The medical assistant job description is a mix of working with the patient and working behind a desk. In most situations, certified medical assistants are cross-trained so they can perform any administrative or clinical duties directed by their physicians.
Below is a breakdown of the job description of medical assistants in a clinical and administrative scope. Important to remember that each state has different regulations and laws about what a CMA can and cannot do on the job, along with what certification level they need to do what part of the job.
Administrative Duties in the Medical Assistant Job Description
| CMA Administrative Duties |
|---|
| Using office software |
| Answering telephone and emails |
| Greeting all patients, vendors and visitors |
| Filing and updating all medical records of patients |
| Basic medical billing and coding, along with filling out necessary insurance forms |
| Scheduling patient appointments |
| Arrange all laboratory services and hospital admissions |
| Handle all necessary correspondence, bookeeping and billing when asked |
Clinical Duties in the CMA Job Description
| CMA Clinical Duties |
|---|
| Handling and Giving Medication per the Physician or Doctor |
| Authorize Prescription Refills |
| Venipunctural Procedures |
| Remove Sutures and Dressings from Patients |
| Patient Instruction |
| Perform basic Lab tests |
| Collect Patient Medical History |
What Others Duties do Medical Assistants Have?
Act as a Liaison to Patients – Certified Medical assistants are not only critical but they are instrumental in assisting patients and making them feel at ease in the doctor’s office. They also explain many procedures and protocols to the patients. They are the go between the doctor and the patient.
A CMA is Critical to the Office – The Healthcare Intelligence Network conducted a recent survey that showed medical assistants ranked as one of the core five medical professionals that were deemed necessary to a healthy functioning (PCMH) Patient Centered Medical Home team.