California, alone, is expected to hire more than 400,000 healthcare employees in the next four years.
Healthcare is a large industry in California, but offices and practices are located all over, with many patients to keep track of.
One of the most crucial roles in the medical office is an administration role. This job offers an excellent way into the medical field and can get you familiar with patients. The best part — you won’t be in school for 10 years.
Continue reading to discover the most important responsibilities a medical admin does on a typical workday!
1.Handle Incoming Patients
As a medical admin worker, you will have to check-in patients when they arrive at the office.
This part of the job takes up a lot of your time, but there is downtime to get other work. As patients come into the office, you will have them sign in, and you will use this information to check them into the computer and let the doctor know.
During this process, you will likely have to give insurance papers and information sheets to update contact documents.
2.Take Phone Calls
If you are considering a medical office admin job, you should be prepared to talk on the phone.
In this role, you will be taking phone calls and handling the issues or transferring patients to the correct person. This is a large part of the role and you must be able to multi-task throughout the day to do this.
Many times you will have to leave messages in the computer that pertain to a patient.
3.Schedule Appointments
As patients come in you will check them in. As they leave, however, you will have to do other tasks.
As long as their accounts are settled, you can take payment if they owe money, you can look ahead. If they have a follow-up appointment to schedule, you will have to take care of it. You may also schedule appointments from people who walk-in, sign up online, or call over the phone.
4.Maintain the Office
As an office admin, you will become used to multi-tasking and taking advantage of every moment.
In your downtime, you will be able to tidy up the office and sanitize as patients come and go. This is important to help keep germs from spreading and can make the office more comfortable.
5.Insurance Paperwork
Depending on the office that you work for, you may be responsible for insurance paperwork.
This role often requires experience and a company will let you know if this is part of their job description. Insurance paperwork requires keen attention to detail and knowledge of your company policies.
You should ask about this part of the job during the interview process, to determine if it is the correct fit.
Do You Want to Be a Medical Admin?
If you enjoy doing the tasks mentioned above, you may want to consider getting a medical admin position.
Medical office admin jobs and office administrators must be able to multi-task. There are many aspects of the job that are done throughout the day and are not always consistent.
This role is perfect for those looking to work in the medical field without going to school for too long.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about working in the healthcare industry and finding the right career for you!