1. 1 Medical Assisting: The Profession Lesson 2:
Role and Responsibilities of the Medical Assistant

2. Lesson Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to …
List ten administrative duties of the medical assistant.
List ten clinical skills medical assistants need to know.
List qualities usually found in a good medical assistant.

3. Role of the Medical Assistant
To assist the physician in providing patient care

4. Places of Employment for MAs
Physician offices
Ambulatory care clinics
Government agencies
Urgent care facilities
Free-standing facilities

5. Critical Thinking Question
Why would an MA choose to work in one type of employment setting versus another?

6. Duties of the Medical Assistant
Vary from office to office
Vary according to size and type of setting
Vary due to federal and state regulations and guidelines

7. Administrative Duties
Scheduling patients
Greeting and receiving patients
Screening non-patients and visitors
Making arrangements for patient admissions to hospitals, patient tests, and procedures
Providing patient instruction
Updating and filing patient medical records
Coding diagnoses and procedures for insurance purposes

8. Administrative Duties
Handling financial arrangements with patients
Transcribing medical dictation
Handling the telephone

9. Administrative Duties
Writing reports
Handling mail
Performing tasks related to accounts payable and accounts receivable
Operating office equipment

10. Administrative Duties
Preparing and maintaining employee records
Handling petty cash
Reconciling bank statements
Maintaining records for license renewals, membership fees, and insurance premiums
Handling the office in the physician’s absence
Assisting the physician with articles, lectures, and manuscripts

11. Administrative Duties
Utilization review
Coordinating managed-care coverage for patients and physicians
Ensure compliance with HIPAA guidelines
For an overview on HIPAA click here or go to

12. Clinical Responsibilities
Assisting patients in preparation for physical exams and procedures
Perform routine clinical and lab procedures
Obtain a medical history

13. Clinical Responsibilities
Collecting, preparing, and transporting laboratory specimens
Venipuncture
Assisting the physician with procedures
Instructing and educating patients
Cleaning and sterilizing equipment
Obtaining patient’s height, weight, and vital signs

14. Clinical Responsibilities
Preparing and maintaining exam and treatment rooms
Inventory control – ordering and storing of supplies
Disposing of hazardous waste and other materials
Administering medications
Changing bandages and dressings
Suture removal

15. Clinical Responsibilities
Handling drug refills
Performing ECGs
Ensuring compliance with OSHA

16. Clinical Responsibilities
Performing skills relevant to various specialties
Disposing of contaminated supplies
Sterilizing medical instruments
Preparing patients for x-rays

17. Critical Thinking Question
Are MAs always expected to have both administrative and clinical skills?

18. The Occupational Analysis of the CMA (AAMA) 2007-2008
Study performed from 1979 to 1996
Used a document called DACUM (Developing a Curriculum)
Defined specific areas of instruction and competencies for medical assisting
Study revised in 2003 and again in with current competencies essential for MAs

19. General, Clinical, and Administrative Skills of the CMA (AAMA)
Identifies three major categories of competencies for entry-level MAs
Administrative
Clinical
General or interdisciplinary
Areas are further expanded to include competencies that should be taught in MA programs
For further information see Appendix I in your textbook!

20. General Characteristics of a Good MA
General medical knowledge
Ability to perform administrative and clinical skills
Genuinely care about others
Ability to communicate and get along with others

21. Qualities Found in a Good MA
Integrity
Discretion
Empathy
Ability to safeguard patient’s right to confidentiality
Thoroughness
Punctuality
Congeniality
Proactive
Competence

22. Critical Thinking Question
How does an MA present a professional image?

23. How to Present a Professional Image
Using a calm, pleasant speaking voice
Not eating, drinking, or chewing gum while working in public areas
Developing a basic understanding of human behavior
Using good communication skills
Exhibiting good daily personal hygiene and grooming habits
Providing quality care

24. Questions?