A medical office assistant (MOA) plays a crucial role in the operations of any medical office. Depending on the type of office they work in, the kinds of tasks they perform daily may differ. However, likely, the day of a medical office assistant will always be full of activity.   Through Computek College’s Medical Office Assistant Diploma program, our students gain skills that will prepare them to work in any medical office.   MOAs can work in various settings, such as a dentist or orthodontist’s office, a hospital, a chiropractor’s office, a doctor’s office, or a variety of clinics. Regardless of where they work, we will take you through the day-to-day duties of a medical office assistant. Keep reading.  

Tasks for the Morning

Typically, medical office assistants start their day earlier than their colleagues. A medical office assistant will most likely arrive at the office earlier than their coworkers. They’ll go over the appointments scheduled for that day and prepare for them by ensuring patient files are accessible, preparing paperwork, filling out insurance forms, and checking phones and emails for any last-minute cancellations or requests.   Other staff members may begin to arrive after this work is completed. The medical office assistant will brief them on anything they may need to know for the day, including reminding doctors of their appointments.  

When the Office Opens

While patients arrive for their appointments, they will be juggling a steady stream of phone calls. A medical office assistant is likely busy as soon as the office opens for patients.   A medical office assistant must conduct a check-in process when patients come, including having patients fill out paperwork and verify their information.   During your medical office assistant course, you’ll better understand the different types of documentation that patients frequently require for their files. You will also know what information is critical to have on hand at all times.   In addition to checking patients, a medical office assistant will handle appointment changes, appointment reminders, and other tasks. They will also process referrals for patients who require them, sorting referrals by priority.  

When Patients Have Left

When the office no longer sees patients, MOAs will have the time to complete any tasks they may have neglected throughout the day. These may include finalizing appointment scheduling, updating patients’ charts, and returning phone calls that may have been missed.   As a medical office assistant, your day might be challenging, requiring excellent communication, organization, and multitasking skills. However, once you start working, you’ll know it’s a rewarding job since you’re helping others.   Medical office assistants link patients in need of assistance and the practitioners who can provide it. At Computek College, we teach you all the skills required for this profession through our comprehensive Medical Office Administration Diploma program. Contact us at 416-321-9911 or visit our website to learn more!