Many pediatric offices across the country are in need of a reliable and skilled pediatrician assistant.
Nearly all of these practices are extremely busy and many are short-staffed. This leaves the clinic open to many potential problems, which is why it is so important to find a qualified and experienced pediatrician assistant who can help keep it all running smoothly.
This article will give you everything you should know about hiring a pediatrician assistant, including what to look for in a candidate and how to find the right fit for your office.
What is a pediatrician assistant (and what do they do)?
A pediatrician assistant is a medical professional who provides care for children (from newborns to teenagers) alongside helping with administrative duties, patient aftercare, and record-keeping tasks. Typically, these assistants work under the direction of a qualified pediatrician or nurse practitioner.
Pediatric medical assistants are a vital part of any modern pediatric practice. They must be able to multitask and handle a high volume of daily tasks.
Many pediatrician assistants have a degree in health sciences or a related field. Some have completed a two-year accredited medical assistant program. These professionals must learn about child development, growth, and common childhood illnesses. Medical terminology, billing and coding, and insurance coverages may also be part of their education.
Working in a medical assistant role for a pediatric medical office can be challenging and rewarding. Those who enjoy working with children, have strong organizational skills, and can juggle multiple tasks at once do well in this type of role.
Pediatrician assistants typically work full-time, although some may work part-time or have a flexible schedule. They may also work evenings or weekends, depending on the type of medical practice.
If you're primarily in need of an administrative assistant or receptionist, consider a Healthcare Virtual Assistant (HVA) from Hello Rache. With HelloRache, you can secure a professional for your pediatric practice that works remotely and is available during the hours you need the most support. This is an efficient way to conserve office space and reduce overhead costs while still getting the support you need.
Skills a pediatrician assistant should possess
The ideal candidate for a pediatrician assistant position can vary between practices, but there are some essential skills that all pediatrician assistants should possess.
1. Strong communication skills:
A pediatrician assistant must be able to communicate effectively with children and adults. They should be able to explain medical procedures and terminology in a way that is easy to understand.
They must also be able to document patient medical histories and update charts accurately. There is no room for error when it comes to patient documentation.
2. Exceptional organizational skills:
A pediatrician assistant must be able to keep track of multiple tasks and deadlines. They should be able to prioritize their work and have strong attention to detail. This is important in ensuring that all office duties are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
Most importantly, they should be able to keep the medical office organized and running smoothly. Without good organizational skills, things can quickly become chaotic.
3. Attention to detail:
A pediatrician assistant must be able to pay attention to detail to provide quality patient care. They should be able to notice changes in a child’s appearance or behavior and document them accurately.
Most roles in the medical field, such as nurse practitioner or assistant in pediatrics, require a high level of detail orientation.
4. Compassion:
A pediatrician assistant should have compassion for their patients and their patient's families. They should be able to provide emotional support during difficult times. While not required, previous experience working with children can be helpful.
There can be a lot of difficult situations that arise in a pediatrician’s office, and it’s essential to have someone on your staff who can handle them with compassion.
It's important to note that these are just a few skills that might be required or desired for a pediatrician assistant position. Each outpatient clinic is different and runs on varying practices and procedures, so it's important to find an assistant that can adapt to your specific needs. Trial and error might be required to find the perfect fit for your office, but it'll be worth it in the long run.
There is an ever-growing demand for pediatric medical assistants in the healthcare field. The Affordable Care Act gives more people access to healthcare than ever before. This means that medical offices are busier than ever and are in need of extra support. If your pediatric office is bogged down with paperwork and daily tasks, it might be time to consider hiring a pediatrician assistant.
How to hire a pediatrician assistant
If bringing a pediatric medical assistant onto your team is the right decision for your practice, you can take a few fundamental steps to ensure a smooth hiring process.
1. Consider the needs of your office:
The first step is to consider the specific needs of your office.
- How many pediatrician assistants do you need?
- What type of work do you need help with (consider going virtual if it's primarily administrative tasks)
- What hours do you need them to report for work?
- What skills and qualifications are required?
Once you understand your needs, you can search for the right candidates. If you are a business owner, be sure to collect input from your pediatrician or nurse practitioner who works in a hands-on role in the office.
2. Look for a candidate with the right education and experience:
It's important to find a candidate with the right education and experience for the job. Additionally, they should have a strong interest in working with children.
There is no one-size-fits-all guide for education and experience, so be sure to tailor your search to the specific needs of your practice.
3. Outsource with virtual services:
Hiring a virtual pediatrician assistant can be a great way to get the assistance you need without adding another employee to your staff. Virtual assistants are available from leading providers like Hello Rache. With this option, you can get the help you need without worrying about additional office space or equipment.
4. Choose someone who is a strong fit for your office:
It is important to find a candidate who is a good fit for your office culture. They should be compatible with your team and work well with others. Even with a remote option, you should still ensure the candidate is a good fit for your practice. The most forthright way to do this is to schedule a video call to get to know them better.
The benefits of hiring a pediatrician assistant are vast and can help your practice run more smoothly. With the right candidate, you can provide better patient care and free up your time to focus on other aspects of your practice.
And, on that note, let's talk about a couple of the leading benefits of hiring a pediatrician's assistant…
Benefits of hiring a pediatrician assistant
1. Improved patient care:
If you have more help in your office, your patients will receive better care. With a pediatrician assistant on staff, you can see more patients and provide more comprehensive care. There is no need to worry about being overstretched or overwhelmed.
2. More time for you:
When you have a pediatrician assistant in your office, you will have more time to focus on other integral parts of your practice. You can see more patients, spend more time on administrative tasks, or take a well-deserved break. Many medical providers find that hiring an assistant improves their work-life balance.
3. Improved office efficiency:
An assistant can help your office run more smoothly and efficiently. With an extra set of hands, your staff can quickly get through patients and free up time for other tasks. An assistant can also help with scheduling, billing, and other administrative tasks.
If you are considering hiring a pediatrician assistant, remember to take your time and find the right candidate for your needs. With the right person on your team, you can improve the efficiency of your pediatric practice and reduce stress levels for all of your staff.
Pediatrician assistant salary and demand
With the growing population and the number of children needing medical care, the demand for pediatrician assistants is rising. Nearly all states are expected to see an increase in demand for medical professionals over the next decade.
Additionally, there are over 3,810 pediatricians currently employed in the United States. This number highlights the demand for pediatrician assistants, as each office typically utilizes at least one assistant. Without the help of an assistant, a pediatrician would be unable to see all the patients they need to in a day while maintaining proper documentation for each visit.
The average pediatric medical assistant salary in the United States is $31,991 as of July 2022.
However, salaries can vary greatly depending on experience, location, and other factors. In some cases, pediatrician assistants may earn more than the average medical assistant. Most pediatrician assistants work full-time and maintain a typical Monday through Friday workweek. Some positions may require working evenings or weekends to meet the practice's needs.
Larger cities and metropolitan areas typically have a higher demand for pediatrician assistants and offer higher salaries. Additionally, practices located in rural areas may be willing to pay more to attract candidates. This shows that it is truly difficult to pinpoint one specific salary for all pediatrician assistants.
As the population continues to grow and the medical field expands, the demand for pediatrician assistants will likely increase. This is why there is no better time than now to secure a reliable and reputable pediatrician assistant for your medical practice. You will be able to provide better patient care and run a more efficient office.
Book a call with the Hello Rache team to learn how a virtual pediatrician assistant can help your practice save on costs. There is no need to stress about finding extra office space or equipment when you utilize our team of skilled professionals. We can help you find the best pediatric medical assistant for your practice and provide the support you need to succeed.
Virtual assistant services are the future of healthcare.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, so does the role of the pediatrician assistant. With more and more practices looking for ways to improve patient care and efficiency, virtual assistant services are becoming increasingly popular. This service allows practices to have a virtual assistant on staff without additional office space or equipment.
Virtual assistants can provide numerous services, such as scheduling appointments, handling customer service inquiries, and providing administrative support. This type of assistance can be especially helpful for small practices that do not have the staff or resources to handle all these tasks independently.
The benefits of virtual pediatrician assistant services are vast. Many practices find that they save time and money by utilizing this type of service. The cost savings are especially significant for small practices that cannot afford a full-time assistant. In addition, virtual assistants can be available nearly any time you need them, which can be a lifesaver for practices with after-hours emergencies.
When you secure virtual front desk services, an experienced assistant will connect with patients via secure conferencing software like Zoom on a tablet or computer. This way, they can help with anything that would normally happen at the front desk of your office without you having to be there in person. They can also communicate with patients via phone who call to schedule appointments or ask questions about their care.
It's common for both parents and children to be nervous about visiting the doctor. However, pediatrician assistants can help put them at ease with their compassionate bedside manner and knowledge of child development. There are many benefits to having a pediatrician assistant on your team, including providing high-quality care and building relationships with families.
Find your next pediatrician assistant
As the number of pediatricians in the United States continues to grow, so does the demand for pediatrician assistants. Pediatrician assistants are skilled professionals who play an important role in helping pediatricians see all of their patients while maintaining proper documentation. Medical practices with a pediatrician assistant on staff can improve patient care and efficiency.
If you are interested in finding a medical assistant for your practice, learn more about how Hello Rache's virtual assistant services work. There is no need to agonize about the size of your current office space or equipment when you utilize our team of skilled professionals. You can focus on providing the best care for your patients and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
