How Technology is Changing Medical Assisting

Posted On November 19,2019

As technology continues to revolutionize multiple aspects of our daily lives, medical assistant duties and responsibilities are also bound to undergo change. Medical assistants are involved in both clinical and administrative duties. As a result, the impact of technology is likely to affect these professionals more than others in the healthcare space.

With data analytics influencing how medical records are used, workers in the field can expect to leverage analytical tools as part of their daily jobs. Furthermore, the rise of telehealth (such as using self measurement kits and calorie trackers) will also change multiple functions that a medical assistant can expect to carry out while delivering patient care.

Here are 4 specific ways through which medical assistant duties and responsibilities will change in the near future due to technology.

1. Medical Assistants Will Play a More Significant Role in DataAnalytics

Data analytics is gaining momentum in healthcare. Professionals within this field are using patient records, disease research, and other factors to determine the variables that affect patient health.

As a medical assistant, you can expect to handle many different aspects of data collection, processing, and analysis. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be a data expert. However, be prepared to undergo training on the use of digital data collection systems and how to interpret results. The better medical assistants are at working with data; the more insights can be uncovered to improve patient treatment.

2. Using Advanced Tools to Support Doctors and Nurses

For many years, medical devices were built without ease as a top priority. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals would end up with complex machines that could only be utilized by experts. But thanks to technology, many medical devices are now built with the end user in mind. This means that medical assistants will have an easier time administering care to patients without being tangled up in technical jargon. For example, devices for testing blood/urine samples are now much easier (and faster) for medical assistants to use. Many also feature digital displays that accelerate the data interpretation process.

3. Adapting to a New Way of Communicating With Patients

Medical assistants are on the front lines of communicating with patients as soon as they visit a healthcare facility. As technology continues to become prevalent in the health field, medical assistants will need to adapt to a new generation of patients. For example, the country is becoming younger and increasingly diverse.

Some of the duties you will face include understanding patient concerns and ensuring that flexibility and personalization are met- regardless of a patient’s background. As a result, you can expect to use interactive tools when scheduling appointments, preparing samples, and communicating with primary caregivers. Furthermore, you may be responsible for ensuring that patients have access to their healthcare information via secure web portals, apps, and mobile devices.

4. Transitioning to Electronic Patient Records

Using pen and paper (for patient records) will eventually be replaced with electronic systems. The shift to fully digital medical records also comes with a change in medical assistant duties and responsibilities. For example, your roles will involve constantly updating patient files, checking for accuracy, and informing doctors/nurses of any anomalies. You can also expect to handle patient inquiries and address any concerns regarding access and accuracy.

Technology presents exciting opportunities within the healthcare field. Medical assistant duties and responsibilities will also be significantly influenced by technology, ranging from how patient records are managed to the manner in which data analysis is carried out. Being aware of these shifts will help you become more competitive within your field. We are helping people just like you obtain a rewarding career in the healthcare field. Contact us today for more information about our Medical Assistant Program.