What Does a Medical Front Office Assistant Do?

A medical front office assistant — sometimes referred to as a medical administrative assistant or a medical secretary — performs a variety of crucial tasks in a doctor’s office or hospital setting. Each day, they:

• Greet patients when they arrive

• Provide all the necessary paperwork for patients to fill out

• Verify insurance information

• Answer and direct phone calls

• Schedule and confirm diagnostic appointments, surgeries, and consultations

• Maintain and file medical records

• Collect medical data

The way these duties are performed may vary by location. For example, a medical front office assistant in a large hospital would likely have a specialized scope of work, receive training for emergency situations, and work a less traditional schedule.

Comparatively, someone with the same job title in a small general practice clinic would likely have a more predictable schedule, and a medical front office assistant in a private practice would have a broader set of duties.

Why Become a Medical Front Office Assistant?

There are many reasons why someone would want to consider becoming a medical front office assistant.

For one, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the projected job growth for this position in the next decade will be much higher than average. Also, it’s in one of the top industries.

Additionally, for people who are considering pursuing a new career in medicine or healthcare, being a medical front office assistant is the ultimate resume boost. You’ll learn healthcare best practices while gaining a working knowledge of the industry.

How Do You Become a Medical Front Office Assistant?

Unlike other positions in the healthcare field, a medical front office assistant doesn’t provide medical care. Therefore, the job requires a shorter educational path and less experience.

However, the role is unique in that it combines the duties of both direct and indirect patient services. It also involves a combination of administrative and interpersonal skills. In many ways, medical front office assistants keep the office running smoothly.

Job descriptions for this position typically don’t require many qualifications, aside from having a high school degree or GED. However, if you want a leg up from competitors, you can acquire:

• Working knowledge of medical terminology

• Administrative experience and skills

• Customer service experience and skills

• Computer and technical knowledge

• Proper certifications and training

Through our Medical Front Office Assistant program, MedCerts provides the perfect introduction to the front office setting in the world of healthcare. You’ll also earn two different certifications that are sure to make you stand out to employers and show them that you’ve put in the work needed to excel in your position.

The Takeaway

Healthcare is an ever-growing and extremely important industry, and becoming a medical front office assistant is the best way to get your foot in the door.

By entering our program and earning your certifications, you are investing in a career that will make a tangible difference in people’s lives — each and every day.