Medical Assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks in the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and optometrists. In small practices, they are "generalists," who handle both administrative and clinical duties and report directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators.
Medical Assistants perform many administrative duties. They answer telephones, greet patients, update and file patient medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping.
Clinical duties vary according to state law, and may include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical Assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments.
They may also instruct patients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.
Medical Assistants also may arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.
The Medical Assistant program offers
* Theory and practical application in the fundamentals of medical diagnostic techniques
* Study of the anatomy and physiology of the body and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
* Knowledge of standard clinical and laboratory procedures
* Training with regard to venipuncture, injections, electrocardiography (EKG), measurement of vital signs, and preparation for physical and specialty exams
* Required administrative procedures for use in a physician's office or clinic
* An introduction to medical insurance coding and claim processing
* An externship in a medical facility
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High - Tech Institute - Milwaukee.
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