What Is Good Communication?

Good communication refers to effectively exchanging information and ideas between groups and individuals. While it can be somewhat subjective, it has several essential characteristics:

Clarity

Good communication is clear and easy for the listener to understand. Messages should be concise and to the point, avoiding ambiguity, technical jargon, or unrelated tangents.

Empathy

Empathy is the acknowledgment of others’ feelings. It demonstrates genuine concern about their unique perspectives.

Cultural Competence

Good communication is sensitive to the cultural and generational differences between people. It requires respecting others regardless of their background, beliefs, or worldview.

Adaptability

Communication should be adaptable to the listener’s emotional, cognitive, intellectual, and sensory needs. Appropriately tailored messages are always better received.

Timing

Sharing information promptly enhances its impact and relevance. Knowing when to speak and when to listen is a vital part of effective communication.

Positive Non-Verbal Cues

Non-verbal cues, including posture, gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice, convey more than words. A good communicator controls what their body language projects.

Active Listening

Effective communication requires giving speakers your full attention. It demonstrates empathy and engagement, allowing for feedback, clarification, and mutual understanding.

Confidence

Confidence conveys knowledge and credibility. Among healthcare professionals, it establishes expertise and builds trust.

Openness

Good communication requires a particular vulnerability. The ability to share personal experiences opens the door to dialogue.

Grammar

Proper grammar, including spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation, ensures your message is clear.

Etiquette

Communication etiquette is an integral part of professionalism. Following established norms for oral and written presentations demonstrates respect for your audience and limits distractions.

Why Is Communication Important for Medical and Dental Assistants?

Effective communication is vitally essential for medical and dental assistants. It impacts the quality of care in these critical areas:

Data Gathering

Medical and dental assistants gather health information used to make treatment decisions. Clarity and accuracy are crucial.

Patient Comfort

Patients often feel anxious about medical or dental procedures. Confident, compassionate, and open communication is reassuring.

Team Collaboration

Medical and dental assistants work as part of a healthcare team. Effective communication with peers and providers ensures that care is coordinated and seamless.

Safety

Miscommunication in healthcare settings contributes significantly to medical errors. Clarity and good grammar prevent misunderstandings.

Documentation

Medical and dental assistants are responsible for maintaining patient records. Clear and comprehensive documentation allows all team members to track the patient’s progress, promoting continuity of care.

Professionalism

How medical and dental assistants communicate with patients projects a powerful image. As ambassadors of first impressions, courteous and respectful communication positively impacts patient relations.

Conflict Resolution

Workplace conflicts aren’t uncommon. Strong communication skills diffuse stress and encourage mutual support.

Patient Education

Dental and medical assistants educate patients about oral and healthcare topics. Effective communication ensures that they understand treatment recommendations.

What Is Unique About Medical Assistant Communication?

Medical and dental assistants have similar roles, but there are aspects of communication unique to medical assistants, such as:

Terminology

Medical assistants work in broader healthcare settings, such as hospitals, assisting patients suffering from various conditions. They must communicate using more general medical terminology that dental assistants may need to be more familiar with.

Patient Relationships

Patients are three times more likely to see their doctor than their dentist. Medical assistants engage with the same patients more often, encouraging more profound and open communication upon which long-term professional relationships are built.

Guidance and Education

Medical assistants communicate with patients about various health concerns, including oral health. General health conditions have a lesser impact on dental services, so dental assistants primarily discuss oral care issues.

What Is Unique About Dental Assistant Communication?

Dental assistants have their communication challenges, including:

Procedures

Medical assistants help doctors with occasional minor procedures. Dental assistants provide day-long chairside support, so communication with the dentist or hygienist must be laser-focused.

Patient Comfort

Because of the prevalence of dental phobia and dental anxiety, dental assistants need a powerful sense of empathy and emotional intelligence to work with fearful patients.

Billing and Insurance

Medical assistants may be involved in billing and insurance issues. However, because dental coverage plays a more significant part in the affordability of dental procedures for most clients, communication for dental assistants is more likely to include financial matters.

How Do You Hone Your Communication Skills?

Good communication is cultivated through education and experience. For medical and dental assistants, it begins with vocational school training. Programs emphasize practical communication techniques and soft skills in many ways, such as:

Coursework

Many vocational schools offer specific courses on communication skills, covering professional and therapeutic communication techniques.

Role-Playing and Simulations

Courses may include role-playing and simulation exercises to help students develop communication skills. You’ll practice real-world scenarios with instructors and peers.

Cultural Competency Training

Healthcare vocational schools encourage cultural competency, training students to respect a broad range of cultural and generational differences.

Professionalism

Medical and dental assistant programs stress the importance of professionalism. You’ll learn to maintain a polished dress, conduct, and communication demeanor.

Communication Technology

Technology plays a pivotal role in healthcare. Vocational schools teach students to use e-mail, electronic health records (EHR), and other communication tools effectively.

Clinical Rotations and Externships

Most medical and dental assistant programs include off-site clinical rotations or externship opportunities where students work alongside experienced healthcare professionals. You’ll practice your communication and collaboration skills in a supervised setting.

Final Thoughts

Dental and medical assistants rely on strong communication skills to succeed in their roles. The foundation of quality care is the cornerstone of empathy, trust, and safety.

Dental Assistant Program

The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training, including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients. We also have dedicated school instructors who offer you training in dental assisting that you can use to get an entry-level position at a dentist’s office or dental clinic. You get to work in real-world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skills during lab work in dental assisting.

Medical Assistant Program

Meridian College offers a hands–on Medical Assistant training program taught by experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical or dental assistant.

The post Why is Communication Important for Medical and Dental Assistants? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Does a Medical Assistant do?

Medical assistants support clinical and administrative professionals in healthcare office settings.

Duties consist of:

Triaging Phone Calls

Medical assistants take clinical calls, screen patients for serious symptoms and flag priority issues before directing inquiries to the appropriate provider. As the doctor’s representative, you’ll help the administrative team squeeze urgent care appointments between well-care visits.

Greeting Patients

Medical assistants are the first clinical representatives to see patients when they arrive. Their job is to update patients’ health records and perform certain clinical tasks on the provider’s behalf. They manage the most important resource, time, so that doctors can be more productive while patients get the best possible care.

Taking Vital Signs

Medical assistants use advanced equipment and their clinical expertise to measure vital signs at each visit. Trends in body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate can indicate illness or an increased risk of disease. Changes in height and weight can signal serious medical conditions, from osteoporosis to congestive heart failure.

Performing Diagnostic Tests

Medical assistants can now perform diagnostic tests that once required a hospital visit. Examples include EKGs, pacemaker evaluations, urine pregnancy screens, occult fecal blood testing, fetal heartbeat monitoring, and urinalysis.

Phlebotomy

Drawing blood is among a medical assistant’s most sought-after skills. You’ll do basic draws and process samples in an office setting, saving patients a trip to the hospital.

Administering Medications

Medical assistants can give oral medications and most injections under the supervision of professional staff. You’ll vaccinate patients, assist with tuberculin skin testing, and apply topical treatments.

Assisting with Procedures

Medical assistants support doctors with minor procedures, from mole excisions and skin biopsies to vasectomies and laceration repairs. You’ll set up the surgical equipment, pass instruments and monitor the patient’s comfort and safety.

Wound Care

Medical assistants can’t assess wounds. However, they can perform basic wound care, such as changing bandages and removing sutures with a doctor’s approval.

Infection Control

Healthcare offices can harbor harmful, drug-resistant organisms. Medical assistants safeguard patients from infectious diseases through symptom screening, sanitation measures, and instrument sterilization.

Medical Coding

Alphanumeric medical codes are used to describe symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments on health insurance claim forms. Using the superbill created at check-in, medical assistants note the services rendered and the supplies used during each patient encounter, so doctors can be reimbursed promptly for their time and resources.

 Managing Inventory

Doctors need dozens of supplies to perform exams. Medical assistants stock the shelves daily with the preferred items, reordering when inventory gets low.

Educating Patients

Medical assistants play a vital role in educating patients on various aspects of their health, such as medication management, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications. You might demonstrate procedures, such as how to take a blood pressure reading at home and explain diagnostic test results on the provider’s behalf.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

A dental assistant’s duties are similar to a medical assistant’s, they are to oral care professionals what medical assistants are to licensed healthcare providers.

Their responsibilities include:

Scheduling Appointments

Dental assistants are well-versed in the clinical aspects of dentistry, which makes them ideally suited to handle complex scheduling tasks. You’ll guide the front office staff when they need to know how long procedures, like x-rays and fillings, will take.

Greeting Patients

Visiting the dentist is a stressful experience for most patients. The first interaction they have with staff can make or break their confidence. A good dental assistant guides patients through their visit while making them feel at ease.

Obtaining Health Histories

General and oral health are linked, so dentists need to know patients’ medical diagnoses before treating them. To kick off each visit, a dental assistant sits down with the patient and reviews recent changes in their medications, allergies, and health conditions. It’s an important part of providing safe care.

Taking Vital Signs

Abnormal vital signs are a contraindication to some dental treatments that require an anesthetic. Dental assistants take this measurement and inform the dentist of any irregularities.

Preparing Treatment Rooms

Dental assistants prepare the equipment and supplies dentists need before patients arrive. Keeping exam rooms well-stocked ensures treatments proceed smoothly.

Infection Control

Infectious diseases can spread between patients if treatment areas and instruments aren’t properly sanitized. One of a dental assistant’s most essential roles is to keep patients safe by sterilizing instruments, sanitizing surfaces, and disinfecting equipment between visits.

Taking or Assisting with x-Rays

Dental assistants assist hygienists with x-rays by preparing the necessary supplies and helping to position patients for the best possible images.

Working in the Laboratory

Dental assistants help in the lab by cleaning and polishing removable appliances. In a restorative practice, you’ll make alginate impressions for dentures, implants, and crowns.

Chairside Dentistry

During treatments, dental assistants provide chairside support by managing equipment and passing instruments to the dentist or hygienist. They also monitor patient safety, provide emotional support, and keep a running record of findings as the dentist examines patients’ teeth.

Applying Sealants

Fluoride treatments rebuild enamel while sealants form a protective barrier against harmful bacteria. You may perform both as part of a preventive treatment regimen.

Coronal Polishing

While dental assistants can’t clean teeth in most states, they can polish them above the gum line once the hygienist is done. This process, known as coronal polishing, not only removes surface discolorations but also smooths out minor imperfections in the enamel that attract sticky bacteria.

Ordering Supplies

Dental assistants are jacks of all trades. Familiar with what the office, laboratory and treatment rooms require for supplies, they monitor inventory practice-wide and reorder when necessary.

General Office Duties

Dental assistants are trained to handle clerical tasks such as data entry, filing, sending invoices, and accepting payments. They are always ready to lend a hand wherever they are needed so that the schedule runs efficiently.

Patient Education

Teaching patients about oral health is among a dental assistant’s most rewarding responsibilities. Whether it is helping children learn to brush their teeth or providing guidance to patients with toothaches, dental assistants have the opportunity to share their passion for oral health and improve the wellness of the next generation.

What is the Difference Between a Medical and Dental Assistant?

Medical and dental assisting are both healthcare careers you can be proud of but with similarities and differences to consider, such as:

The Job Market

Medical and dental assisting are both expanding fields. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% increase in demand for medical assistants through 2031. The outlook for dental assistants is also strong at 8%.

Employment Settings

Medical assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and insurance companies. Dental assistants work primarily in oral care practices. In most areas, there are more jobs available for medical assistants.

Emotional Impact

Dentistry has its ups and downs, but you’ll rarely deal with sick patients. A dental assistant’s responsibilities extend only to occasional oral care, so there’s less emotional involvement in patients’ personal situations.

Medical assistants, however, may forge deeper professional relationships with ill and vulnerable people. The psychological impact can take a toll if you’re not prepared for it.

Colleagues and Supervisors

Medical assistants work under the direction of administrators, physicians, and other licensed clinicians. Dental assistants are supervised by dentists and dental hygienists.

Both are members of the clinical and administrative teams, providing support for both departments. However, while dental assistants rarely interact with non-oral care professionals, medical assistants engage with a wider range of clinicians.

Advancement Potential

Advancement opportunities are similar for medical and dental assistants. With continuing education and certifications, they can advance into supervisory or specialized roles.

Both can also build upon their education by getting a degree. Many medical assistants become nurses or practice administrators while dental assistants become licensed hygienists.

How Do You Become a Medical or Dental Assistant?

Medical assisting doesn’t require a license, so there are no formal education requirements. Practically speaking, however, a vocational school diploma is the gold standard. Healthcare is a complex and highly regulated field, so employers are incentivized to hire trained applicants with proven skills. You need a diploma to be a competitive applicant.

Vocational programs are comprehensive but take less than a year to complete. Students graduate work-ready and qualified for certification.

Coursework covers:

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical and laboratory procedures
• Billing and coding
• Office protocols

Higher education requirements for dental assistants vary by state. Most require training but not licensing or certification, and this is true in Florida. Employers may insist on a training program and licensure or a certificate. Vocational programs prepare students for any scenario with a broad curriculum and certification preparation.

Topics include:

• Dental terminology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Oral care techniques
• Chairside dentistry
• Laboratory procedures
• Radiography
• Communication
• Office protocols
• Customer care

Both medical and dental assisting programs have an externship component in which students work off-site with a veteran member of the profession, so nothing will be unusual or intimidating as you begin your new career.

Final Thoughts

Whether you become a medical or dental assistant should depend on your interests, aptitudes, and career goals, the roles are different enough to affect your career satisfaction. So, research both fields, talk to professionals in your area and consider your skills and preferences before taking the leap.

Medical Assistant Program

Meridian College offers a hands–on Medical Assistant training program taught by experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

Dental Assistant Program

The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical or dental assistant.

The post What is the Difference Between a Medical and Dental Assistant? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants are allied health professionals. They support licensed staff by managing a broad array of clinical and administrative tasks in doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. The job includes:

Taking Phone Calls

Medical assistants take clinical phone calls on providers’ behalf, answering general questions and working with patients to address their health concerns. The goal is to save the doctor time while ensuring that patients feel valued and cared for.

Scheduling

In most doctors’ offices, physicians each have a medical assistant to guide their schedule. While the front office makes routine appointments, medical assistants work closely with providers to arrange urgent visits or alternative emergency care.

Rooming Patients

Medical assistants welcome patients, making them comfortable as they wait for their examinations. They use lag time wisely by updating medical records and performing routine clinical tasks to save the clinician time. Preparing patients for visits gives busy doctors more time to delve into serious issues.

Infection Control

Medical settings can harbor dangerous pathogens. Medical assistants keep patients healthy by sanitizing treatment areas, disinfecting tools and equipment and sterilizing surgical instruments.

Managing Inventory

Medical assistants keep schedules running smoothly by stocking exam rooms with the supplies providers need to perform treatments. Working with administrators, you’ll help track inventory and order medical supplies.

Billing and Coding

Most of a medical assistant’s billing tasks are part of their clinical duties. Using the superbill created at check-in, they check off the services and supplies used during a treatment, procedure, or exam. Accurate coding is essential for billing, if the codes are wrong, claims are rejected.

Patient Education

As the doctor’s representative, medical assistants help patients better understand their treatment plans. They discuss concerns, relay messages and direct patients to the proper medical resources. Patients undergoing procedures will typically get pre- and post-care instructions from a medical assistant.

Performing Procedures

Medical assistants perform or assist with dozens of clinical procedures. Although similar in most settings, they require a different approach in a pediatric environment. Next, we’ll examine the most common.

What Procedures are Performed by Medical Assistants During Pediatric Office Visits?

During a pediatric visit, medical assistants:

Assist with Examinations

Examining young children is challenging because they can’t reliably follow instructions. And when they’re uncomfortable, they’re fidgety and irritable, making thorough assessment difficult.

Medical assistants help the pediatrician guide and position patients for their comfort and safety. With empathy and a gentle hand, you can avoid the use of restraints.

Take Vital Signs

Pediatric patients can’t report symptoms accurately, so vital signs become increasingly important. Medical assistants measure temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and respirations at each visit using pediatric equipment and guidelines.

Record Vital Statistics

Closely monitoring growth and developmental milestones is how pediatricians detect abnormalities early. A child who weighs in the lowest percentile for their age, for example, may be suffering from diagnosed malnutrition.

Medical assistants record a child’s height and weight at every visit, creating a running record that makes it easy to track as they get older.

Give Childhood Immunizations

Children from infants to adolescents get a slate of vaccinations. As a medical assistant, you’ll help inform parents of which are due when as well as administer the shots and review aftercare.

You’ll learn about the recommended immunization schedule in school plus how to give injections to patients of all ages. Parents will depend on you for accurate information and guidance.

Collect Blood Samples

Medical assistants are trained in phlebotomy, drawing blood from a vein with a needle. But the process is somewhat different for pediatric patients. Older children can have samples drawn from their arms, but you’ll rely on finger or heel sticks for newborns, infants, and toddlers. And instead of the standard blood collection tubes, you’ll fill smaller capillary tubes that allow testing to be done on smaller samples.

Not surprisingly, drawing blood from children is exacting, it’s a scary procedure. You’ll need exceptional technical skills and a good rapport with children and their families.

The ability to draw blood confidently is critical for pediatric medical assistants. Because children can’t accurately self-report symptoms, there are many routine tests done on young children from PKU screening to lead testing.

Do Diagnostic Testing

Medical assistants perform the same diagnostic tests on children as they do on adults, but the techniques are somewhat different. Obtaining a urine sample, for example, is easy with a cooperative adult. For a newborn, you may have to squeeze it from a diaper or help a nurse catheterize the child.

Human anatomy changes as the body grows, so the supplies used to do some tests, like electrocardiograms, come in different shapes and sizes. A pediatric medical assistant must be familiar with a wide range of equipment to make the right choices.

Assist with Surgical Procedures

Minor surgical procedures once done only in hospitals are now performed in pediatrician’s offices with the help of a medical assistant. Circumcisions are a good example. You’ll help by preparing the right tools and equipment, passing instruments during the procedure, and assisting with aftercare and cleanup.

Perform Wound Care

Medical assistants can perform superficial wound care under supervision. You’ll help kids avoid dangerous infections by cleaning and bandaging abrasions and lacerations. Post-surgery, you’ll also remove sutures and staples.

Pierce Ears

Not all parents are comfortable having their child’s ears pierced at the mall. Some prefer the safety of a pediatrician’s office. Done by a nurse or a medical assistant, ear piercing is a relatively safe and pain-free procedure.

You won’t learn this skill in a medical assisting program. But your knowledge of infection control will complement on-the-job training.

Where Do Medical Assistants Work with Pediatric Patients?

Medical assistants work with pediatric patients wherever they receive care, such as:

Pediatrician’s Offices

Most medical assistants work for physicians, so interactions with pediatric patients usually occurs in private practices. On an average day, you’ll see both well and sick children. Being employed in a pediatrician’s office is a fun way to use a variety of skills, but taking vital signs, recording vital statistics, and giving immunizations will be among your most common duties.

Unlike working in a clinic or hospital, you’ll serve the same patients consistently, sharing in their lives as they grow into young adults. For people-persons, there’s no better way to form lasting relationships with children and their families.

Specialty Clinics

Children with serious medical issues see specialists for some of their care. Working in a specialty clinic, medical assistants can pursue the type of practice they enjoy most. If you’re fascinated by electrocardiography, a job in pediatric cardiology will be particularly satisfying. If you’re a talented phlebotomist, a children’s oncology clinic could use your help.

You may not, however, see the same patient base for extended periods. As children get well, their care is provided by their primary care doctor. And sadly, it’s many of the sickest kids who see specialists.

Urgent Care Clinics

Urgent care clinics have a variable demographic, but when it comes to utilizing your skills, you’ll use them all. Urgent care facilities see kids with a wide range of illnesses and injuries.

Tasks, however, may be less complex as the point of urgent care is to deal only with the problem at hand and then transfer care to the patient’s primary physician. In this setting, you won’t always know how things turn out.

Hospitals

Medical assistants in hospitals have mostly administrative roles. Because patient acuity is higher, nurses handle the clinical tasks. But medical assistants still work with children in outpatient units, contributing in equally valuable ways. Without clerical and logistical support, hospital care would come to a standstill. If you prefer a hands-on clinical role, working in a doctor’s office may be a more rewarding choice.

Public Health Departments

Public health departments hire nurses and medical assistants to staff immunization clinics, tuberculosis testing programs and lead screening projects. Nurses can work on the road independently, so they manage most outreach efforts. However, medical assistants can draw blood, do testing and give injections in supervised settings. Graduates with an interest in community healthcare should explore public health positions.

How Do You Become a Medical Assistant?

Most roles in healthcare require years of training and a college degree. However, you don’t need to live in a classroom to become a medical assistant. Full-time students can complete a vocational school program in months, graduating work-ready with a diploma.

Programs are comprehensive but brief, eliminating the general electives that don’t directly contribute to occupational skills. The focus is on the practical, hands-on training you need to succeed without experience. You’ll qualify for similar positions as 4-year college graduates, and the curriculum prepares you for the same certification so  you can grow your career.

Final Thoughts

Few things are as meaningful as making a difference in a child’s life. And few careers offer as much opportunity to do that as pediatric medical assisting.

Want to Learn More?

Meridian College offers hands–on Medical Assistant training from experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced Medical Assistant program teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

In addition to receiving training from school instructors with real-world experience, you will also complete a school externship in a physician’s office, clinic, or related healthcare facility under the supervision of a physician, nurse, or health services professional to further develop your skills.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical assistant.

The post What Procedures are Performed by Medical Assistants During Pediatric Office Visits? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Are Medical Assistant’s Duties?

Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks in a broad range of healthcare settings at many different medical facilities, hospitals and physician’s offices in Florida. Job descriptions vary, but their primary responsibilities include:

Triaging Clinical Calls

When patients call for help, they need to hear a knowledgeable, comforting voice. Medical assistants have the clinical expertise required to troubleshoot complex symptoms and report them to the appropriate provider. As the doctor’s representative, you’ll interact with patients on their behalf, guiding communication to deliver prompt care.

Scheduling

Medical assistants team up with medical office assistants to schedule urgent care. Because they know what clients need, how long treatments take, and which equipment and team members must be available for the visit, they’re invaluable clinical resources.

Rooming Patients

Medical assistants make care more efficient by escorting patients to exam rooms, taking their vital signs, collecting biological samples, and updating their health records. They may also perform verbal screens for depression and home safety needs to save the doctor time.

Performing Medical Tests

Medical assistants perform medical tests from electrocardiograms to urinalyses. If you enjoy the technological and scientific aspects of medicine, it lets you spend more time in the lab.

Administering Medications

Medical assistants may administer oral medication and give injections under the watchful eye of a licensed clinical professional. You’ll help give flu vaccines, allergy shots and more. Working in an oncology practice, you might also assist with infusion therapy.

Performing Treatments

Medical assistants help with treatments from suture removal to wound care. They also assist with minor surgical procedures, sterilizing and setting up equipment while serving as an extra pair of hands to the doctor.

Infection Control

Medical assistants are responsible for maintaining a sanitary environment that controls the spread of disease-causing microorganisms. From disinfecting tools to sanitizing surfaces in exam rooms, they help keep patients and peers safe.

Inventory Management

Medical assistants keep exam rooms stocked, filling shelves with what providers need to perform exams and treatment. They keep also keep track of supply use for billing, coding insurance forms so that facilities are reimbursed.

Record Management

Updating patients’ medical records is a large part of a medical assistant’s duties, but you’ll also help maintain entire recordkeeping systems and assist with the secure transfer of health data for billing and referrals.

Patient Education

Patient education is among a medical assistant’s most meaningful roles. You can’t dispense medical advice, but you can help patients better understand their treatment plan and offer timely information on important topics from nutrition to heart health.

General Office Procedures

Medical assistants are part of both the office and clinical teams, so they lend a hand with filing, faxing and other general office duties. If it happens in a Florida healthcare office, you can bet that a medical assistant is involved.

Where Can a Medical Assistants Work?

The majority of medical assistants still work in Florida doctor’s offices, but the percentage has dropped in the last decade. The rest are employed in hospitals, outpatient care facilities and for those intrigued by alternative care, chiropractor’s offices in Florida. Part of the fun of medical assisting is the freedom and flexibility to choose what to do with your diploma. As roles for medical assisting expand, the sky’s the limit on where you can work in Florida. Each setting has its perks:

Doctor’s Offices in Florida

Medical assistants employed by private practices in Florida enjoy the camaraderie of a close-knit environment. You’ll work with the same doctors, patients, and peers consistently. It’s an energetic but team-based environment where you’ll be busy but supported.

Doctor’s offices are rarely as exciting as hospitals, but there’s greater potential for specialization. If you’re passionate about one type of medicine, look for jobs in that field. Top choices, in Florida, include cardiology, pediatrics, gerontology, women’s health, and chiropractic care.

Hospitals

Hospitals are an exciting workplace for medical assistants who thrive on diversity. The patients are more acute, so your role may be less clinical and more administrative, but every task you do contributes to high-quality patient care.

A medical assistant with good organizational skills is an asset as a unit clerk or a medical records technician. However, if clinical practice is more appealing, you can assist in an ambulatory care unit.

In a Florida hospital, you’ll see a greater variety of patients and once-in-a-lifetime cases that you won’t encounter in other settings but put your most comfortable shoes on because the pace is brisk.

Outpatient Centers

Outpatient centers are parts of medical facilities that provide specialized care for patients who don’t need to be admitted. Examples include imaging centers, sleep labs, chemotherapy infusion centers, pediatric clinics, psychiatric care programs and more.

If you live in areas like central Florida where the population of seniors is skyrocketing, outpatient centers are flourishing. In the Sarasota region, medical assistants are in especially high demand. As exciting a setting as a hospital but medically focused, they need the full range of your clinical and clerical skills.

How Can Someone Become a Medical Assistant?

There’s no easier way to become a medical assistant than to enroll in a vocational school program. Full-time students graduate with a diploma in just nine months, ready to hit the ground running.

Final Thoughts

Vocational schools offer what colleges don’t, marketable training in just nine months. A foot in the door and a foundation to build on, a diploma is the cornerstone of a successful medical assisting career.

Want to Learn More?

Meridian College offers hands–on Medical Assistant training from experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced Medical Assistant program teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

In addition to receiving training from school instructors with real-world experience, you will also complete a school externship in a physician’s office, clinic, or related healthcare facility under the supervision of a physician, nurse, or health services professional to further develop your skills.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical assistant.

The post What Can Medical Assistants Do in Florida? appeared first on Meridian College.

What are the Clinical Responsibilities of a Medical Assistant?

As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for many clinical duties. You are the liaison between the patient and the physician, and it is up to you to offer a positive atmosphere and keep the patient informed every step of the way. Some of the clinical duties you will take responsibility for include:

Phone Call Triage

Many phone calls will come into the physician’s office or medical facility and who better to triage the phone calls than the medical assistant? As a medical assistant, you are the best qualified person to identify whether a situation is an emergency and/or which staff member needs to take the call. Whether the patient is just scheduling an appointment, or they are having an allergic reaction, you are fully qualified to identify emergency situations and handle them promptly.

Rooming Patients

As the medical assistant, you are usually the first person a patient talks with at their appointment. So, it is important to make a good first impression. You will greet the patient in the waiting room and walk them back to the exam room. Along the way you can identify any issue in their demeanor that should be noted on their health records. Be careful to not talk too much about their health history or chief concerns until you get to the exam room. It is important to keep a patient’s sensitive information confidential.

Adhering to HIPAA Guidelines

As a healthcare professional, you are responsible for adhering to HIPAA guidelines. This means keeping patient information private and not divulging any health information to third parties without the consent of the patient. During the medical assistant program, you will learn what the HIPAA guidelines are and how to keep sensitive information confidential. The training will include proper phone etiquette, keeping computers password protected and not leaving files laying around for others to accidently view.

Updating Health Records

Once in the exam room, you will update the patient’s health records with current medications and any health concerns they may have. It is important to make the patient feel comfortable so they tell you the pertinent information that you will need to pass on to the physician. It is important to build trust with the patient so you can properly help them with their health concerns. You will also want to ask open-ended questions to allow the patient to elaborate. This is a great tactic to allow the patient to tell you what is really going on with their health.

Taking Vital Signs

The next step in the patient visit is taking vital signs. You will take the patient’s blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and respiration rate to identify any abnormalities. It is important to take these vital signs at each visit to understand any trends and to establish a baseline. Is the patient usually running hot or do they have borderline blood pressure issues? For some, weight and height are important vital signs to record. For seniors that may have lost an inch in height, they may suffer from symptoms of osteoporosis. Also, for those that are taking medications, weight can be a factor in dosage.

Performing Diagnostic Tests

As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for diagnostic tests like EKG and Holter tests. These diagnostic tests help physicians make better diagnosis and treatment decisions. You will learn how to administer these diagnostic tests during the medical assistant program. In addition to the curriculum, you will have the opportunity to practice your diagnostic testing skills to build your confidence for day one of your new career.

Phlebotomy

An important skill that you will learn to perform is drawing blood, also known as phlebotomy. This is one of the important laboratory tests that you will learn during the medical assistant program. You will also learn how to collect specimen to process in a physician’s lab or prepare for delivery to an outside laboratory. Some medical assistants go on to become phlebotomy technicians that focus everyday on drawing blood from patients.

Assisting with Minor Procedures

One of the duties that you will perform in a physician’s office is assisting with minor procedures. From skin biopsies to removing sutures, you are an extra set of hands for the physician to manage a patient procedure. Your responsibility will be to hand them the proper supplies and instruments to the physician in the order that they will need them.

Infection Control

As a medical assistant, you are responsible for infection control within the medical facility. From cleaning the seats in the waiting room and disinfecting surfaces in the exam room to sterilizing medical instruments in between patients. Minimizing the exposure of everyone to bacteria and viruses will help keep everyone safe and healthy.

Patient Education

Part of your responsibility as a medical assistant is to educate patients about healthy habits, nutrition, proper hygiene and occasionally after procedure care. The patient looks to you as the liaison between them and the physician to properly educate them on the procedures, possible outcomes, medication administration, and the care they can perform at home after a surgical procedure. It is important to remember that you are bound by HIPAA guidelines so be careful to talk about patient information with family members and medical staff that is not directly working on the patient’s case.

What are the Clerical Responsibilities of a Medical Assistant?

In addition to clinical responsibilities, you will also be responsible for some clerical duties at a physician’s office. These clerical responsibilities include:

Appointment Scheduling

During your down time, you will support the medical office staff in setting appointments for patients. You may even manage the physician’s calendar since you are acutely aware of how long procedures take and what equipment is needed for each appointment type.

Stocking Medical Supplies

Who better to help restock medical supplies than the person that is responsible for them within the exam room? During your daily duties as a medical assistant, you will identify what medical supplies are needed and communicate with vendors to help keep medical shelves stocked for physician appointments. The middle of a patient appointment is not the time to run out of tongue depressors.

Managing Records

Another clerical responsibility that you will help with is managing records. Before and after appointments, you will be responsible for adding notes and medical information into electronic health records. Keeping medical records up to date is an important responsibility because everyone works off the same records, and an omission of information can cause a medical error or cause duplicate tested to be administered.

Supporting Billing and Coding

As a medical assistant, you will also help support the medical billing and coding specialist. You are aware of what procedures and supplies are used during appointments and can help clear up any discrepancies that a medical biller may come across.

How Can You Become a Medical Assistant?

An easy way to become a medical assistant is to attend the medical assisting program at Meridian College. We take pride in placing you with an employer were you will thrive. At Meridian College, we prepare you with the clinical and clerical skills you need to succeed starting day one of your new career. Our instructors will guide you through the curriculum and offer hands-on experience to build your confidence and knowledge base. If you are interested in helping your community with better health outcomes, then joining the frontlines of healthcare as a medical assistant may be the perfect career path for you.

Want to Learn More?

Meridian College offers hands–on Medical Assistant training from experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced Medical Assistant program teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

In addition to receiving training from school instructors with real-world experience, you will also complete a school externship in a physician’s office, clinic, or related healthcare facility under the supervision of a physician, nurse, or health services professional to further develop your skills.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical assistant.

The post What are the Clinical Responsibilities of a Medical Assistant? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

As a medical assistant, you will perform both clinical and administrative duties. The actual duties will vary depending on whether you work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. However, some of the most common duties may include:

Patient Management

As a medical assistant, you will greet patients, escort them to the exam room, as well as record their information, including health history, medications, and other important demographic data. You will take vital signs, including their blood pressure, respiration rate and temperature. Also, part of patient management involves educating patients on proper health care, nutrition, and other aspects of their health. The medical assistant is the patient’s liaison, and they are the backbone of the medical facility. Patients rely on medical assistants to keep them informed and up to date on all happenings.

Assist Physician

Another duty of a medical assistant includes supporting the doctor with all patient examinations. You will be an extra set of hands for the physician, handing them medical instruments and taking notes. Helping the physician in this way allows them to pay closer attention to the patient, improving patient health outcomes.

Clinical Duties

As a medical assistant, you will perform phlebotomy to take a blood sample from patients and prepare it for the laboratory. You will also administer EKGs and other diagnostic testing to help the physician better diagnose and treat patients. It is an important skill to learn during a medical assistant program because medical errors can cause problems with patient care.

Administrative Duties

In addition to clinical duties, you will also help the other medical staff schedule patient appointments, answer questions, greet patients and perform many other patient related tasks. Managing the clinical schedule, triage phone calls, managing billing and coding, and ordering medical supplies help the medical facility run smoothly and supports the physicians with essential assistance.

How Do You Become a Medical Assistant in Florida?

An easy way to become a medical assistant in Florida is to attend a vocational school like Meridian College. We offer a complete curriculum including what you need to know to start working on day one and to prepare for a certification exam if you choose. So, what do you learn in a medical assistant program?

What Do You Learn in a Medical Assisting Program?

Medical assisting programs give you the knowledge and skills to be successful in an entry-level position. Coursework includes:

Medical Terminology

During a medical assistant program, you learn how to talk like a healthcare professional. You don’t need to memorize all the terms, because we give you the tools to decipher the medical terminology. Whether it is a suffix, prefix or root words, we educate you about how medical terminology is created and allow you to decipher its meaning. This comes in handy when taking notes for patient records, assisting with insurance claims or managing many of the clinical and clerical duties that you perform day-to-day.

Medical Office Procedures

As a medical assistant, you will support the medical staff with clerical tasks. Whether it is answering phones, greeting patients, ordering supplies or anyone of the tasks that you will be responsible for as a medical assistant, learning proper office support will allow you to support the medical staff and improve health outcomes in the process.

Anatomy and Physiology

To work as a medical assistant, you must understand both anatomy and physiology. It helps you take vital signs, code electronic health records, and educate patients on pre- and post-care. During a medical assistant program, you learn how the body is made and how it works. This includes the many common diseases and disorders of the 12 body systems. Understanding how the body systems work together helps you better perform your duties as a medical assistant successfully.

Laboratory Procedures

Once only done in hospitals, medical assistants are increasingly becoming responsible for processes blood and specimen in the lab. Whether it is phlebotomy, urine samples, biopsy sample, or other lab specimen, during a medical assistant program you will learn how to process, prepare for delivery, and analyze specimen to help doctors diagnose and treat patients.

Health Information Resources

Most patient charts are transforming from paper to digital. Electronic health records have revolutionized the industry, allowing physicians to better collaborate and reduce the number of medical errors. A medical assistant will learn how to use the medical software that relates to health information resources to better manage health care for their patients.

Medical Coding

Medical coding is shorthand used to condense data on insurance forms. Without it, a simple claim could be pages long. As a medical assistant, you assist with claims or code clinical forms so medical billers knows who to bill. In this course, you’ll learn about the three primary coding systems, including:

ICD-10 – the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, has been used worldwide since 1977 to classify medical disorders. Codes are alphanumeric sequences used for billing and by the global health authorities for disease surveillance.

CPT – Common Procedural Terminology codes are five-digit numbers describing surgical procedures and diagnostic tests. The American Medical Association developed this system in the 1960s for data collection and reimbursement purposes.

HCPCS – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, was developed in 1983 for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services but is used by other insurers as well. Seventeen classifications cover billing for medical support services and products like durable medical equipment

Medical Billing and Insurance

During this medical assistant program, you will learn about medical billing and insurance. From submitting insurance claims to processing patient billing, you learn medical billing inside and out.

Externships

One of the great opportunities you gain while attending a vocational school is an ability to learn hands-on in real world situations. You will have the opportunity to enjoy an externship at a local Florida medical facility, to not only get work experience but it also looks great on a resume. Take the time to shadow a medical assistant in a real clinic and understand where you fit in this exciting industry.

What Are the Benefits of Attending a Vocational School in Florida?

There are many benefits to attending a vocational school in Florida. Some of these benefits include:

A Complete Curriculum

By attending a medical assistant program, you are getting a complete curriculum without knowledge gaps. Whether you will be responsible for the task in your role or not, you learn what you may need to know to perform your duties as a medical assistant. You may consider a clerical role in the beginning but decide to focus more on the clinical tasks as you progress in your career. Getting a complete curriculum from the start will make that possible.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Unfortunately, medical errors happen. However, if you make a mistake while you are at school, you can use it as a teaching moment. While you attend a vocational school in Florida, you can prefect your skills so as you are working with a patient, you are error free. Take the time to learn from your mistakes, your patients will be happy you did.

Hands-On Experience

During your medical assistant program, you will spend time in the classroom for lectures, but you will also practice your skills with classmates, in school labs, and during externships. Whether you perform phlebotomy, administer an EKG or take vital signs, you will be able to perfect your skills while at the same time being supervised by your instructor. This will also help you build your confidence for your first day on the job.

Industry Expert Instructors

Another great benefit of attending a formal education is that you are taught by industry experienced instructors. They will have worked in the industry and may even have ties with the Florida communities around Meridian College. They will understand what you need to be successful and allow you to stand out in a sea of candidates.

Career Services

One of the best benefits of attending a vocational school in Florida is the career services that we offer our graduates. We look for the job that fits your knowledge and passion. If you are happy while you work, then we did our job. We also help you build a resume, prepare for interviews and connect you with Florida employers that have job openings. We stride to find a job for you that fits your passion, so you don’t work a day in your life.

Final Thoughts

Do you want more than a job, but a career? If so, Meridian College wants to help you become a medical assistant. We help you, and you help others. It’s a win-win.

Want to Learn More?

Meridian College offers hands–on Medical Assistant training from experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced Medical Assistant program teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

In addition to receiving training from school instructors with real-world experience, you will also complete a school externship in a physician’s office, clinic, or related healthcare facility under the supervision of a physician, nurse, or health services professional to further develop your skills.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical assistant.

The post How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant in Florida? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants manage a broad range of clinical and administrative duties in a medical office setting. Employed by private practices, clinics and hospitals, medical assistants are the backbone of any medical facility. Here are some of their daily responsibilities:

Triaging Telephone Calls

While office assistants handle routine scheduling, when patients need to speak to someone with clinical expertise, calls go to a medical assistant. Medical assistants screen for symptoms and direct priority inquiries to the doctor so the sickest patients receive prompt care.

Greeting and Rooming Patients

Medical assistants accompany patients to treatment rooms, making clinical observations on the way. They update clients’ medical records, perform standardized assessments, and prepare patients for the exam before the provider arrives.

Obtaining Vital Signs

A patient’s temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure can tell the doctor a lot about their condition. A medical assistant takes vital signs before each visit to track changing trends and save the doctor time.

Assisting with Treatments and Procedures

Whether it’s packing a wound or performing a minor surgical procedure, doctors need a helping hand with complex treatments. Medical assistants can set up equipment, pass instruments and monitor patients for comfort and safety as well as manage post-procedure care, such as suture removal.

Infection Control

Infection control is essential in medical settings. Medical assistants keep patients and colleagues safe by sanitizing shared spaces and sterilizing instruments and treatment supplies.

Stocking Exam Rooms

Medical assistants ensure treatment rooms are fully stocked and ready to go when patients arrive, also helping to manage inventory.

Performing Diagnostics

Medical assistants perform important diagnostic tests such as EKGs, pacemaker checks, pregnancy tests and many more. With supervision and additional training, medical assistants can assist with x-rays and fetal heartbeat monitoring.

Patient Education

Serving as the doctor’s liaison, medical assistants help patients better understand their treatment plans. They reinforce recommendations, review instructions, discuss lab results and provide timely information on health issues from drug safety to vaccines.

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy, the science of drawing blood from a vein with a needle, is a highly sought-after skill. Let’s take a closer look at what it is, the tools of the trade and how it’s done.

Do Medical Assistants Learn Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy is part of the medical assisting curriculum. While the instruction is not as in-depth as what someone in a certified phlebotomy course would receive, students learn the techniques necessary to perform basic draws in office settings.

What Tools and Supplies Will You Use for Phlebotomy?

In a medical assisting program, you’ll learn about the different supplies and tools used to perform phlebotomy. They include:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Medical assistants protect themselves from blood splatter and needle-stick injuries by using personal protective equipment, such as disposable gloves and face shields.

Sharps Containers

Used needles are immediately discarded in red, portable, puncture-resistant biohazard containers with tamper-proof lids known as Sharps containers.

Alcohol or Chlorhexidine Pads

Phlebotomy is a clean process, although not fully sanitized. Scrubbing the needle insertion site with an alcohol or chlorhexidine pad reduces bacterial counts and helps avoid infections.

Needles

Needles are available in a broad range for patients of all sizes. Measured in gauge, longer, larger diameter needles are perfect for most adults while shorter length needles are preferred for children and seniors.

Larger needles exert excessive pressure on weak veins and can cause them to collapse or roll when punctured. In your medical assisting program, you’ll develop the clinical judgment necessary to make the appropriate choices.

Tourniquets

Applying a light tourniquet above the phlebotomy site enlarges the vein by keeping blood in the limb. It also increases the vein’s resistance to pressure so that it’s less likely to move or collapse when the needle is inserted. Most commonly, you’ll apply it to the mid-upper arm for draws from the antecubital vein near the elbow or just above the wrist for sites on the top of the hand.

Collection Tubes

Blood was once drawn with the same type of needle and syringe that injections are given with. Today, vacuum collection tubes take the stress out of drawing and mixing samples. Color-coded tubes in your choice of sizes come preloaded with the additives required for certain tests, resulting in better quality samples and more accurate results.

Bandages

It’s not unusual for a phlebotomy site to bleed after a draw. You’ll press a gauze pad or cotton ball on the site to stop the bleeding and minimize bruising, covering it with a dry bandage to protect the patient’s clothing.

What Is the Phlebotomy Procedure Like?

The procedure is tested in the lab and fellow classmates during a medical assistant program. When the program is completed, you will be confident about performing phlebotomy and your patient will sense that too. The procedure of a blood draw is as follows:

Review the Requisition

Lab orders come with requisition forms specifying the type of tests the doctor wants. Reviewing it will help you choose the correct color tubes and supplies for the draw.

Screen the Patient

You’ll verify the patient’s identity and screen them for issues related to blood draws, such as allergies to supplies or a history of fainting.

Gather Supplies

In the middle of a draw isn’t the time to forgot a tube. Gather supplies in advance and check them twice before you begin. While you do, you can explain the process to the patient and answer any questions.

Position the Patient

Most patients sit in upright chairs that allow you easy access to the vein. Typically, there’s an extension upon which to position the arm so it doesn’t slip. People who are fearful of blood draws or likely to faint should lay down. As with any medical treatment, it’s always safety first.

Locate the Vein

It’s important to take blood from a vein that’s likely to give you a good sample. However, among the chronically ill, some have had their blood drawn so many times that veins become scarred. Identifying the best vein possible before beginning the procedure increases the chances of a successful draw the first time.

Draw the Blood

The actual venipuncture process takes less than two minutes, and is as follows:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and put on disposable gloves
• Cleanse the venipuncture site
• Apply the tourniquet
• Stabilize the vein with your thumb and forefinger, you’ll practice this technique in school
• Insert the needle with a quick, smooth motion
• Advance the collection tube
• Release the tourniquet when the tube begins to fill
• Remove the needle and apply pressure to the puncture site to stop the bleeding
• Cover the wound with tape or an adhesive bandage
• Dispose of the needle in a Sharps container
• Discard your gloves and label the collection tubes, accuracy is a must
• Bruising can be a side effect of venipuncture, so before the patient leaves, discuss self-care options, ice and elevation

Why Is Phlebotomy Important for Medical Assistants to Learn?

There are many good reasons to learn phlebotomy. Phlebotomy helps doctors:

Diagnose Disease

Blood tests can measure thousands of components in the bloodstream. Abnormally high or low levels signal a range of medical conditions, such as:

• Heart failure
• Diabetes
• Kidney and liver disorders
• Cancer
• Blood clotting abnormalities
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Anemia
• Infections

Adjust Drug Dosages

Some drugs, such as antibiotics, anticoagulants, and anti-seizure medications have a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that low levels don’t help the patient while high concentrations can be toxic. Many people also have preexisting conditions, such as liver, kidney or gastrointestinal diseases that affect how their bodies metabolize drugs. Testing helps doctors adjust medication doses properly.

Project Health Risks

Without being abnormal, high or low levels of some components in the bloodstream can increase or decrease the risk of illness in the future. High cholesterol, for example, is a risk factor for heart disease, while rising blood glucose could signal diabetes. Identifying these risks early enables prompt treatment.

Skills for Phlebotomists

There are many skills that make a successful phlebotomist. As a phlebotomist you should master the following skills:

Empathetic

Some Americans are afraid to have their blood drawn. A small percent suffer from a severe form of fright known as trypanophobia. As a medical assistant, being able to put yourself in their shoes is a prerequisite for success. Reducing their anxiety makes the process easier for them and you.

A Critical Thinker

Phlebotomists need sound clinical judgment. Vocational school programs teach skills, but common sense is what drives real-world decision-making. The best phlebotomists get to know their patients, making decisions based on their clinical expertise and personal experience.

Dexterity

Having a steady hand is helpful for phlebotomists, but don’t worry if you don’t. With training and experience, it gets easier.

Detail-Oriented

Many lab errors are attributed to phlebotomists. Mistakes on labels and poor venipuncture techniques can result in samples being rejected. No one likes repeat draws.

Confident

The idea of drawing blood is intimidating for some students, but vocational schools have it covered. They’ll help you cultivate the practical and soft skills you need to feel confident. You’ll practice in the lab and on peers until you’re ready to go solo. You may be shaky at first, but projecting confidence is critical. Only practice makes perfect.

Final Thoughts

More private practices are offering phlebotomy services as a convenience for patients and to boost revenue. Because of this, there will always be demand for medical assistants to perform phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is, and will continue to be, among a medical assistant’s most desirable skills.

Meridian College offers hands–on Medical Assistant training from experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced Medical Assistant program teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

In addition to receiving training from school instructors with real-world experience, you will also complete a school externship in a physician’s office, clinic, or related healthcare facility under the supervision of a physician, nurse, or health services professional to further develop your skills.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical assistant.

The post Do Medical Assistants Learn Phlebotomy? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

A medical assistant performs important tasks within a clinical setting. They greet patients who arrive for appointments and enter their information into the computer. Medical assistants also measure vital signs, record health history, and assist physicians with patients in the examination room. Medical assistants can be found in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and health care facilities, including ophthalmologist offices, podiatrist offices, as well as the healthcare administration field.

What are a Medical Assistant’s Roles in a Clinical Setting?

Medical assistants have an important role within a clinical setting. From taking vital signs and sterilizing equipment and everything in between, there is never a dull moment when you are working as a medical assistant.

Taking Vital Signs

Medical assistants are trained to take vital signs including four which they are trained to administer. Upon arrival, medical assistants take a patient’s temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate. These preliminary readings can help the physician in determining any health concerns for the patient. Because these four vital signs can be affected by diseases and infections, these readings are helpful in determining if the patient is going through an acute medical crisis and requires emergency medical care.

Keeping Patient Notes and Charts Up to Date

Another important task of medical assistants in a clinical setting is the proper upkeep and filing of medical notes and patient charts. Decades ago, charts were kept as paper copies and filed away in a separate area of the clinic. With advances in technology, this method of filing has since disappeared and replaced by electronic health record systems. These electronic health records (EHR) are a more convenient way of filing patient information and greatly reduces the possibility of a patient’s records becoming lost or misplaced.

Ensuring that Patients Are Comfortable and Educated

One of the roles that medical assistants perform is to ensure that patients are comfortable while in the medical office. This can include listening to a patient’s chief complaint at the beginning of an appointment, educating them about the procedure or treatment and properly communicating when clinical tasks are completed

Patient education is one of the most vital tasks a medical assistant undertakes. Patients who have just been diagnosed with a life changing condition may need vital education and information to help them successfully manage their condition. Medical assistants may impart vital information such as dietary restrictions, how to correctly take new medications, additional significant symptoms to look out for, and other important topics concerning a patient’s medical condition.

Keeping Medical Equipment Examination Rooms and Medical Suites Sterilized

Maintaining a properly sanitized and sterilized physician’s office has recently become more important than ever. Sanitizing rooms and sterilizing surgical instruments is necessary to keep diseases and infections from spreading throughout the clinical setting. Medical assistants play a pivotal role in reducing the spread of disease by adhering to medical standards when sanitizing an examination room, as well as thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and properly disposing of biohazardous material.

Adhering to HIPAA Guidelines

Because medical assistants work directly with patients and support staff within a clinical setting, they must adhere to HIPAA laws and guidelines. All healthcare professionals must abide by a code of ethics. While many career fields have their own unique ethical standards to uphold, this is even more important for those who work in the medical field.

HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This protects a patient’s right to privacy within health care, personal health information, and the electronic health record system. Everyone who works within the field of healthcare must abide by this ethical code. Violating a patient’s rights to privacy is a serious breach of conduct and can lead to a loss of license or fines.

Stocking Supplies for Doctors and Nurses

To maintain an efficient health care facility, all medical supplies must be continuously restocked to avoid any delay in health care services. Medical assistants are responsible for the continuous ordering and restocking of supplies including sanitary papers, disinfectant sprays, antibacterial soaps, latex gloves, syringes, gowns, pillows, sheets, towels, dressings, gauze, and antiseptics. Medical assistants must also know how to properly identify and utilize these items when requested by a physician. This is particularly important when a medical assistant is gathering items for a physician to use during surgical procedures.

How To Become a Medical Assistant

An easy way to start on your career path towards becoming a medical assistant is by entering into a medical assistant program at a vocational school. You can complete this program in months, rather than years and start a new career in healthcare as a medical assistant.

What are the Benefits of a Formal Education?

There are many benefits to receiving a formal education to become a medical assistant. Many that you may not receive with on-the-job training alone. From getting a well-rounded education to the ability to make mistakes without catastrophic consequences, you can benefit from a formal education and save your future employer the time and money for on-the-job training.

Receive a Comprehensive Well-Rounded Curriculum

While some medical assistants only receive on-the-job training, the comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum you will receive while enrolled in a vocational program far outweighs the amount of training you would receive from going straight into a clinical role. Not only will you receive vital knowledge that enhances your skill set and advances your career, but you will also learn about anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, office administration, pharmacology, clinical courses, phlebotomy, patient care, and basic surgical assisting techniques. Each one of these courses is designed to help you develop the knowledge necessary to be successful in real life clinical situations.

Receive Plenty of On-the-Job Training Throughout Your Coursework

Although you could choose to go straight into a medical assistant position, you will not likely receive the amount of training you should get to fully develop your skillset and build your confidence. This could lead to being unsure of what tasks you are expected to perform, as well as costly or harmful mistakes. When you choose to only receive training while on-the-job, your supervisor or team lead may not have the time to properly train you and acclimate you to the facility’s environment. A lack of adequate training and the stress that comes along with it can cause burnout.

When you choose to attend a vocational program before seeking out a position as a medical assistant, you are allowing yourself the appropriate amount of time you need to grow and understand your role in a clinical setting. This prepares you for a long and successful career in the medical field and increase your level of job satisfaction.

Students Have Enough Time to Correct Mistakes

The amount of hands-on training that students receive when enrolled in a vocational program is one of the main reasons you should consider enrolling. You will get the opportunity to practice your skills and effectively communicate with actual patients. Because of this you are given ample time to correct any mistakes you may make along the way. It’s important to fix these mistakes while still enrolled in a vocational program as opposed to addressing these issues in a real-life situation where a patient’s health may be at risk.

Receive Education from Talented Industry Experienced Instructors

Not only will you enjoy the opportunity to receive a well-rounded education, but you will also receive knowledge from experienced instructors. These instructors have relevant experience and have dealt with a wide variety of situations. They will impart their knowledge onto you and be willing to talk about these experiences throughout the vocational program. Those who choose to simply receive on-the-job training will not have the ability to develop close working relationships with their instructors because of the fast paced and dynamic nature of working within a clinical setting.

Access to Career Services

One of the biggest struggles for graduates trying to find a job is finding available positions. By enrolling in a vocational program, you will have the opportunity to work with the career services department at the vocational school. Career service will help you write an outstanding resume, practice your job interviewing skills, and discover new job leads as well as open positions. With the connections you will make while working with the career services staff, you are much more likely to land the position of your dreams once you graduate from the vocational program.

Make Connections and Life-Long Friends

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, this probably means that you are passionate about helping others. Most people who are drawn to this career field have a caring disposition and are focused on helping to improve the quality of life and well-being of others. By enrolling in a medical assistant program, you will meet likeminded individuals who are passionate about the same things you are. Not only can you meet people from all walks of life while enrolled in a training program, but you’ll also develop friendships that may last a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

Enrolling in a medical assistant program is a great opportunity to help others and make a difference in your community. Not only does this opportunity allow you to expand your career opportunities, but it will provide you with stability to enjoy a higher quality of life. Take that first step towards a brighter future and enroll in a medical assistant program today.

Meridian College offers hands–on Medical Assistant training from experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced Medical Assistant program teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

In addition to receiving training from school instructors with real-world experience, you will also complete a school externship in a physician’s office, clinic, or related healthcare facility under the supervision of a physician, nurse, or health services professional to further develop your skills.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical assistant.

The post Medical Assistant’s Role in a Clinical Setting appeared first on Meridian College.

Why Get into Healthcare?

The healthcare industry is growing at a rapid pace, and the projected growth for medical assistants is expected to rise by up to 18% in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are many reasons people choose to get involved in healthcare. If you have been considering your options, you have likely thought about some of the following.

Helping People

There are only a few careers that give you the joy of knowing you are helping others. Working in the healthcare industry allows you to help someone get healthier or even save their life. The reward of knowing you are making a difference is truly one of the reasons so many seek jobs in the healthcare industry.

Making a Difference in Your Community

A healthy community is a happy community. As a healthcare worker, you make a difference in your community. Working in the healthcare industry nurtures your desire to make a real difference, regardless of how big or small the difference may be.

Opportunities for All

One of the best reasons to get involved in the healthcare industry is the amount of employment opportunities available. You don’t have to spend 10 or more years becoming a doctor, however you still have upward mobility as a medical assistant or medical office assistant.

Exciting Work Atmosphere

There is never a dull moment working as a healthcare worker. You always have something to experience and enjoy. The healthcare field is dynamic and exciting. Every day is a challenge.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

As a medical assistant, your job duties will vary based on the environment you are working in. You perform some tasks related to patient care, escorting them to the exam room, and record the patient’s information in their chart.

Medical assistants work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and many other healthcare facilities. A medical assistant’s duties may include:

• Recording patient information, including health history, medications and other important health information.
• Taking a patient’s vital signs, including their blood pressure, respiration rate and temperature.
• Assisting the doctor with all patient examinations.
• Scheduling patient appointments, answering questions, greeting patients and many other patient related tasks.
• Performing phlebotomy to take a blood sample from patients and prepare it for the laboratory.

What Does a Medical Office Assistant Do?

Unlike medical assistants, medical office assistants do not perform patient care. They work in the offices of doctors, hospitals, dentists, and other healthcare facilities and manage the clerical aspects of the job.

Medical office assistants answer the phone for the healthcare facility, schedule patient appointments and do other administrative tasks including:

• Greet patients that come into the office, answer patient questions and assist patients in filling out any paperwork.
• Answer the phone, schedule patient appointments, direct calls to the right employees, and take messages for the doctors and nursing staff.
• Inform doctors and other medical staff of any appointments
• Ensure a filing system is maintained for all patient records.
• Answer and send emails as required.
• Handle insurance forms, billing, and manage all vendors and contractors.
• Handle inventory and taking care of orders.
• Transcribe notes and documents related to patient treatments.

What Are the Differences Between a Medical Assistant vs Medical Office Assistant?

Now that you understand what each of these healthcare careers entails, it is important to consider the differences between the two. Consider the following differences to decide which one is right for you.

Skill Focus

One of the primary differences between a medical assistant and a medical office assistant is their skill focus. Medical assistants focus primarily on clinical care for patients. While they perform some clerical tasks, their main focus involves patient care. On the other hand, a medical office assistant’s job is clerical. While they interact with patients, they do not perform any patient care. They work behind the scenes, handling paperwork, phone calls, and patient records.

Contact With Patients

Another key difference between the two career choices is the level of contact with patients. A medical assistant spends a lot of one-on-one time with patients. They perform some aspects of the examination process, such as recording the patient’s vital signs. While a medical assistant may handle some degree of phone contact with patients, they care for patients in person. A medical office assistant does not involve themselves in any level of patient examination. While they may greet patients, assist them with paperwork, and answer their questions, medical office assistants do not enter the exam room or perform any treatments.

Role Importance

When it comes to the differences between the two career choices, it is important to note that both roles are highly important for patients. Both careers help patients ensure they receive the care they need. You can think of a medical assistant as being the ambassador of the medical facility. They assist doctors and nurses, ensuring patients receive the vital healthcare they require.

A medical office assistant should be considered the backbone of the healthcare facility. The medical office assistant is often the first contact a patient will experience in the healthcare facility and thus they keep things running smoothly, ensuring there are no hiccups in the process of providing patient care.

Education

There is also a difference in the length of education between the two. While both programs can be completed in a matter of months, a medical assistant must go to school a little longer than medical office assistants.

How Do You Become a Medical Assistant or Medical Office Assistant?

If you are considering either of these healthcare career choices, you have options of getting a degree or diploma. The best and easiest way to get your degree or diploma a is through a vocational school program that is geared toward your career choice. There are many benefits to attending a vocational school.

What Are the Benefits of Attending a Vocational School?

These are the many benefits available to those attending a vocational school. From a complete curriculum to career services and everything in between, attending a vocational school prepares you for your first day as a medical assistant or medical office assistant.

Benefit #1: A Complete Curriculum

You will receive the full curriculum and instruction you need to obtain a career in either employment field. You will be instructed by industry leaders who are experts in their fields, as they offer you one-on-one attention, answering all your questions and guiding you through to graduation.

Benefit #2: Learn from Your Mistakes

In a vocational school, you will be allowed to make mistakes and learn from them without getting discouraged in your education and training. Learning from your mistakes will allow you to make better decisions before you care for an actual patient.

Benefit #3: You Will Receive Hands-On Experience

There is no better way to learn than doing the tasks that will be required on the job. Vocational school settings give you the unique opportunity to learn in multiple ways. You will receive hands-on learning opportunities in labs and through externships. These externships are also a great resume starter, to show prospective employers that you know what you are doing and have the experience to prove it.

Benefit #4: Industry Experts Teach the Courses

What better way to learn about becoming a medical assistant or medical office assistant than learning from industry experts? Get one-on-one attention, rather than being a face in the crowd of a large lecture hall.

Benefit #5: You Have Access to Career Services

Gaining employment after you graduate is your number one goal. As a vocational school student, you will have access to career services that will help you gain employment in your chosen healthcare field. They will match you with job opportunities that mirror your passions and knowledge. Also enjoy resume building, mock interviews and job fairs that further secure a job after graduation.

Final Thoughts

If you have been wanting to start working in the healthcare industry and have been considering your options, you may want to think about becoming a medical assistant or medical office assistant. With healthcare workers in demand, now is a great time to get started on your career. You can start working in a variety of healthcare facilities, work on a dedicated team, and enjoying every day on the job as you help patients receive the medical care they need. Start learning today and earning tomorrow.

Medical Assisting Program

Meridian College offers hands–on Medical Assistant training from experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced Medical Assistant program teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

In addition to receiving training from school instructors with real-world experience, you will also complete a school externship in a physician’s office, clinic, or related healthcare facility under the supervision of a physician, nurse, or health services professional to further develop your skills.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical assistant or medical office assistant.

The post What Is the Difference Between a Medical Assistant and Medical Office Assistant? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Is Multi-tasking?

Multitasking is the ability to do more than one thing at a time without dropping the ball. We do it every day. We drive and listening to our favorite tunes, cook dinner while helping the kids with their homework and sort through e-mails while watching a movie.

It’s an easy way to save time by combining rote tasks, activities performed so often that they no longer require our full intellectual effort because we know what to expect. If you’ve ever gotten to work and don’t remember the drive, you’ve done a rote task.

Medical assistants do the same on the job. Once they’ve established a routine, they can answer the phone while sorting lab reports, mentor a new employee while restocking exam rooms and get a patient’s vital signs while they ask them screening questions about their health, all without breaking a sweat. It’s the same type of multi-tasking that most people do when they’re experienced at a job.

But for medical assistants, it goes a step further. Healthcare is unpredictable, and it’s their job to respond to events as they change. If a patient comes in for a routine exam, but findings suggest they need lab work or a referral to see a specialist, less important tasks must be set aside in favor of priorities.

What Are Multitasking Skills?

The problem with multitasking, however, is that our brains can’t maintain full focus on more than one thing at a time. What we really do is switch focus quickly between activities. If the tasks are too complicated, one or more outcomes will suffer. Walking and chewing gum, listening to music while you exercise and reading while you soak in the bathtub are low-risk ways to multitask, performing brain surgery while trying to balance your checkbook isn’t.

With so much to do in a day, how can medical assistants multitask effectively while giving the most important parts of their jobs the attention they deserve? These skills help.

Skill #1: Prioritization

Prioritization is how we organize responsibilities in order of importance. It’s like phone triage but with tasks instead of people. It’s how a medical assistant knows they should check on a sick patient before placing a supply order.

Prioritization doesn’t always follow the same pattern, being flexible makes multitasking easier.

Some days, you may face a list of non-urgent tasks, choosing to prioritize simple jobs first while saving a block of time to tackle complex projects. On other days, you may need to get time-sensitive items done first while leaving non-critical tasks for later in the day.

Emergencies in medicine are common and the ability to switch focus on a dime without losing track of the big picture is an important skill. No matter how you choose to prioritize, it remains the most effective way to stay ahead of your most important responsibilities. With experience, you’ll learn what can and can’t wait.

Skill #2: Planning

Planning ahead helps medical assistants better manage their time. Being aware of deadlines lets you schedule tasks in an organized and manageable way. You won’t always complete your to-do list as planned, but you’ll know you were productive and addressed the most important things first. The following day, you can roll outstanding tasks into your schedule.

Skill #3: Organization

Multitasking is less stressful when you’re well-organized. A tidy workspace where you have the supplies and documents you need lets you wrap up minor issues with less effort.

Organization doesn’t come easily to some people, it takes practice. But the good news is that modern tools can help keep you on track. Most doctor’s offices use practice management software that organizes your workflow, highlighting tasks in priority order. You’ll get more done by letting technology do some of the work.

Skill #4: Delegation

Delegation is offloading lighter tasks in favor of priorities. Doctors and nurses delegate lesser clinical duties to medical assistants, so they can spend more time with their patients. Medical assistants can do the same, asking a team member with time on their hands to follow up on tasks while you manage emergencies is a good way to be more productive without spreading yourself too thin. The best multitaskers don’t bite off more than they can chew.

Skill #5: Concentration

Distractions make it challenging to concentrate on more than one task. Each time you lose focus, it can take up to 30 minutes to regain it. Intrusions can be unavoidable, but it helps to take reasonable precautions to safeguard your time, such as closing doors to block out noise, turning off your cell phone and drawing the shades. Create a relaxing atmosphere and a distraction-free environment whenever possible.

Is Multitasking Good or Bad?

Multitasking has gone from a must-have skill to an approach shunned by workplace efficiency experts. Research shows it can compromise an employee’s focus, making them less effective at each task. Extreme multitaskers are bad at filtering out irrelevant information. Their memory is often impaired, and they struggle with creativity. Psychologists believe it’s a losing proposition.

But there’s a difference between multitasking and “overtasking,” trying to do more than you can reasonably accomplish. In a medical setting, overtasking benefits neither patients nor staff, yet some responsibilities simply can’t be separated. They overlap too much, and to have them done by different individuals would compromise health outcomes.

How Does a Medical Assistant Multitask?

Seasoned medical assistants multitask without missing a beat. How do they do it? Let’s look at some real-life examples.

Triaging Phone Calls

Taking phone calls from worried patients is part of what medical assistants do. As a medical assistant, you collect information for physicians, separating relevant from irrelevant details. During calls, you enter data as the patient speaks to avoid missing details. With the chart at your fingertips, you can also research your history for other data the doctor may need. For example, looking up a patient’s vaccination status and medication allergies, if they’re complaining about flu symptoms.

The more information you collect while you still have the patient on the phone, the easier it will be for the provider to make treatment decisions. It’s more efficient than having a non-clinical team member take a message, only for the medical assistant to have to return their call.

Managing the Schedule

Managing the schedule in a multi-physician practice is the ultimate multitasking. Before filling in an open slot, medical assistants must know which providers are available, guessing at what resources may be required for the visit. A patient complaining about an irregular heartbeat, for example, may need an EKG. You coordinate with other clinical staff to ensure that the right equipment and trained personnel are available.

Rooming Patients

As a medical assistant, you are among the first to greet patients, escorting patients to an exam room for their visit. While you are on your way is the perfect time to collect health information through observation and by asking questions. By the time you arrive, symptoms like shortness of breath and difficulty walking may be evident. As the doctor’s eyes and ears, you must be ever vigilant, a type of mental multitasking.

Taking Vital Signs

While taking vital signs is an opportune time to ask about related topics. Is the patient taking their blood pressure at home? What are the readings? Are they following their prescribed diet? Asking about physical symptoms is also appropriate. Any information you can collect in advance of the exam saves the doctor time.

While you’re in the exam room, check supplies when you open cabinet doors. Are you low on thermometer probes or sanitizing wipes? Make a list as you go, and you’ll be ready to restock rooms at the end of the day without making separate trips.

Reviewing Health History

At the start of each visit, you review patients’ medication and allergy lists. It’s surprising how many consequences this can have. A new allergic reaction may result in treatment changes. For example, sensitivity to some substances may be a contraindication to certain drugs, including vaccines.

It can be a Pandora’s box that requires significant follow-through. It’s your job to alert the physician to anything critical that may have changed and to ensure that changes are noted in the medical record.

Assisting with Surgical Procedures

Many private practices now perform minor procedures in their offices. When asked to assist with a biopsy, for example, you can expect to prepare equipment, pass instruments, and collect biological samples.

But it’s not uncommon for something to change. Patients may need emotional support. And procedures can reveal the unexpected, prompting additional treatments and changes to aftercare. You need to be flexible and willing to multitask to ensure the patient has a good experience, and the schedule continues to run smoothly.

Emergencies

Emergencies large and small are ever-present in healthcare. You may have done your best to prioritize your workflow, so you would have a few quiet hours to reorganize a messy stockroom, only to have a team member go home ill and have to take over their responsibilities.

A light schedule can turn into a nightmare as the waiting room fills with flu patients. And you may be pulled out of the lab to assist with an unexpected treatment. Meanwhile, the computer goes down and you’re reduced to sorting through bulky paper charts for information.

The trick to effective multitasking is to start your day with a clean slate, reassess your priorities and reorganize your workflow whenever it goes awry. You’ll stay productive, relaxed and your patients will thank you for it.

Final Thoughts

Whether multitasking is a friend or foe, it’s part of a medical assistant’s job. There’s no avoiding it, only managing it so that it doesn’t turn into overwork, know what you can do in a day and set boundaries. Medical offices are fast paced but the quality of your work is as important as the quantity.

Ready to put your multi-tasking skills to the test as a medical assistant? Meridian College offers hands–on Medical Assistant training from experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced Medical Assistant program teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

In addition to receiving training from school instructors with real-world experience, you will also complete a school externship in a physician’s office, clinic, or related healthcare facility under the supervision of a physician, nurse, or health services professional to further develop your skills.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical assistant.

The post The Importance of Multi-Tasking as a Medical Assistant appeared first on Meridian College.