What does a Medical Administrative Assistant do?
Published 4 min read
A medical administrative assistant is responsible for providing administrative support to a healthcare facility. They may be responsible for answering phones, scheduling appointments, and maintaining medical records.
Medical Administrative Assistant job duties include:
- Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
- Greet visitors and callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
- Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
- Receive, sort, and route mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
- Maintain scheduling and event calendars.
- Prepare meeting materials, such as agendas, notices, minutes, and resolutions for executive boards, committees, and staff meetings.
- Compile data and prepare reports.
- Create spreadsheets and presentations.
- Research topics as requested.
- Order office supplies and equipment as needed
Medical Administrative Assistant Job Requirements
Medical administrative assistants typically need at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most positions provide on-the-job training. Some medical administrative assistants become certified through professional organizations, such as the National Healthcare Association or the American Association of Medical Assistants. Employers usually prefer candidates with experience in a medical office or related healthcare setting.
Medical Administrative Assistant Skills
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Electronic Health Records
- Insurance Verification
- Scheduling Appointments
- Answering Phones
- Patient Registration
- Collecting Co-Payments
- Filing Insurance Claims
- Managing Office Supplies
- Assisting with Medical Transcriptions
Related: Top Medical Administrative Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Medical Administrative Assistant
A medical administrative assistant is a key member of any healthcare team. They are responsible for handling many of the administrative and clerical tasks that keep a medical facility running smoothly. If you are interested in becoming a medical administrative assistant, there are a few things you need to know.
First, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Many medical administrative assistants also have some college education, although it is not always required. You will also need to be proficient in using computers and various office software programs. Strong communication and customer service skills are also essential in this role.
If you meet these basic qualifications, the next step is to start training for the job. There are many ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to find a medical administrative assistant program at a local community college or vocational school. These programs will give you the specific skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this career.
Once you have completed your training, the next step is to find a job. Many medical administrative assistants work in hospitals, but there are also opportunities in clinics, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. You can search for open positions online or through job postings at your local library or community center.
With hard work and dedication, you can become a medical administrative assistant and enjoy a rewarding career helping others.
Related: Medical Administrative Assistant Resume Example
Related: Medical Administrative Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)