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Medical Assistant or MA Otherwise know as the incompetent person the receptionist transfers you to when you call a Doctor concerning a prescription.
In an updated version of an article originally published by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) in 1996 and updated in 2003 it is noted that only seven states: Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland South Dakota, and Washington have specific regulations that govern a medical assistants scope of practice. In most instances an MA is allowed to perform any technical procedure not prohibited elsewhere as long as the supervision physician deems the MA properly qualified and trained to perform.
Education and training. Medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Formal training in medical assisting, while generally preferred, is not required. Many medical assistants are trained on the job, and usually only need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
What responsibilities can be included in a medical assistant's job description?
A. Duties vary from office to office depending on location, size and specialty.
Administrative duties may include...
· Using computer applications
· Answering telephones
· Greeting patients
· Updating and filing patient medical records
· Coding and filling out insurance forms
· Scheduling appointments
· Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
· Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping
Clinical duties vary by state, but may include... · Taking medical histories
· Explaining treatment procedures to patients
· Preparing patients for examination
· Assisting the physician during the exam
· Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
· Performing basic laboratory tests
· Instructing patients about medication and special diets
· Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
· Authorizing prescription refills as directed · Drawing blood
· Taking electrocardiograms
· Removing sutures and changing dressings
In an updated version of an article originally published by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) in 1996 and updated in 2003 it is noted that only seven states: Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland South Dakota, and Washington have specific regulations that govern a medical assistants scope of practice. In most instances an MA is allowed to perform any technical procedure not prohibited elsewhere as long as the supervision physician deems the MA properly qualified and trained to perform.
Education and training. Medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Formal training in medical assisting, while generally preferred, is not required. Many medical assistants are trained on the job, and usually only need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
What responsibilities can be included in a medical assistant's job description?
A. Duties vary from office to office depending on location, size and specialty.
Administrative duties may include...
· Using computer applications
· Answering telephones
· Greeting patients
· Updating and filing patient medical records
· Coding and filling out insurance forms
· Scheduling appointments
· Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
· Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping
Clinical duties vary by state, but may include... · Taking medical histories
· Explaining treatment procedures to patients
· Preparing patients for examination
· Assisting the physician during the exam
· Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
· Performing basic laboratory tests
· Instructing patients about medication and special diets
· Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
· Authorizing prescription refills as directed · Drawing blood
· Taking electrocardiograms
· Removing sutures and changing dressings