6 Medical Technologies You Need to Know as a Medical Assistant
As a Medical Assistant, you have many responsibilities. From helping with patients to working the front office, there’s a lot to do—and you need to do it all as efficiently as possible. Good thing there are technologies to help you do your job well. Do you know the most important medical technologies you need to know as a Medical Assistant? Check them out:
1. Electronic Health Records Systems
At the top of the list of the tech you use in your job every day is the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Medical records are now digitized, which means you access them through an online system to update them. Each record has several components, including patient demographics, medical history, treatment plans, and medication trackers. As with any software or data system, there is a learning curve when you initially work with the system. Learn the core parts of the system first and then expand once you gain proficiency. If you pick it up quickly, you could train other employees to use it.
2. Practice Management Software
When you perform clinical work, you help manage the office. This means scheduling patient appointments, generating bills, and managing the office inventory. Instead of using multiple documents, calendars, and spreadsheets to keep track of everything, your facility will probably use practice management software. This is a one-stop application that helps you schedule appointments, communicate with patients, and take care of the office’s finances. You can generate bills for patients and file insurance claims on their behalf. Think of practice management software as your medical office assistant.
3. Autoclaves and Sterilization Equipment
For patient health and safety, it’s critical to sterilize medical stations, tools, and equipment. There are several tools you can use to do this, including autoclaves and sterilizers that utilize temperature and cleansers to clean forceps, scissors, and scalpels. You calibrate these instruments and troubleshoot when they don’t work properly. You might order new sterilizers when old ones need to be replaced.
4. Digital Vital Sign Monitors
As a Medical Assistant, you regularly measure the vital signs of your patients. And what was once done manually is all digitized now. You record patient weight, heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure with tools like digital thermometers, digital scales, and pulse oximeters, and note the measurements in their electronic chart. To measure blood pressure, you use a digital monitor that can display the patient’s systolic and diastolic rates. The monitor automatically inflates and deflates and then returns an accurate reading for you to record. If the doctor notices anything out of the ordinary, it can signal an undiagnosed health problem or an ineffective treatment.
5. EKG Machines
An EKG machine is used to measure the heart’s electrical activity. Abnormalities detected in the readout could indicate serious conditions such as heart failure, arrythmia, heart valve disease, or an enlarged heart. While you can perform an EKG test, you cannot interpret the results—only the doctor can determine a diagnosis from the readout. But you should know how to properly place the electrodes and identify a quality reading. If the EKG is inaccurate, you may need to run the test again or troubleshoot any issues with the equipment.
6. Telemedicine Platforms
Who would have imagined that you would one day visit the doctor without leaving your home? With the invention of telemedicine, patients can meet with their doctor remotely. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those who live in rural areas. As the Medical Assistant, you set up these virtual consultations on platforms like Doctor on Demand or Teledoc Health and ensure that the calls run smoothly.
Are you tech savvy with an interest in health care? Then a career as a Medical Assistant might be the right fit for you. At Charter College, we offer a Certificate in Medical Assistant that can prepare you for a rewarding career in health care. Our faculty have years of experience in the field and are dedicated to your success. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.