The Critical Rose of the Kentucky Medical Assistant

A medical assistant plays a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing both administrative and clinical and administrative support to ensure the smooth functioning of medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Their duties are diverse and can vary depending on the size and specialty of the medical practice in which they work.

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who works under the direction of a physician. They perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the smooth functioning of a medical facility.

Kentucky Medical Assistant Principal Duty

Medical assistants often serve as a bridge between the patient and the physician. They take the time to answer patients’ questions, explain procedures, and provide post-visit instructions and follow-up. Their role requires strong communication skills and a compassionate approach, as they are often the first point of contact for patients.

Duties

• Assist the doctor as needed with procedures, including surgical. Support physicians during patient exams, including administering instruments and assisting with minor procedures.
• Assisting patients in preparing for physical exams, including collecting medical histories and explaining procedures, including measuring and recording patients’ vital statistics such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
• Set up and administer EKG (Electrocardiogram).
• Phlebotomy (drawing blood and giving injections).
• Collect specimens for blood and urine analysis and conduct tests like urinalysis, strep tests, or pregnancy tests as needed.
• Coordinate laboratory samples and pharmacy prescriptions. The clinical medical assistant is the principal liaison between pharmacies and physicians.
• Giving medications or other injections as ordered by the physician.
• Medical assistants must also ensure that the practice complies with healthcare regulations, including maintaining patient confidentiality under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and adhering to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards for safety and hygiene.
• Preparing and submitting insurance claims, handling billing inquiries, and ensuring accurate coding for services rendered (although this is typically the responsibility of an LPN, RN, or administrative medical assistant instead of a clinical medical assistant).

The role of a medical assistant is dynamic and essential for the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. Their work supports both the administrative and clinical sides of healthcare, bridging the gap between patients and physicians and contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of patient care.

 

---

1. MedQuest College: https://medquestcollege.edu/medical-assisting.html
2. American Medical Technologists: https://americanmedtech.org/Medical-Assistant
3. Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education: https://www.khtnow.com/certified-clinical-medical-assistant-ccma-class