Job descriptions: Medical office administration

Medical administrators keep healthcare offices running efficiently. They perform highly specialized work requiring knowledge of medical terminology and procedures. Administrators assist physicians and medical scientists with reports, record simple medical histories, arrange for patients to be hospitalized, and order supplies. They must also be familiar with insurance rules, billing practices, and hospital or laboratory procedures.
While entry-level administrative positions may be filled by those possessing a high school diploma, medical office administrators require specialized medical adminstration training programs. Training may include courses in medical terminology, medical office procedures, records and database management, or medical coding. Career colleges or community colleges grant Associate degrees or certificates in medical administration training.

Medical office administration can lead to a career in hospitals and medical offices. The work involves sitting for long periods of time and extensive keyboarding. Job risks include eyestrain, stress and repetitive motion ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Office work may offer flexible working arrangements, including part-time work or telecommuting – especially if the job requires extensive computer use.

Medical administrators should be proficient in keyboarding with good spelling, punctuation and grammar. In addition, they should be organized, with good communication and customer service skills. Increasing office automation and organizational restructuring will continue to make medical administrators more productive in coming years. Computers, e-mail, scanners and voice message systems are now standard workplace tools necessary to medical administration.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 373,000 people were employed as medical administrators in 2004. While the number of administrative assistant jobs is projected to decline, the need for medical administrators is expected to continue in the next decade.

Medical office administrators earned on average between $21,980 and $32,690. The highest 10 percent earned over $39,140. Salaries reflect differences in skill, experience and level of responsibility. Certification in this field usually is rewarded by a higher salary.