Medical Assistants

Medical Assistants typically perform the following tasks: • Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height. • Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies. • Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records. • Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients. • Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean. • Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing. • Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician. • Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures. • Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses. • Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic. • Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms. • Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician. • Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies. • Change dressings on wounds. • Schedule appointments for patients. • Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment. • Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission. • Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests. • Set up medical laboratory equipment. • Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients.