparation and while assisting with procedures / exams.
Utilize the computer in entering labs and printing labels.
Verify
Verify patient's information.
Verify patient information by interviewing patient.
Verify schedule at end of clinic and gives to the Practice Manager.
Welcome
Welcome patients by greeting them in person or on the telephone.
Work
Work effectively, both independently and as part of an inter-disciplinary team.
Work in a patient care setting with possible exposure to communicable diseases.
Work well with a diverse group of professionals in a team environment.
Work with healthcare team to assure smooth and efficient patient flow and clinical.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Medical Assistant:
Customer Service
Using Computer
Medical Terminology
Registration
Standing
Walking
EMR
RMA
MS Excel
CCMA
Screen Calls And Determine Urgency
CPR
Input And Retrieve Data From The Organization's Computerized Systems
Lifting And Moving Patients
Lifting Of Light-Weight Objects
Maintain Positive Customer Service
Necessity Of Appointments or Whether Phone Advice
Medical Assistant Certification
Phlebotomy
Outlook
Bending
BLS
MS Office
Medical Assisting
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Medical Assistant:
Written and oral communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Problem-solving attitude
Organizational capacity
Multi-task
Attention to detail
Bilingualism
Priority management
Time-management
Confident
Maintain patient confidentiality
Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, doctors and other staff
Establish effective working relations with physicians, office staff, and employees in a team environment
Process information in a confidential manner
Work independently and function
Verbal and communication
Flexible
Critical thinker
Adaptable to changes
