BMS MA II/LPN Bloomington Surgical Associates

Medical AssistantThere are four basic categories of medical assistant duties—clerical, administrative, clinical, and specialist. Depending upon the medical practice, the same medical assistant may do one of these categories, or all four of them.Clinical Medical Assistant DutiesClinical medical assistant job duties involve working with patients in a clinical context, assisting physicians during procedures, and performing light medical procedures. Because of the responsibilities that come with medical practice, the clinical medical assistant duties are regulated differently from state to state. Medical assistants are always required to be supervised by a physician.The basic duties of medical assistants include:Taking patient vital signsTaking medical historiesPreparing patients for medical tests and examinationsAssisting practitioners during examinationsExplaining medical procedures to patientsSterilizing medical instrumentsRemoving suturesAdministering topical, oral, or intramuscular medicationsDrawing blood (phlebotomy)Administrative Medical Assistant DutiesAdministrative medical assistant duties are less directly involved with patients, and more involved with the general running of the medical practice. Administrative medical assistants work with patients in the context of scheduling appointments and handling billing functions.Some administrative medical assistant duties might include:Maintaining the confidentiality of patient informationManaging inventory and ordering suppliesScheduling patient medical proceduresFollowing up on patient visitsUpdating patient recordsObtaining pre-authorizations/precertificationsChecking the patient portal and responding to patientsOrdering lab tests and imaging studiesManaging petty cashClerical Medical Assistant DutiesClerical medical assistants perform many of the same duties as administrative medical assistants, but with less emphasis on medical records and patient information. Clerical medical assistant duties focus more on the business aspects of running a medical practice. They are similar to administrative assistants in typical office settings, managing the day-to-day office activities that keep an office running smoothly.Some clerical medical assistant duties might include:Answering phonesGreeting patientsSorting mailHandling correspondenceFilingCreating documentsPerforming computer data entrySpecialist Medical Assistant DutiesThe job duties of a specialist medical assistant are somewhat different from those of general medical assistants. These medical assistants work in a specialist clinic, such as an orthopedic practice, a surgery practice, a hematology/oncology practice, or a cardiology practice. A specialist medical assistant has in-depth knowledge of a particular medical field, and has job responsibilities that reflect their specialization.Required SkillsBecause medical assistant duties are so varied, a very flexible skill set is needed to perform them well. These skills and personality traits are recommended:Ability to multi-task various job dutiesAbility to handle different personalities and personal situations—both patient and coworkersAbility to understand the theories, reasons, and technical aspects of medicineA formal education from an accredited medical assistant school or medical assistant training program; certification preferredEmployee Statement of UnderstandingI understand that this document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. The statements in this document are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. I further understand that my signature does not indicate that I agree with the performance evaluation completed by my supervisor, only that the evaluation has been discussed with me.