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Job Title: Medical Support Assistant
Education: Bachelors in Allied Health Sciences
Previous Experience: I was a hospital corpsman in the Navy for 7 years. I received my bachelors and then went on to work as a case worker for the welfare department. I now assist in medical support of a local clinic.
Job Tasks: I am tasked with running five specialties (three are orthopedic, one is podiatry, and one is for women only) in the clinic. I schedule appointments through consultations from the physicians. I verify protocol has been maintained and that all criteria has been met in order for the patients to get proper care.
I oversee all information about the patient is updated and accurate. I verify and correct any changes with their contact information, geographical information, insurance information. If there are problems with continuity of care I investigate and rectify the situation. I follow up on any tests that have been ordered and schedule revisits for the patients so that they know what is going on with their care.
All of my work has an administrative aspect. There is lots of paperwork and computer data entry all day long.
There is a lot of patient contact in person and on the phones - constant communication. Good phone skills are vital as well as maintaining a good rapport with the patients in person. One important part of my job is to remember that if the patient is in the clinic it is because they are not feeling well or have a medical problem. If they are grumpy or abrupt with me I need to reflect on why they are at the clinic and dismiss any bad behavior. It is hard to do sometimes but if they think and feel that you care you can get your work done quicker. Compassion would be key.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The best part of my job is that I am in contact with so many people. I am very professional with my patients but they also feel comfortable with sharing parts of their lives with me. They bring goodies, photos of something important in their lives, and appreciate my work.
The worst part of my job is probably being over-tasked. During snowbird season, the clinic is at full capacity. That's a lot of people that need your undivided attention and we're understaffed.
Job Tips:
1. The saying "do unto others as you would have done unto you" is a major aspect. Put one of your family members in one of the patients shoes and see how quickly you begin to become compassionate towards the patient.
2. Good people skills and good computer skills will help with advancement.
Additional Thoughts: The medical field is stressful yet fulfilling. You get what you put into it.
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