Why Does Someone Become a Medical Assistant in Chattanooga?

What Does a Medical Assistant Do in Chattanooga?

Medical assistants support doctors, nurses and administrators by performing a broad range of clinical and clerical tasks. Their responsibilities include:

• Triaging Phone Calls

When patients call to report symptoms, medical assistants guide them through a series of screening questions, collecting information for the physician and prioritizing messages so that the sickest patients get care first.

• Scheduling

Medical assistants in Chattanooga have the clinical expertise needed to know which personnel and resources are required for patient visits. They assist the front office with scheduling to ensure that the right equipment and providers are available when clients arrive.

• Greeting and Rooming Patients

As a medical assistant, you’ll escort patients to treatment rooms and give them the instructions and supplies necessary to prepare for the doctor's arrival.

• Taking Vital Signs

Doctors depend on accurate blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respiratory rate measurements to diagnose and monitor disease. Medical assistants take readings at each visit for comparison and learn this vital technique at Chattanooga Medical Assistant School.

• Reviewing Health History

Medical assistants update the patient’s history, medication and allergy lists before the doctor arrives. Verifying the accuracy of information helps patients stay safe and ensures clinicians make the best treatment decisions.

• Diagnostic Testing

Medical assistants perform many diagnostic tests without close supervision, from pregnancy tests to EKGs. And, these diagnostic tests are learned during a medical assistant program at Chattanooga Medical Assistant School.

• Drawing Blood

Blood tests are part of most exams. Medical assistants are trained to draw routine samples, saving patients a trip to the hospital.

• Assisting with Procedures

Some physicians offer in-office surgical procedures for minor issues. Medical assistants help by passing instruments and monitoring the patient’s comfort and safety.

• Stocking Shelves and Ordering Supplies

Doctors rely on medical assistants to keep exam rooms stocked, so the supplies they need are always handy. While they’re at it, they take note of items running low so that they can be reordered.

• Infection Control

Medical assistants are responsible for keeping exam rooms and shared equipment sanitized between each visit. They also disinfect tools, linens and instruments weekly in preparation for procedures. And these procedures are mastered during a medical assistant program at Chattanooga Medical Assistant School.

• Billing and Coding

Medical assistants help the billing department by properly coding the services and supplies used during each visit. It helps with inventory management and ensures patients only pay for what they used. During a medical assistant program at Chattanooga Medical Assistant School you learn about the different coding protocols including ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS.

• Managing Referrals

Many patients are referred to specialists in Chattanooga every year. Medical assistants research their charts and gather the data necessary to send to other physicians in Chattanooga.

• Office Correspondence

Medical assistants communicate with patients about appointments, test results, medication refills, procedures instructions and more, drafting letters, e-mails and faxes.

• Patient Education

Medical assistants can’t give medical advice, but they can help patients better understand their treatment plan. With the doctor's permission, they can review recommendations and answer health questions about general topics, from medications to home safety.

Where Do Medical Assistants Work in Chattanooga?

Medical assistants can work where health services are offered in Chattanooga. Most medical assistants are employed in private practices in Chattanooga, but hospitals and clinics are hiring them in record numbers.

Roles vary depending on the setting. In a doctor's office or clinic, responsibilities will be mixed. In a hospital, they’re more likely to be administrative. One of the best parts about being a medical assistant in Chattanooga is the flexibility and opportunity. With experience and continuing education, the sky’s the limit.

Final Thoughts

As the American population ages, there’s an unprecedented demand for preventive health services and, therefore, medical assistants. Did you know that full-time students can complete a vocational school program at Chattanooga Medical Assistant School in as little as nine weeks? If your current job doesn’t make you want to get out of bed in the morning, there’s never been a better time to consider a change.