Even before the pandemic, healthcare workers such as medical assistants, nurses, and technicians have been affected by burnout, which costs the United States $4.6 billion annually. So, what does this have to do with medical assistant technology?

Well…with the added emotional and physical toll of the pandemic and the nationwide healthcare labor shortages, the problem has only worsened. 

Medical assistants, along with other hospital staff, are leaving their jobs at an alarming rate. 

As a result, the workload of the remaining staff has increased, making it challenging for healthcare workers to provide quality care to patients. 

Which (in turn) can lead even to more dissatisfaction and more shortages (it’s a loop if you think about it.)

So…

The increased workload and reduced job satisfaction contribute to a vicious cycle of more resignations and staff shortages, further affecting patient care.

Medical assistant technology can help lighten the workload of MAs, and this is what this blog is about.

What is MA technology?

Medical Assistant (MA) technology refers to the use of technological tools and software applications in the healthcare industry to support the work of medical assistants. 

Medical Assistant technology can include tools and equipment used in medical procedures, such as electronic blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and other diagnostic devices. 

This technology can also include electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical billing, and coding software, etc., etc., (we will get into more detail below.)

What can medical assistant technology do to overcome staffing shortages?

Medical assistants are an important part of the job that physicians do, and they play a critical role in helping to ensure that patients receive high-quality care. 

However, if medical assistants do not feel that their contributions are recognized or appreciated, they may begin to feel disillusioned with their work.

Moreover, they have lots of clinical and administrative responsibilities…

This may make them feel overworked or underappreciated, particularly if they are expected to perform many tasks without adequate support or training.

That’s how medical assistant technology helps them perform their responsibilities more efficiently, reducing their workload and increasing accuracy. 

With a healthcare workload management tool, a MA can have better job satisfaction, thus improving retention.

Better retention means you will be able to maintain your medical staff “intact”…fighting the shortage of medical assistants in the healthcare industry.

Let’s look at how medical assistant technology can help:

Technology can help medical assistants in many ways.

Scheduling Appointments: 

MAs are often responsible for scheduling patient appointments. 

Medical assistant technology can help streamline this process by providing online scheduling tools, allowing patients to book appointments online without needing phone calls or emails. 

This can help reduce the workload of medical assistants and improve the accuracy of appointment scheduling.

Maintaining Patient Records: 

Medical assistants are responsible for maintaining accurate patient records, including medical histories, test results, and treatment plans.

With electronic health record (EHR) systems, patient data can be securely stored. This can allow medical assistants to easily access and update patient records as needed.

Billing and Coding: 

MAs are often responsible for billing and coding procedures, which can be complex and time-consuming. 

Medical assistant technology can help provide billing and coding software that can automate many of these tasks. With the help of software, the business can reduce the potential for errors and improve accuracy.

Communication with Patients: 

MAs may be responsible for communicating with patients via phone or email, answering questions, and providing information about their healthcare. 

Technology can help with using software, that can help improve the accuracy of communication between medical assistants and patients.

Inventory Management: 

Medical assistants may be responsible for managing inventory, including ordering supplies and tracking usage. 

Technology can help with software that can automate many of these tasks and provide real-time visibility into inventory levels.

To wrap it up

Medical assistants play a very, very crucial role in the efficient and effective operation of healthcare practices. 

They allow licensed healthcare providers to focus on patient care by managing administrative tasks. 

Unfortunately, job dissatisfaction among healthcare workers has been increasing since the pandemic…

Which has led to high resignation (impacting the MA shortage.)

But, with the help of medical assistant technology, they can complete their responsibilities accurately and efficiently.

Whether it’s scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, or managing inventory, technology can help medical assistants work smarter… not harder. 

By leveraging technology, medical assistants can continue to be an integral part of the team and make a positive impact.