positions have evolved into more technical, specialized positions, the official name has to reflect the increasing responsibility of the job as well. An administrative specialist in any capscity performs clerical tasks and manages office files, systems, and most of the daily functions required of office personnel. A medical administrative specialist performs all these tasks, but must also have extensive knoledge of the medical field. These specialists may work at a hospital, for a doctor in practice, at a medical research facility, or for a state health department.
The focus of a position may be in a specific area such as incurance billing or patient records, depending on the environment in which one choose to work. Though each position may require specific medical knowledge, the general areas as specialist should be proficient in area medical communication and new office technologies that apply to those in the health field. Many administrative professionals serve as the communication hub for an office or organization. This means it ist their reponsbility to keep abreast of changes in procedures and dissminate this information to staff. In medical environment, it is essential for for a medical administrative specialist to have a working knowledge of medical ternminoly in order to understand and properly communicate this type of vital information. The specialist must also understand medical procedures, insurance billing practices, and laboratory procedures and tests. Health information is private and it's important that a medical administrative specialist knows what information is especially sensitive. This to ensures that patients are not embarrassed or uncomforteable by mention of delicate topics in front of
others. The technical aspects of this job may include transcribing medical records, applying insurance codes in computerized billing systems, and mansging a patient appointment scheduling system. Some jobs require knowledge of specialized electronic insurance systems such as Medical, and other jobs require advanced skills in mainstream office software. Since many physicians attend conferences and lectures to keep up with advancements in the medical field, some specialists spend a lot of time doing academic research and preparing presentations. All medical administrative specialists must be proficient on a computer. All must be familiar wiht standar operating procedures for medical office, and all must be familiar with medical terms. The most advanced medical administrative specialists will also vast knowledge in one or more medical specializations. A Medical Administrative Specialist is very familiar with clinical and technical concepts required to coordinate administrative office funstions in the healthcare setting. A Medical Administrative Specialist must have a sincere desire to help people and willingness to learn the complexities of the health care industry. Medical Administrative Specialists work most of their time in the "front" office of a physician office, clinic or hospital. A medical administrative specialist must be outgoing, patient, and have an attention to detail. Also, this individual must be willing to learn new procedures, laws, and insurance filing forms.