5 Communication Tools That Students of Medical Assistant Programs Use Daily

A large part of work as a medical assistant involves communicating — with physicians, nurse, patients, even insurance carriers, if you’re working in administration. One thing medical assistant programs teach students is how to use these five essential communication tools effectively to make their lives easier.

1. Email

Medical assistants primarily use email to make contact with patients, reminding them about appointment dates and sending followup instructions from physicians. Email has the benefit of being one of the fastest ways to send information; however, it can also be impersonal and time-consuming (especially for back-and-forth communication), which is why it is so important that medical assistants possess a good understanding of other communication tools.

2. Phone

As a medical assistant, you may be required to use several types of phones. If you are working in administration, for example, you will need to use a landline phone, which demands a different telephone manner to a personal cellphone. It is beneficial for medical assistants to own a smartphone rather than a regular cellphone. To make the most of a smartphone’s capabilities, you should understand how to use all its basic features and utilize apps to improve your productivity and performance in daily tasks.

3. Video Conferencing

Video conferencing is better than email when you need an instant response or want to communicate a large amount of information. It can also be better than a phone, due to the visual component, and is useful for involving several parties in a conversation. Many doctors rely video conferencing to talk with patients who are unable to visit the medical center. If you work in an office where video conferencing software is present, you should be familiar with the system to be able to offer support.

4. File Sharing

On occasions, medical assistants may need to send numerous documents or large files to patients, professionals within an organization, and other students while still studying. Using some sort of file-sharing software can significantly speed up the process. Dropbox and Google Drive are great examples of how you can instantly share files and folders on your computer with others for a low cost.

5. Social Networking

If you are still looking for a medical assistant job or you want to advance in your career, social networking can be a key tool. By growing your list of contacts, you can expand your opportunities and connect with more potential employers. LinkedIn is a particularly useful platform and, if you use your profile to its full capacity, will even direct hiring managers to you.   Medical assistant programs provide students with everything they need to begin a career in the field. Sign up for a course at a trade school to receive classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and preparation for certification exams.