subject: Medical Administrative Assistant: Start a Career in the Medical Field [print this page] Medical Administrative Assistant: Start a Career in the Medical Field
When people think about careers in the medical field, they rarely think about billing. Years ago a doctor's office only needed a single secretary/receptionist, but today things are different. In fact, the process of billing has become so complex and technology oriented, that it has become a whole new career of its own. The job of a medical administrative assistant is to make sure that the patients pay their medical bills and that the insurance companies follow through and pay their part of the patient's medical bills as well. The job of medical administrative assistant is a great opportunity for people who enjoy keeping financial books, handling money and taking care of an office budget.
There's a lot more to the job of medical administrative assistant than just taking care of medical bills. Making sure that the doctor's office runs smoothly is another key responsibility. Their job is to take care of patient inquiries, maintain patient records, answer telephones and order office supplies. In some offices the medical administrative assistant also works as an assistant to the doctor by writing reports, preparing presentations and taking dictation. If you get into this sector of the medical field and can do it well, you will build a career that commands a lot of job security. A medical office without a professional and reliable medical administrative assistant to manage it would very likely shut down, get sued or go bankrupt.
In order to get started working in the career field of medical administrative assistant, you have to at least have your high school diploma. An associate's degree of some type may be required by some medical offices. In most cases that degree would have to be in some type of office related work. You can also get a medical administrative assistant's degree at most local community colleges. Your schooling will educate you on how to work with medical charts and to handle patients effectively and professionally. But perhaps the most important part of your education will be to learn how to properly deal with insurance companies, and how to file billing reports using the proper procedures. Your personality will also be important, as a medical administrative assistant needs to work well with others and have a positive, kind attitude toward patients, vendors and insurance professionals. Patience is also required for this career field, because in many cases you will be dealing with patients that are upset or irate about billing or other medical issues.
There are a lot of different office settings that require a medical administrative assistant. Out-patient facilities, hospitals, dental offices, chiropractic offices, general practitioner's offices and other related facilities all need management staff. Medical administrative assistants are an essential element in any facility that provides health care or related services. You should look to work in a setting that you will feel comfortable working in every day. You will be able to do a much better job and be a valued employee if you enjoy the work that you do and the people that you work around.
A medical assistant makes a starting salary that is much higher than minimum wage. While this is definitely not one of the highest paying careers in the medical field, you can make a very good living while working in this position. In most cases there is even room for advancement within the company you work for, so you might be eligible for raises and added benefits in the future. You can also go back to school and get your bachelor's degree so you will be able to get a much higher starting pay than applicants that only have an associates degree.
If you are looking for a career that will allow you to make a difference in the medical field, but you aren't comfortable with the actual medical part of the business, going to work as a medical assistant just might be the perfect job for you.
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