As medical assisting continues to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the world with a predicted growth rate of 29% in the coming years, medical assistants with formal training as well as certified and experienced individuals are the best for job prospects. Basically, medical assisting entails performing different routines, clinical and administrative tasks in order for the offices and clinics of podiatrists, chiropractors, physicians, and optometrists to run smoothly.They are even starting to work in hospitals.

The Main Administrative Duties

Also, medical assisting vary from office to office depending on the specialty, size, and office location. Generally, the practice comprises of reporting to the supervising physician and handling both clinical and administrative duties such as: 

• Scheduling of appointments,
• Answering telephone calls
• Updating and filing of patient medical records,
• Filling out insurance forms,
• Greeting patients,  
• Bookkeeping and billing services
• Arrangements for hospital admission and
• Laboratory services.

When it comes to the clinical duties in medical assisting, they vary according to state and local laws. This is done under supervised conditions - and they include everything from recording to taking vital signs from patients, preparation of patients for x-rays, removing sutures, draw blood and also authorize drug refills.

The Specialization and Skills Needed

Medical assisting requires specialization - but also constant interaction with other people. As such, it involves handling several responsibilities all at once. The following are some of the main features of this emerging practice: