JOB DESCRIPTION

Perform various duties under the direction of physician in examination and treatment of patients. Prepare treatment room, inventory supplies, and instruments, and set up patient for attention of physician.

SKILLS AND APTITUDES NEEDED

Interpersonal skills to meet the public such as neat and well-groomed, courteous, pleasant manner, ability to put patients at ease and explain physicians’ instructions Ability to respect the confidential nature of medical information Basic knowledge of mathematics, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers and office skills Reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity

Medical assistants answer telephones, greet patients, update and file patient medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping. They may take medical histories and record vital signs, explain treatment procedures to patients, prepare patients for examination, and assist the physician during the examination. They collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medication as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.