The healthcare industry is full of opportunities. There are various positions available to those who get their education and training. Each has a vital role in the workplace—from treating patients to delivering stellar customer service.
If you’ve ever thought about working in a healthcare setting, you should consider the perks of becoming a medical office administrator. As the first line of contact for patients, you’d be responsible for assisting with organizational duties and clerical work that keeps things running smoothly.
What Are Medical Administration Duties?
A medical office administrator has various duties focusing on customer service and managing files and documents. When a patient calls a medical office, the first person they speak to is a medical administrator. They’ll work with patients and assist doctors and nurses by:
- Answering phone calls
- Responding to emails or online request forms
- Scheduling
- Billing
- Processing insurance claims
- File maintenance
Where Do Medical Office Administrators Work?
All healthcare facilities—from hospitals and outpatient facilities to private practice—need medical office administrators. As a medical administrator, you can expect to work a standard workday. However, if you’re working at a facility that provides 24-hour care, your hours may differ.
What Skills Are Required To Become a Medical Office Administrator
- Following instructions—Doctors and nurses will rely on your ability to follow specific instructions to help them assist patient needs. Doing what you’re asked to a T is often vital to patient well-being.
- Tech Savvy—Office administrators often complete tasks using scheduling software and managing digital files and databases. You must be computer literate and comfortable with learning new technologies.
- Written & verbal communication—As a medical office administrator, you’ll be expected to work with patients online, in person, and over the phone. Some patients may be going through a rough time, so it’s important to bring a calm and dependable presence.
- Organized—Healthcare facilities rely on office administrators to maintain patient records and billing and stay on top of scheduling. You’ll need strong organizational skills with everything you handle to ensure critical mistakes are avoided.
- Critical thinking—A healthcare setting can be unpredictable at times. When problems arise, the office administrator needs to be able to think on their feet and act quickly to resolve them. Whether it’s troubleshooting computer issues, finding resolutions for patients, or correcting filing errors, you’ll need to stay calm and in control.
Benefits of Becoming a Medical Office Administrator
Building Patient Relationships
Medical office administrators have a unique opportunity to be trustworthy faces patients can speak with during every visit. You’ll likely see some patients more often than others, but you’ll always be making a difference in their quality of care.
Working Flexible Hours
Do you prefer working weekends versus weekdays? Are you a night owl or an early riser? There are plenty of opportunities in various healthcare settings that allow you to work a shift that fits your lifestyle.
Acquiring New Skills to Further Your Career
Before being hired, you’ll likely possess the skills needed to work as a medical office administrator. As you continue working, you’ll begin developing new skills and gaining more knowledge of the healthcare field. This puts you in a prime position for advancement.
The Job Market for Medical Administration Professionals
Healthcare is a booming industry in need of professionals who can handle various duties. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical administration professionals’ jobs could grow at a rate of 8% over the next decade. That’s about 354,000 new openings. The BLS also states the median annual wage for a medical and health service manager is $39,680.
How Can You Become a Medical Office Administrator?
Did reading this spark your interest in becoming a medical office administrator? First, you’ll need proper training, skills, and education to perform your duties accurately and successfully. Learn all of that and more from the comfort of your home. Blue Cliff College has an online Medical Office Administration Program that prepares you for an entry-level position in the healthcare setting of your choice. Blue Cliff College also offers financial aid for those who qualify and career services to get you ready for new opportunities.
