One of the best things about studying to become a medical assistant is the career flexibility you’ll enjoy. Medical assistants are needed almost everywhere healthcare, and related services are provided, from private practices to hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and more. Medical groups offer another option for employment where medical assistants work alongside a team of skilled professionals to care for patients. As you explore job options, Prism Career Institute explains everything you need to know about medical group work.
What is a Medical Group Practice?
A medical group practice refers to a collective of physicians who have agreed to work together by treating patients in a single practice. Medical groups may focus on a single specialty, such as oncology or OB/GYN care, or include physicians from multiple disciplines, like general practitioners, specialists, and more. These practices can be as small as two or three doctors or include dozens of physicians.
No matter what type of group practice you work in, you’re sure to interact with many other skilled medical professionals. Medical group work may allow you to encounter:
- Doctors: From family doctors to highly-trained specialists, group practices include at least two doctors working in partnership. As a medical assistant, you may be assigned to a single doctor’s area of the practice, or be utilized wherever the need is greatest from day-to-day.
- Physician assistants (PA): Although a PA does not possess a doctoral degree, he or she can examine patients, prescribe medications, and determine treatment. Accordingly, you may assist them with clinical or administrative duties as you would a doctor.
- Nurse practitioners: These medical professionals must work under the supervision of a doctor in New Jersey, but can perform a majority of the same duties.
- Nurses: Nurses typically provide direct care, coordinate communication between doctors and patients, and oversee the work of medical assistants. Due to their training, they make take on more advanced tasks and responsibilities than the typical medical assistant.
- Office managers: These individuals are responsible for the practice’s administrative functions. Medical assistants who work in administrative roles will report to the office manager in regards to scheduling, records management, and more.
- Medical billers and coders: Responsible for processing insurance claims, medical billers, and coders ensure patients receive accurate statements and pay invoices in a timely fashion.
You’ll also work alongside several other medical assistants. In some group practices, medical assistants are responsible for administrative and clinical duties, from answering phones and scheduling appointments to patient intake and exam room preparation. Other practices may prefer to keep these duties separate. As you look into medical group work, be sure to ask about the scope of your job responsibilities and how you will fit into the bigger picture.
Prepare for Medical Group Work in New Jersey
When you enroll in Prism Career Institute’s medical assistant training programs in West Atlantic City or Cherry Hill, NJ, you’ll gain all the skills needed to pursue a successful career in a growing field. Just as importantly, our externship program allows students to experience work in a variety of medical settings so you can begin your career with real experience. For more information, contact us online or call 888-966-8146 today.