Medical assistant
Medical Assistant
A Medical Assistant (pronunciation: /ˈmɛdɪkəl əˈsɪstənt/) is a certified healthcare professional who supports physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, primarily in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics.
Etymology
The term "Medical Assistant" originates from the combination of the words "medical", derived from the Latin "medicus" meaning "physician", and "assistant", from the Old French "assister" meaning "to stand by or help".
Roles and Responsibilities
A Medical Assistant's duties can vary depending on their location, specialty, and size of the practice, but generally include:
- Clinical duties, which may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by a physician.
- Administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding for insurance purposes.
Education and Certification
Most Medical Assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate or diploma from a Medical Assisting Program. Others enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training. Certification is not required, but some employers prefer to hire certified Medical Assistants.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Medical assistant
- Wikipedia's article - Medical assistant
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