medical assistant basics
FRONT OFFICE SKILLS
While working in the healthcare field there are several skills that you need to possess. It is important to keep in mind that your work will be impacted by your ability to carry out all of the necessary tasks. Outlined below are eight important things for you to remember about front office skills, stay current with the most recent trends, and make sure you are providing your patients with the best care possible.
General Office
Medical assistants will often assist office personnel with answering the phones, scheduling appointments, following up on patient files and correspondence, transcription, as well as keeping appointment books, phone logs and general office duties. They usually have good interpersonal skills and keep a positive attitude when dealing customers with high-maintenance personalities.
Using a Computer
If you are a medical assistant, you should know how to use a computer. This is because your job requires the use of computers for many things. If you don’t know how to use a computer or learn how to use one now, then you will be at a disadvantage in your field. You can also lose clients or customers if you don’t know what to do with the computers that they have provided to you.
Using a Copier
Everyone in the office needs to have access to a copier at all times, but not everyone knows how to use it. Even if you don’t need to use the copier on a daily basis, you may find yourself tempted to use it just because it’s “easier” than printing or scanning documents manually. But as with everything that seems too good to be true, there can be drawbacks and risks involved. So before you start using the copier in your office, it is important to know how to use it safely and properly.
Preparing and maintaining Medical Records
Medical records are the centerpieces of any medical office, and the key to accessing patient information. Improper medical record management could lead to a veritable Pandora’s box of errors, including poor patient care, charging for unnecessary services, and even malpractice suits from patients.
Computerized Medical Records
Record keeping is an essential task performed by most medical assistants. It is important to properly organize, maintain and archive medical records because they provide an indispensable historical foundation for a person’s care, treatment and response to disease or injury. Medical records are confidential and must be kept secure in a locked filing cabinet or protected computer system with user privileges restricted to authorized staff only.
Manual Bookkeeping
Manual bookkeeping services are most sought when a business is growing fast, but the owner can’t afford to put more funds in hiring a full time accountant. In fact, it reduces the startup cost and allows the new business owners preserve their funds for other crucial things.
Banking
Banking is an integral part of being a Medical Assistant. Here are some ways you can improve your skills to better serve your clients. Medical assistants are closely involved in their clients’ banking, from depositing checks to preparing checks and managing accounts. Since medical assistants work closely with insurance agencies, bank representatives often provide them with business opportunities. They receive valuable education, as well as personalized attention from bank personnel.