Medical Assisting in Outpatient Surgery Centers
Posted On November 5,2024
Medical assistants are vital to the healthcare industry. As the population ages and the need for medical care grows, medical assistants provide much-needed support in every medical environment. If you want to become a medical assistant, you are likely considering what kind of facility you’d like to work in. Medical assisting in outpatient surgery can be challenging and fulfilling for someone dedicated to a successful career in healthcare.
What Is an Outpatient Surgery Center?
Medical care can happen in various locations, but when most people think of surgery, they are likely picturing that happening in a hospital. However, the same procedure can be done in an outpatient surgery center when the surgery is minor enough not to require an overnight stay. These facilities are typically set up to do various procedures, although some may specialize in certain types of surgery. While surgical centers do have recovery rooms, they are not set up for inpatient care, and the focus is on getting the patient home to recover. There are many advantages for patients to have surgical procedures done at outpatient surgery centers, including lower cost, convenience, less time spent at the center, and quicker recovery time. Because of all these benefits, surgical centers are increasing in popularity.
What Does a Medical Assistant Do in a Surgical Center?
Medical assistants perform various tasks in every setting, but working in a physician’s office can be very different from working in a surgical environment. Medical assistants play an important role in helping to support the flow in an outpatient surgical center, including before, during, and after the procedure. This includes administrative tasks, which may be similar to what medical assistants do in other medical facilities, including scheduling, taking patient histories, verifying insurance coverage, and taking vital signs. In a surgical center, medical assistants may also be responsible for making sure the patient understands and signs all the necessary consent forms before the surgery and all of the discharge instructions and follow-up care requirements.
However, medical assistants may have more clinical responsibilities in outpatient surgery. Before the surgery, medical assistants may assist with drawing blood and giving injections. During the surgery, medical assistants will help prep the surgical room, assist with sterile draping, pass instruments to the surgeon, and even participate in the procedure by applying pressure to help control bleeding. After the surgery, medical assistants will apply and check dressings and help monitor and assist patients in the recovery room.
Do Medical Assistants Need Special Training to Work in an Outpatient Surgical Center?
Any medical assistant program who has been through a qualified training program and taken the certification exam can work in most facilities, but because the tasks in an outpatient surgical center can be more complex, many outpatient surgical centers will want to make sure their medical assistants have had additional training. Medical assistants can get additional certifications demonstrating their ability to understand sterile techniques, operating room procedures, surgical instruments, and wound care. Many medical assistants who are interested in a career as a surgical medical assistant will enroll in programs that can help them get the clinical experience and additional coursework they need.
In addition to having the proper training and experience, medical assistants who want to transition to working in a surgical center need specific qualities. Medical assistants in a surgical center must have exceptional communication skills. You will be communicating vital information to both patients and the other members of the medical team. Medical assistants working in surgical centers must follow all instructions precisely and remain calm under pressure. Medical assistants in surgical centers need to be organized and attentive to detail. During your medical assistant training program, you can evaluate these skills and see what needs to be developed before beginning your career.
How Do You Get a Job in a Surgical Center?
If you have already begun your career as a medical assistant, you can continue working in your current role while taking additional classes that will prepare you for the necessary tasks required when working in an outpatient surgical facility. When you begin your medical assistant training program, investigate the options available for medical assistants interested in working in an outpatient surgical facility. You may secure an externship in a surgical facility that will give you practical, on-the-job training making you much more marketable to surgery centers. Most outpatient surgical centers are looking for medical assistants who have experience working with patients and have tried to get additional training.
Medical assistants make a difference in the lives of their patients, no matter where they work. Medical assistants working in surgical centers need to work with patients who may feel scared and vulnerable and will be the link between them and the surgical staff. Patients with a compassionate medical assistant dedicated to supporting them and ensuring they understand what is happening before, during, and after the procedure often have a positive experience and outcome. If you want to take your career in medical assisting to the next level, consider getting additional training to work in an outpatient surgical center.
Elevate your medical assisting career with Athena Career Academy’s comprehensive training program. Gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in outpatient surgery centers—apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding role in healthcare. Contact us today to learn more.