What’s Involved in a Medical Receptionist Career?

Are you looking for a career that involves helping people? Do you need a fulfilling work life? A career as a medical receptionist (also known as a medical secretary, medical office assistant or a medical office administrator) may be just what you’re looking for.rnIn today’s fast paced healthcare industry, administrators and office staff are essential elements in the overall efficient running of clinics, hospitals and other healthcare providers. A medical receptionist is often the liaison between patients and doctors, and their presence and work can often help make stressful, chaotic environments more workable and friendly.rnThe Healthcare field is expected to be one of the fastest growing job markets in the next few years, with an aging population ensuring a growing demand for medical support staff in all areas of health-related services.rnAs a medical receptionist, you will be responsible for a number of different daily tasks. These include: • Greeting patientsrn • Scheduling appointments and diagnostic testingrn • Answer patient queries over the phonern • Maintaining medical recordsrn • Completing insurance forms and preparing billsrn • Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeepingrn • Maintaining medical supplies and equipmentrn • Managing examining rooms and waiting areasrn • Liaise with medical professionalsrn • Oversee prescriptions and repeat prescriptionsrn • Transcribe dictationrn • Filing and other clerical dutiesrnQualified or experienced medical receptionist can find work in a number of work environments, including: • Private Medical and Midwife Clinicsrn • Offices of physiciansrn • Community Health Unitsrn • Hospitals (there are obviously a number of departments within a hospital, and each one will have its own administrative side) • Nursing Homesrn • Insurance Companiesrn • Medical Transcriptionrn • Medical Supply and Pharmaceutical Companiesrn • Chiropractic or Physiotherapy ClinicsrnDue to the wide range of responsibilities, a medical receptionist needs to be extremely confident and at ease working with a team and independently. They must also be well versed in the use of most computer software packages.rnTypically, a medical receptionist will work standard office hours, however, as healthcare organizations often work outside the usual 9-5, employees may work on shifts. Salary for this type of medical office administration work can vary greatly, with it depending on what sort of healthcare organization is involved, how experienced the receptionist is and where the job is located.rnThankfully, there are now numerous medical receptionist program. where students can become accredited and gain practical experience. There are many online education courses that provide accredited certification for medical receptionists, however, it’s possibly a better idea to attend a training program that provides some sort of practicum or co-op work opportunity. Doing so will help increase your job prospects. The best of medical secretary courses will train students in the basics of medical office administration, and provide an in depth knowledge of the human anatomy, medical terms and a general understanding of the medical profession.rnWhat are you waiting for? A fulfilling career may be within reach.rnContact the Academy of Learning for more information on their medical receptionist program.