What Makes A Great Medical Office Assistant?

The modern healthcare industry offers many job opportunities and many different paths to a stable career. One option is the role of medical office assistant. In this position, you’ll handle many different administrative tasks that keep medical facilities running smoothly, reduce stress for patients, and allow doctors and nurses to focus on providing the best possible patient care.

Not sure if being a medical office assistant is the right fit for you? Read on to learn about the skills and training you need to start a career in healthcare today.

What Is a Medical Office Assistant?

A medical office assistant is an individual who facilitates efficiency and better patient experiences in doctor’s offices and healthcare clinics. They perform the many different types of clerical and administrative work associated with the modern healthcare agency.

Top responsibilities include:

Notating patient records
Processing bills
Filing insurance claims
Scheduling appointments
Keeping clinic accounts

As a medical office assistant, you’re the first face to greet patients and create a welcoming atmosphere when they check in.

Top Skills for Medical Office Assistants

You’ll want to have several skills when pursuing a career as a medical office assistant. Here’s a closer look at the ideal skill set for medical office jobs.

Attention to Detail

Medical office assistants need to take notes and enter patient and insurance information. They’re also responsible for scheduling appointments. You’ll need to work with precision when helping patients and the healthcare staff at the clinic.

Integrity

Patients seeking treatment at your clinic will need to provide sensitive personal information. Adhering to laws about patient privacy and confidentiality is essential when handling that information.

Knowledge of Technology

You’ll be expected to know how to use several software platforms when working in a medical office. A working knowledge of scheduling and billing software is invaluable when applying for a new position.

Compassion

It’s not uncommon for people to be anxious or even fearful when visiting a healthcare facility. A compassionate office assistant can settle those nerves by providing a warm and welcoming environment during check-in.

Training Requirements

To become a medical office assistant, you’ll need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. To get the vocational training needed for the job, you can enroll in a medical office assistant program like the one at PCI Health Training Center.

In PCI’s program, you’ll train and learn essentials like how to handle electronic health records, procedural codes for billing, and basic medical terminology. Towards the end of the program, students go through an externship which allows them to get real-world experience in a medical office, clinic, lab, or hospital under the supervision of qualified personnel.

The entire program can be completed in as little as six months, putting you on the fast track to a better career in the growing healthcare industry.

Start Pursuing Medical Office Jobs Today

Medical office jobs are careers that allow you to help others. You’ll need attention to detail, basic technical knowledge, and compassion to thrive in this position. Enroll in the medical office assistant training program at PCI Health Training Center to take the first step.

Medical Office Assisting Skills