As a member of the team an orthopedic doctor's office, medical assistants help provide care for patients with a variety of problems, such as osteoporosis, fractures, joint replacements, tendinitis, muscle tears and spinal abnormalities like scoliosis.

Function

The duties of a medical assistant involve completing routine patient care tasks so that the orthopedic doctor and the nursing staff can attend to other matters.

Types of Duties

Medical assistants at an orthopedics office check patient vital signs, gather medical history, hand the orthopedist instruments during in-office procedures, and may be responsible for applying or removing casts on patients' arms or legs. Assistants also prepare the examination room before each appointment and may sterilize instruments.

Variations

In some practices, medical assistants also perform administrative duties like answering phones, gathering insurance information, filing and retrieving medical records, setting appointments and unpacking or restocking supplies.

Requirements

To successfully complete their duties, medical assistants earn one-year diplomas or two-year associate degree in medical assisting. Some medical assistants receive certification from the National Association of Orthopedist Technologists by working for two years in the field of orthopedics and then passing a written examination.

Compensation

In December 2009, medical assistants for orthopedic doctors averaged annual salaries of $42,000 in exchange for completing their duties, according to Indeed.com.

Source:

Indeed.com: Orthopedic Medical Assistant Salaries

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Assistants

National Association of Orthopedic Technologists: Certifaction

Resource:

naot.org: Sample Job Description