National Medical Assistants Week was celebrated Oct. 21 – 25 at Baylor College of Medicine, and across the country. These medical professionals play an important role, performing both administrative and clinical responsibilities.
“We have an exceptional team of medical assistants at Baylor College of Medicine, and we’re thankful for the care they provide our patients and for the important role they play in our clinical operations,” said Kristin Wade, chief operating officer of Baylor Medicine.
At Baylor, MAs were recognized at two appreciation luncheons, one at Baylor Clinic and the other on the McNair campus. Be sure to say thank you to our medical assistants. See photos from the luncheon in the slideshow below.
Medical assistants are often one of the first clinical staff members that patients interact with at an appointment. Not familiar with their roles? See some of their responsibilities below, and learn more from the American Association of Medical Assistants.
- Welcoming patients
- Updating and filing patient medical records
- Coding and filling out insurance forms
- Scheduling appointments
- Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
- Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping
- Taking medical histories
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients
- Preparing patients for examination
- Assisting the physician during exams
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
- Performing basic laboratory tests
- Instructing patients about medication and special diets
- Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
- Transmitting prescription refills as directed
- Drawing blood
- Taking electrocardiograms
- Removing sutures and changing dressings
BCM Family 