Physician Office Assistant

Industry:
Healthcare
Last Updated:
June 29, 2023

Job Description Overview

A Physician Office Assistant job description encompasses a wide range of tasks in the healthcare industry. These professionals work in medical office settings and provide direct support to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff.

Some of the main responsibilities of a Physician Office Assistant include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, and managing medical records. They also assist with routine clinical procedures such as taking vital signs, obtaining medical histories, and preparing exam rooms.

In addition to administrative and clinical duties, Physician Office Assistants play a critical role in patient communication. They may answer questions about treatments, medications, and test results, and provide patient education materials as needed.

To excel in this role, candidates must have excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. A certification or associate's degree in medical assisting or a related field is typically required.

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in healthcare, a position as a Physician Office Assistant may be right for you.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Schedule patient appointments and maintain accurate patient records
  • Communicate with patients about appointment dates, times and procedures
  • Answer phone calls and respond to patient inquiries
  • Collect and manage patient information such as medical history, insurance information, and test results
  • Monitor and maintain inventory levels of office supplies and medical equipment
  • Assist in basic medical procedures such as taking vital signs and drawing blood
  • Coordinate with other medical professionals for referrals and follow-up appointments
  • Maintain a clean and organized office environment
  • Adhere to all HIPAA and OSHA guidelines and regulations for patient confidentiality and safety

Experience and Education Requirements

To become a Physician Office Assistant in the Healthcare industry, you'll need to have a high school diploma or GED. Some offices may require additional training in medical terminology, billing and coding. It's also important to have experience in office administration, including knowledge of computers, filing systems, and customer service. Having good communication skills, both written and verbal, is also vital. You may also need to have experience with handling medical records and patient confidentiality. Many physician office assistants receive on-the-job training to develop their skills and knowledge of the specific office or practice they will be working in.

Salary Range

Physician Office Assistants in the healthcare industry can expect an average salary range of $24,000 to $49,000 per year in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants, which can include physician office assistants, was $34,800 as of May 2019. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and employer. In Canada, the average salary for a Medical Office Assistant is CAD 41,041 per year, while in Australia, the average salary for a Medical Receptionist is AUD 53,000 per year. These salary ranges may also vary based on currency exchange rates. 

Sources:

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Medical Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
  2. PayScale - Medical Office Assistant Salary (Canada): https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=MedicalOfficeAssistant/Salary
  3. Salary Explorer - Medical Receptionist Salary (Australia): https://www.salaryexplorer.com/salary-survey.php?loc=17&loctype=1&job=2326&jobtype=4

Career Outlook

A Physician Office Assistant is a vital member of the healthcare industry, assisting doctors and nurses in providing care to patients. The career outlook for Physician Office Assistants is very positive with steady growth projected over the next five years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Medical Assistants, which includes Physician Office Assistants, is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for healthcare services and the aging population. With strong job security and excellent potential for growth, becoming a Physician Office Assistant is a great career choice for those interested in healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a Physician Office Assistant?

A: A physician office assistant is a healthcare professional who performs administrative and clinical duties in a medical office or clinic.

Q: What are the typical duties of a Physician Office Assistant?

A: A physician office assistant is responsible for scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, greeting patients, updating medical records, taking vital signs, preparing patients for examination, and assisting physicians with procedures.

Q: What education and training is required to become a Physician Office Assistant?

A: Most physician office assistants have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some receive on-the-job training. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a certificate or associate's degree program in medical assisting or a related field.

Q: What skills does a Physician Office Assistant need to have?

A: A physician office assistant should have excellent communication skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail. They should also have basic computer skills and be able to work well as part of a team.

Q: What is the job outlook for Physician Office Assistants?

A: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants (which includes physician office assistants) is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.


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