If you work in the healthcare industry, you'll know that clerical tasks can be overwhelming. Duties such as updating medical records, answering phone calls, and transcribing documents can take time away from your patients.
But you don't have to keep juggling paperwork. Some medical offices hire administrative medical assistants to take care of repetitive tasks.
Others choose the cost-effective alternative of Healthcare Virtual Assistants (HVAs).
Which option is right for you, and how do these jobs compare?
Keep reading because we'll tell you what an administrative medical assistant does and compare average salaries across the country.
Plus, we'll explain why an HVA is a smart choice.
What is an administrative medical assistant?
Before we chat about salary, take a moment to learn what an administrative medical assistant is.
Administrative medical assistants work in a range of medical settings, including healthcare facilities, hospitals, and private practices. Most of their day is spent doing clerical duties.
Filing paperwork, scheduling appointments, and billing patients are just a few of their common tasks.
These administrative assistants usually work full-time, but part-time roles can also be available. Depending on the healthcare setting, they may also be asked to work weekends.
Not all medical offices need in-person support. If it's admin assistance you need, an HVA from Hello Rache is an effective solution. Our team works remotely and can do most of the same tasks as administrative medical assistants.
We offer an affordable alternative with experienced team members who'll make an immediate difference in the way your healthcare office runs.
Learn more about our Healthcare Virtual Assistants.
What training does an administrative medical assistant need?
Now, let's take a look at the educational requirements. If you're looking for an administrative medical assistant, most suitable candidates will have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Many of these workers have also completed an associate's degree program. The right person should have medical knowledge and experience in the healthcare industry.
Administrative experience is also important. You want someone who'll fit seamlessly into your organization and require minimal supervision.
What about skills? Anyone working in a medical facility should have good communication skills. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving skills are all essential to success.
Computer skills and fast, accurate typing are also important.
If you choose an HVA, you'll get all these skills and more. Our virtual assistants are HIPAA-trained and know how to keep your patients' sensitive data secure.
Plus, most of our team members have worked in healthcare occupations. For example, some are qualified nurses, while others have worked as medical secretaries.
How much does an administrative medical assistant make?
Hiring someone new comes at a cost. The average salary for an administrative medical assistant in the US is between $17.00 and $25.00 per hour. The median wage sits at $21.00 per hour.
The salary can vary depending on the level of experience, location, and type of healthcare setting.
Those in the 25th percentile make $18.00 an hour, and those in the 75th percentile make an average of $23.00 an hour. The $25.00-an-hour rate is reserved for those in the 90th percentile.
If you choose a virtual administrative assistant from Hello Rache, the cost is just $9.50 an hour. It's a flat rate, and you won't need to pay overtime or benefits.
How does the salary vary between states?
You know the national average, but how does this compare between locations? Let's take a look at some annual salaries across different US states.
The average yearly salary for administrative medical assistants in South Dakota is $36,660. This is one of the lower-paying states, and its rate is similar to West Virginia, where the average is $37,800.
In South Carolina, you can expect to pay these workers around $40,000, and in North Dakota, it'll be $40,100. North Carolina is about the same; the average salary there is $40,700 a year.
In Texas, the average salary is $41,900, and in Rhode Island, it's $45,000.
Another higher-paying state is New York, where the average yearly salary is $45,800.
Remember, the cost of living may impact the average pay range in your area. And, when you’re hiring an in-person administrative assistant there are likely other costs to consider. You may need to provide benefits, such as insurance and paid time off. Plus, you’ll need to provide office space and equipment
What are the top duties of an administrative medical assistant?
Before you make a hiring decision, learn more about what an administrative medical assistant does.
Here are some of the basic duties they can help you with:
1. Updating patient records
Keeping accurate medical records should be a priority in any healthcare setting.
Administrative medical assistants can manage both paper and electronic health records. They understand medical terminology and can update these files before or after patient examinations.
They support healthcare professionals by taking care of the finer details, giving you more time for your patients.
Did you know this is a service our virtual assistants can do for you? We can even scribe in real time via phone or video chat.
2. Billing patients
Medical billing can be complex. But with the right job training, medical administrative assistants can keep your accounts up to date.
Before a patient leaves, they can process payments and issue receipts. If someone is late paying their bill, these workers can make a follow-up call or email.
They can also help with basic bookkeeping. For example, they can input data into a computer software program, such as MYOB or Xero.
Our HVAs also have excellent data entry skills. Our team can support you with patient billing, and you won't need to find extra office space.
3. Greeting patients
When patients arrive, administrative medical assistants use their excellent communication skills to greet them.
These office workers answer questions and ensure that the visitor's details are correct. For example, they may ask for their name, phone number, and date of birth.
If the medical office is busy, the administrative medical assistant will ask the patient to be seated and give them an estimated timeframe for when they'll be seen.
They're the face of your healthcare organization, so they need to make a good first impression.
4. Answering phone calls
Administrative medical assistants need excellent phone skills. They use the phone to schedule appointments, answer questions, and update patient details.
Plus, they screen calls. For example, if the doctor is with another patient, these office assistants will take messages.
Sometimes, patients will call to cancel their appointments. Administrative medical assistants will reschedule their appointment to a new time slot and update the calendar.
A virtual assistant can also look after your phone line. Our experienced team members can book appointments, take messages, and more.
5. Processing insurance claims
Another common administrative medical assistant task is insurance claim processing. These workers will make sure that insurance paperwork is up to date.
When a patient wants to use their health insurance, medical administrative assistants will process the claim. If they have any questions, they can call the insurance company for verification.
If patients need support, administrative medical assistants can help them find the right insurance forms.
Any insurance data should be stored securely.
When should you use a Healthcare Virtual Assistant?
Your decision to use a Healthcare Virtual Assistant will depend on your unique requirements. However, if you need help with general office duties, we have the solution for you.
Some of the key tasks an HVA can help you with include answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, transcribing documents, and social media management.
When you choose Hello Rache, there are no long-term commitments. You can get an assistant with real job experience whenever you need it. Our team members are even available after hours and on weekends.
Because our virtual assistants are more affordable than in-person office workers, you'll save time and money.
Plus, we can fill gaps in your workplace. When an HVA supports your healthcare organization with clerical tasks, you can take the pressure off your existing employees. You can use the same HVA every time, giving you consistent clerical support.
Our team members take pride in their work and have excellent organizational skills. Even though they work remotely, their quality of service stands out.
When you sign up for our services, you can expect HIPAA-trained team members. We are committed to maintaining confidentiality and security.
If you run a medical service, an HVA is always a good choice.
Your administrative medical assistant salary guide
Do you need office support? An administrative office assistant is one option worth considering.
These workers can perform a range of duties, such as updating medical histories, billing patients, and processing insurance claims. They need excellent communication skills to greet patients and answer phone calls.
The average salary for administrative medical assistants in the US is around $21.00 per hour.
If you don't want to commit to this ongoing expense, consider an HVA. Healthcare Virtual Assistants from Hello Rache cost just $9.50 per hour. They can take care of almost any clerical task and are a great alternative to an in-person office worker.
Whether you need temporary support to help you get on top of your paperwork or ongoing assistance with flexibility, an HVA could be for you.
Contact us today to learn more, or check out our blog for more articles.