Career Exploration Series: What is a Medical Administrative Specialist?

Career Exploration Series: What is a Medical Administrative Specialist?

It’s National Receptionist Day! If you’re exploring a receptionist related career in the medical field, we’ve highlighted some key questions related to our medical administrative specialist program.

What exactly does a medical administrative specialist do?

Medical administrative assistants have many tasks, including:

• Checking in and registering patients at the front desk
• Scheduling patients for proper appointments
• Interviewing patients for case histories in advance of appointments
• Answering incoming phone calls
• Compiling and maintaining medical records and charts
• Verifying patients’ insurance, posting charges, and obtaining pre-authorizations from insurers
• Applying diagnostic and procedure codes to patients’ accounts
• Posting payments and adjustments
• Following up on unpaid insurance claims
• Operating computer software and office equipment
• Transferring lab results to the appropriate clinicians
• Maintaining supplies and the overall appearance of the office
• Scheduling staff meetings and making travel arrangements

Is this career economically stable?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical administrative assistant jobs are projected to grow by 29% by 2022! This is much faster than the average career growth rate!

How can I become a medical administrative assistant?

If you are organized, have exceptional communication skills, excel under pressure, and are interested in a secure job in the healthcare field, we have two options for you:

1) Our 6-week course will help you master the basics of becoming a medical administrative specialist and explore the field in great depth. This course will also cover different aspects of medical information management and help you determine which aspect of the field suits you best.

2) We also have a more in depth career training program: Administrative Medical Specialist with Medical Billing and Coding + Medical Terminology. Upon completion of this online program (360 hours), you will be ready to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) national certification exams, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)! The program will also prepare you to sit for a national medical coding certification exam, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). After successful completion of this program, you be extremely prepared to shine in your new career!