Think back to the last time you visited the doctor or dentist. More than likely, the first interaction you had was with a person seated behind an office desk in the waiting room. This person, a medical office administrator, is the friendly face greeting patients who walk in—but they’re also much more than that.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a medical office administrator, and what do they do all day?” we’ve got you covered. This helpful guide will break down the duties of this position, plus details on how to be a medical office administrator.
What Does a Medical Office Administrator Do?
As you might expect, a medical office administrator works in a medical practice. This can include a range of clinics, including practices that house physicians, dentists, or medical specialists. Medical office administrators spend most of their time behind the office desk, though some tasks may require them to spend time in other areas of the clinic as well.
Medical office administrator jobs may vary, but most of them include a few important duties.
As mentioned above, administrators are the face of a medical practice, so they spend a great deal of their day communicating. These professionals may receive patients, communicate with insurance companies, collect patient data and payment, and help patients manage their accounts.
In addition, these administrators also help organize the office and document important information. They manage the office schedule of appointments and help keep medical records up to date. They may also oversee the office’s medical supplies, coordinate payroll and invoicing, and even manage their own staff.
How Can You Become a Medical Office Administrator?
Thinking about becoming a medical office administrator? This job can be rewarding and engaging for the right person—but how can you tell a medical office administrator career is right for you?
It’s worth noting that employers are looking for keen communication and technical skills. You’ll have to be great at organization as well. You should also be able to work with scheduling software and feel comfortable managing patient records.
Beyond the soft skills every administrator should have, you’ll need to put a few more things on your resume. In general, you’ll need a high school diploma as a bare minimum. In many cases, medical offices prefer or require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree as well.
Some bachelor’s degree programs will prepare you for this type of work, but many candidates seek specific post-secondary training. This is a great way to learn the required skills quickly while making yourself competitive. If you’d like to know more about training, you can find more info here.
Consider a Medical Office Administrator Career
If you love working with people, consider yourself organized, and want to make a difference in the medical world, a medical office administrator career may be right for you. Check out the types of training available to you to learn more, and consider starting out on a new path!
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