Medical Office and Office Occupations

Description: These programs provide students with the skills they need to perform clerical work in the medical field. These positions may be available in hospitals, medical clinics, and other medical facilities. The medical field requires employees who are conscientious, responsible and respect the confidential nature of medical information.

Medical assistants help physicians examine and treat patients, as well as perform routine tasks needed to keep the office running smoothly. Although medical assistants can perform both clinical and administrative tasks, the nature of the work varies from office to office. The size of the practice affects the scope of the job, as does the physician's view of medical assisting responsibilities. Medical assistants must not only be good at putting patients at ease but also be good listeners and interpret a physician's instructions correctly the first time they are given.

Typical job tasks may include:

• Take/record vital signs and medical histories
• Schedule and receive patients
• Complete and submit insurance claim forms
• Perform basic laboratory tests
• Maintain and file patient medical records
• Order and maintain supplies
• Prepare professional correspondence
• Answer the telephone
• Telephone prescriptions to the pharmacy
• Assist in examinations
• Manage billing and bookkeeping
• Annotate incoming mail
• Explain treatment procedures to patients
• Arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services