Assistants are valuable members of the administrative team who perform routine tasks required to support the operations of the employer. With around four million individuals employed in this profession, it is apparent how important these people are to the economy. While assistants are able to find work in just about any industry, the majority are hired by different branches of the healthcare system. Those considering this career path are advised to review the tasks included in the medical office assistant job description before making a final decision.

Basic Tasks Included in the Medical Office Assistant Job Description

There are several different branches in the healthcare sector that employ individuals to serve in an office assistant capacity. While there are some differences in the work responsibilities that an assistant might have in various employment environments, there are some common tasks that are included in nearly every medical office assistant job description. As with any employment opportunity, it is important for applicants to contact potential employers directly to find out the exact nature of the work that is associated with a specific job opening.

In general, an assistant is hired to carry out basic administrative tasks that serve to help support the operations of both the clinical staff and the management team. The contributions of an assistant are an important component for ensuring that the office operates in an efficient and effective manner. Administrators and providers commonly assign the following tasks to the assistants…

• Schedule and confirm patient appointments
• Deliver messages
• Answer the telephone and record messages
• Organize and maintain paper and electronic files
• Plan office and department meetings
• Collect and distribute mail
• Draft reports and memos
• Review documents for accuracy
• Track and record finances

While this list encompasses several of the responsibilities that are typically included in the medical office assistant job description, tasks are added and removed based on factors such as the unique needs of the employer, the types of patients being managed, the knowledge and skills of the employee, and the type of facility where one works. Other responsibilities that individuals can expect to perform may include compliance review, database management, the presentation of reports, inventory control, supplier communication, and equipment maintenance. In some establishments, the assistant is also required to document medical histories, process insurance payments, and submit laboratory specimens.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

A career in the healthcare sector can be challenging because of the difficulty associated with caring for patients who suffer from complex medical conditions. Although an assistant is not responsible for the delivery of clinical care, they do often interact with patients and are required to possess specific knowledge, skills, and character qualities in order to become a valued member of the medical team. In most cases, employers do not expect an assistant to complete a degree or specialized training. However, they do prefer an applicant who has some understanding of medical terminology, who speaks fluent English, is able to operate a computer, and who is familiar with standard clerical procedures. The medical office assistant job description will commonly include these elements because they are so important to becoming successful in the profession.

Since many assistants need not complete a college degree in order to find employment in this profession, most local employers provide in-house training that is specifically designed to prepare new employees for the unique demands that come with working in their establishment. Those who do not offer a training and orientation period, may refer applicants to a vocational program that is offered through a local community college. Educational programs for this career path generally do not last very long and come with a nominal cost that may or may not be covered by the facility that is doing the hiring.

Individuals who have an interest in a career as a medical office assistant should take some time to reflect on their suitability for working in an office environment. The efficient and effective provision of medical care requires the combined efforts of many different administrative and clinical personnel. Individuals who want to work in this profession should be personable and capable of working constructively with others. In addition, an assistant is required to interact with patients and must possess a genuine interest in the well-being of others. This requires compassion and professionalism in all situations. Other skills that are often incorporated into the medical office assistant job description include the ability to communicate with the other office staff, actively listen, and think critically.

Employment opportunities for the assistant are projected to increase by 12% over the next ten years. The growth that is being observed in this industry can be attributed, in part, to the need for an expanded healthcare system that is capable of handling the influx of aging individuals and those to whom medical coverage was recently extended. Those who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, but who are not interested in spending several years completing a college degree or specialized training might want to consider reviewing the medical office assistant job description to determine if this career path is the most appropriate option.