What Doctors Want

Microsoft elaborated on this concept as early as 2003 when they wrote: 

You can use Microsoft Windows Mobile technology and Microsoft Office System programs running on portable devices, such as Tablet PCs, to access and record patient information and perform many other healthcare-related tasks. And when you do have time to access your PC in your office, you can synchronize Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 — running on a mobile device — with your PC.

Microsoft's article introduces physicians and their medical office staff to advances in mobile and wireless technology so they can make the most of their valuable time. It shares information how busy doctors and medical assistants can effectively use a mobile device to deliver fast, high-quality healthcare without it interfering with the patient flow and other daily medical routines. As a matter of fact, Microsoft says that use of a mobile device can help deliver fast, high-quality healthcare.

Some of the mobile apps links on the Microsoft site are:

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Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.

Author Name: Danni R.
Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC
Website: www.amacustomwebdesign.com
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This article is based on a work at www.medicalassistant.net by Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at amacustomwebdesign.com/contact.html

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Medical assistants are sought for full-time, permanent, and per diem, part time positions everywhere. Per diem is just another word for as needed. Medical offices and other facilities offer per diem positions to fill in staffing gaps and  cover for shortfalls when one, or several of their full time personnel are suddenly sick or absent for other reasons. In this case, a per diem position opens for temporary work, where work hours are scheduled as needed. 

Medical assistants who work per diem pretty much do the same thing the permanent medical assistant would do, which includes prepare patients for office visits, take their weight and height, vital signs, blood glucose check, medication list and document information in patient's chart. The per diem medical assistant might be asked to man the front office and reception area where they must process incoming and outgoing patient telephone calls and patient-related correspondence and manage the appointment schedule.

Medical Assistant Job Description

We recently spotted a job announcement with a typical medical assistant job description on our affiliate partner site Indeed.com. It included a list of expected duites, qualifications and benefits:

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Medical Assistant is a key member of the Physician Practice and provides clinical expertise to ensure all patients receive high quality, efficient care.

DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

·         Provide overall support for Physicians and office operations.

·         Prepares patients for examination and treatment.

·         Takes patient histories and vital signs.

·         Prepares exam and treatment rooms with necessary instruments.

·         Gives injections and assists with lab testing and phlebotomy.

·         Prepares and maintains supplies and equipment for treatments, including sterilization.

·         Assists physicians in preparing for minor surgeries and physicals.

·         Assists with scheduling of tests and treatments.

·         Screens telephone calls for referral to physician.

EDUCATION

·         A high school diploma or GED is required.

·         Graduation from a Medical Assisting training program is highly preferred.

This example is typical for most medical assistant job announcements. Most doctors and facilities expect a certain amount of job experience before they are willing to hire someone new. Medical assistant job applicants should add into their application and cover letter that they are able to schedule appointments, accurately take and record vital signs in patient’s chart, explain policies and procedures and any medical office management software skills you have, such as MediTech experience. Also add in that you are highly organized, able to pay attention to detail, and very good at multi-tasking and computer skills.

If you are trained in drawing blood, point out your phlebotomy experience. Highlight your knowledge in customer services and care of patients, patient flow and properly taking and routing telephone messages. These are all important medical assistant skills doctors value and expect since these are areas where things can quickly go wrong and become a headache for the rest of the staff. So, again, make sure this is clearly marked in your medical assistant job application and medical assistant cover letter and resume. 

Special Prerequisites and Requirements

Don't be surprised if a potential employer asks whether you have certified medical assistant credentials and many many also expect you have current CPR certification. If not, some doctors will stipulate that you obtain it within 3 months of hire. Furthermore, potential employers might ask you to take a pre-employment physical, and sometimes a breath alcohol and DOT drug screening test before or within 6 months of hire. Yes, they do have the right to do that.

Most medical assistants who land the job, whether full-time permanent, or part-time per diem, can expect excellent benefits packages, competitive salaries and growth opportunities.

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Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.

Author Name: Danni R.
Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC
Website: www.amacustomwebdesign.com
Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives

 

This article is based on a work at www.certmedassistant.com by Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at amacustomwebdesign.com/contact.html

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Well, picture this: one of the patients is away on business, but the doctor needs to monitor his blood pressure or blood sugar levels on regular intervals. Sounds cumbersome? It may not be so.

Apple's 2011 iPhone OS 3.0 comes with new capabilities and applications that will make these activities a breeze for iPhone users. The iPhone has the ability for patients to tap into information to help determine whether there is a need to adjust insulin or medicine intake.

Another way where a iPhone app is extremely helpful is when a medical assistant has to communicate with a patient that only speaks Spanish. The Medical Spanish AUDIO app for both the iPhone and iPad is designed to help non-Spanish speaking healthcare professionals understand symptoms of their Spanish speaking patients. It contains over 250 questions, instructions and explanations divided among easy-to-find chapters. Questions are phrased in a yes/no or optional answer format.

Medscape offers their free continually updated drug reference tools, specialty-specific medical news and mobile CME, physician & pharmacy directories and more. Save time when making decisions at the point-of-care with our fast and easy-to-use application.

You can find over ten-thousand applications, also referred to as apps, for smart phones and PC tablets:

• anesthesiology
• cardiology, EKG/ECG
• dermatology
• drug reference
• eye care
• mental health
• nursing
• veterinary medicine
• medical Spanish
• medical coding/ICD-9
• health, nutrition, and fitness
• normal lab values
• and many more

Some of these apps can be downloaded completely free, others cost a small fee between $0.99 - $9.99 on average. There are reference apps, diagnostic apps, medical dictionaries, social apps, study guides, databases, you name it.

MedCalc (Medical Calculator) is a free medical calculator that gives you easy access to a wide array of medical formulas and scores. Includes detailed information and bibliographic references for each formula. This app has received many hundred-thousands of ratings and has an average of 3.5 stars. According to the developer, it has been downloaded over 700,000 times.

Epocrates is a free mobile drug reference resource that provides clinical information on thousands of prescriptions and OTC drug products. It features a pill identifier, in-depth formulary information, a drug interaction checker and dozens of calculations. The app has received over 43,000 ratings for all versions and has an average of 3 stars.

For more useful medical office apps check out the Software Advice Blog, which lists many other iPhone smart phone apps from the Medical and Healthcare & Fitness categories in the iPhone App Store.

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Author Name: Danni R.
Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC
Website: www.amacustomwebdesign.com
Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives

 

This article is based on a work at www.medicalassistant.net by Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at amacustomwebdesign.com/contact.html

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Transferring Your Military Medical Skills to Civilian Life

The skills required of military medical personnel differ during deployment and peacetime, nevertheless, United States Armed Forces personnel with enough experience and education can apply for various types of medical technologist and medical assisting certification exams provided by certification sponsors such as the American Medical Technologists (AMT), who recognizes their education and skills gainined in the military, which includes all medical care and treatment, surgical, and therapy specialists. 

Passing a a certification exam can significantly ease the transition from the military back to "civilian live". Most employers do not understand the military ranking system and training structure well enough to appreciate a soldier's knowledge and skills. For example, military medics and hospital corpsmen have all they training they need to become fully qualified medical assistants in ANY setting, or specialty.

Having credentials that employers recognize in the civilian job market increases their chances of getting hired when they return home from deployment, or exit the military to seek meaningful employment in the civilian sector. Armed services personnel can  especially those with training in medical technology, phlebotomy, medical and dental assisting and medical office administration positions.

The photo above shows Oklahoma Army National Guard, 120th Med. Co. - C-Queen, Sgt. Christopher Queen (right), of Broken Arrow, and Spc. Johnathon Castille (left), of Glennpool, examine a patient’s x-ray during their annual training period in Hoopa, Calif. Both are radiology specialists with the 120th Medical Company, 120th Engineer Battalion, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard. Queen attends both Tulsa Community College and North Eastern State University where he is studying pre-med in hopes of attending Physician Assistance’s school in the near future. Queen also works as a Cath Lab Technician at Southcrest Hospital and has been a member of the Oklahoma Army National Guard for seven years. The 120th Med. is currently providing assistance to the K’ima:w Medical Center in Hoopa.

Photo: Cpt. Geoff Legler, Oklahoma National Guard office of public affairs

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Author Name: Danni R.
Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC
Website: www.amacustomwebdesign.com
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This article is based on a work at www.medicalassistant.net by Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at amacustomwebdesign.com/contact.html

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The healthcare industry offers a huge variety of occupations and many avenues for advancement in a particular field. Anyone with the drive to succeed can achieve their dream. University of Phoenix, for example, is currently featuring one student in their TV ad who broke the chains of poverty. She started out with very little, became a nurse and then earned a doctor degree and is now in charge of hundreds of nurses herself; however, you don't have to become a doctor to succeed, there are many other highly rewarding allied health careers to chose from, from medical assistants who have specialized, to phlebotomy technicians, and medical coders and billers.

Medical Assistants Who Specialize

Ophthalmic, optometric, pediatric, chiropractic and podiatric medical assistants are all examples of  specialty fields medical assistants can focus on, and thus, gain unique skills and expertise in a specific discipline.

A family practice medical assistant is probably one of the most versatile and flexible member of the many areas medical assistants can work in, because they have to handle anything that walks through their door, from patients with chronic illnesses, to conditions that are seasonal, to accidents and sports injuries, to urgent emergency calls.

An ophthalmic medical assistant helps ophthalmologists provide eye care. They conduct diagnostic tests, measure and record vision, and test eye muscle function. They apply eye dressings and also show patients how to insert, remove, and care for contact lenses. Under the direction of the physician, ophthalmic medical assistants may administer eye medications, maintain optical and surgical instruments and may assist the ophthalmologist in surgery. They also help provide eye care, fit and adjust eye glass frames, provide chair-side assistance, instruct patients about contact lens use and care, conduct preliminary tests on patients and otherwise provide assistance while working directly with an optometrist.

A pediatric medical assistant assists doctors who provide healthcare and on-site services for infants, children and adolescents, such as lab and X-ray screening, sick care, immunizations and medical follow-up appointments.

A chiropractic assistant is someone who works under the direction of a chiropractor similar to a medical assistant working for a doctor. The chiropractic approach to healthcare focuses on the patient's overall health. In some situations, chiropractors refer patients to or consult with other health practitioners. Their chiropractic assistant helps with treatments, positioning and monitoring and explaining the various treatment goals, modalities and natural remedies to the patients. While this often comes with additional duties and responsibilities it usually also comes with better pay.

Medical Assistants in the Armed Forces/Military

The above photo shows Sgt. Stephanie Foster, of Shawnee, as she tests a patient’s urine at the K’ima:w Medical Center in Hoopa, Calif. Foster is a medical laboratory specialist with the 120th Medical Company, 120th Engineer Battalion, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard. She has been a member of the Oklahoma Army National Guard for more than six years. Foster attends Rose State College tuition free through the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s tuition fee waiver program. At Rose State, Foster is studying pre-med and in her civilian occupation, she is a laboratory technician at the OU Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital.

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Author Name: Danni R. 
Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC
Website: www.amacustomwebdesign.com
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This article is based on a work at www.medicalassistant.net by Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at amacustomwebdesign.com/contact.html

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Understanding the medical assistant's training requirements and employer expectations gives you an edge when seeking jobs:

Many don't realize that due to the lack of educational and training requirements in the USA formal training is NOT required to work as a medical assistant. Under a licensed physician's instruction a medical assistant can be trained right on the job, however, most medical assistants you encounter in facilities have acquired their skills in a formal medical assistant training program from a community college, vocational training institution, or the military. Medical assistants, once hired, are directly supervised by doctors, or other licensed healthcare practitioners, in clinical and ambulatory settings such as:

• physician's office
• ambulatory medical facilities
• emergency rooms

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Author Name: Danni R.
Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC
Website: www.amacustomwebdesign.com
Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives

 

This article is based on a work at www.medicalassistant.net by Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at amacustomwebdesign.com/contact.html

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The job description of a medical assistant varies from office to office; some medical assistants do mostly direct patient care and laboratory work, others are responsible for the administrative aspects, such as patient charts and medical records, bookkeeping and answering patient calls. In a small family physician's office, one medical assistant may have to handle all these tasks, clinical and administrative and everything in between.

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Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.

Author Name: Danni R. 
Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC
Website: www.amacustomwebdesign.com
Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives

 

This article is based on a work at www.medicalassistant.net by Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at amacustomwebdesign.com/contact.html

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