How Medical Assistants Are Shaping The Future of Healthcare

Medical assistants are a group of professionals who work in medical facilities. They play an important role in the healthcare industry by blending administrative aspects with clinical duties to ensure the smooth running of these medical facilities.

This article is valuable to anyone wishing to be a medical assistant. Further, it would let you know how invaluable and important this role is in driving innovation, efficiency, and unique patient care. Your dedication and expertise will make a difference in advancing the healthcare industry and touch millions of lives.

Read More: Exciting Facts About Being a Medical Assistant

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants are part of the healthcare team, working under direct supervision from the physician. Their work areas are mainly in outpatient or ambulatory settings—places like medical offices, clinics, and sometimes hospitals. It is found at the crossroads between administrative and clinical duties.

Medical assistants have administrative duties that are imperative for the smooth operation of the facility. They regularly plan appointments and update patient records. Depending on the facility and the medical assistant’s professional focus, they may also bill and file insurance claims to ensure that the reception is neat and organized at all times.

In clinical terms, medical assistants are highly trained individuals who carry out a broad scope of responsibilities regarding care to the patient, as guided by a physician or another health practitioner. It may include taking patient vital signs, taking medical histories from patients, preparing patients for examination or procedure, administering medications, performing basic laboratory tests, and assisting in minor surgery.

Why Medical Assistants Matter

Patient Care

Medical Assistants are the bridge between the patient and provider for many aspects of patient care, ranging from greeting patients and recording their vital signs to assisting with medical procedures and patient education. 

Administrative Support 

Medical assistants also perform the various behind-the-scenes duties that make an office run. From scheduling appointments to handling medical records, you may be relied upon to support the administrative operations of your medical office. In larger facilities, however, medical administrative assistants, billers and coders, and healthcare administrators often specialize in fulfilling many of these responsibilities. 

Versatility

The outstanding aspect of this profession is its versatility. The medical assistants are trained in a wide variety of tasks, from drawing blood to assisting in minor procedures. This, therefore, renders their contributions highly valuable for any healthcare team since they can support wherever the office needs them.

Evolving Role of Medical Assistants

Technology Integration

With technological advancement, there have also been some changes in the roles of medical assistants. Many are now trained to use EHR systems and other digitized tools to offer better patient care and execute their responsibilities more efficiently.

Expanded Scope of Practice

Lately, there has been the possibility of expanded scopes of practice for medical assistants. In some states, you can even administer certain drugs and perform diagnostic tests ordered directly by a physician.

Focus on Preventive Care 

The growing importance of preventive care and wellness means medical assistants will spend more time helping educate patients on healthy lifestyle choices and assisting with preventive screenings and vaccinations.

Conclusion

If you are driven to make a real difference in people’s lives and further the future of better health care, this is an opportunity worth acting upon. Today’s first step in starting a new career is enrolling in the 9-month Medical Assistant Program at Northwest Career College.

Prepare to dive into one of the most rewarding careers in the healthcare sector with our undivided support and comprehensive training. Do not leave this opportunity knocking at your door, and join in to be a part of this golden chance to become invaluable to the future of healthcare.