Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
Common Job Titles
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Secretary
- Unit Clerk
- Unit Support Representative
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeOrganize appointment schedules and patient flow logistics balancing provider availability, patient needs, and clinic capacity constraints.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate insurance verification and billing compliance with payer requirements identifying discrepancies and resolving issues to ensure accurate reimbursement.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient confidentiality protocols with administrative workflow processes when handling sensitive medical information across multiple communication channels.Proficient
- Hands-onCoordinate multi-line telephone systems, intercom equipment, and digital communication platforms to manage simultaneous patient inquiries, provider communications, and external calls efficiently.Proficient
- KnowledgeCompare patient records against administrative and clinical standards ensuring data accuracy and regulatory compliance within hospital or clinic procedures.Proficient
- MindsetReconcile competing priorities among patient needs, provider schedules, and administrative deadlines maintaining professionalism under time pressure in fast-paced medical office settings.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply medical terminology and healthcare coding systems (HCPCS, ICD) when documenting patient records and processing billing information in clinical settings.Developing
- Hands-onOperate electronic health record (EHR) software systems (Epic, MEDITECH, eClinicalWorks) to accurately input, retrieve, and manage patient data following HIPAA compliance protocols.Developing
- MindsetEngage with patients and families during check-in, billing inquiries, and appointment coordination demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity in high-volume healthcare environments.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret physician dictation and clinical documentation to transcribe and compile accurate medical charts, reports, and correspondence.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
830,760
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,050. 25th percentile: U.S. $37,880. 50th percentile: U.S. $44,640. 75th percentile: U.S. $49,720. 90th percentile: U.S. $60,050. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $35,050 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $60,050 |
| Workers on average earn | $45,580 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Administrative3.9/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.6/5
- Personnel and Human Resources3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Epic Systems
- Google Docs
- Henry Schein Dentrix
- Intuit QuickBooks
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- Accounts payable software
- Accounts receivable software
- Addressing software
- Allscripts Payerpath
- Allscripts Professional PM
- Amazing Charts
- Billing software
- CPSI CPSI System
Tools & Equipment
- Credit card processing machines
- Desktop computers
- Dictaphones
- Hospital intercom equipment
- Laptop computers
- Laser facsimile machines
- Laser printers
- Multi-line telephone systems