Medical Secretaries

Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff.

Schedule and confirm patient diagnostic appointments, surgeries, or medical consultations.

Operate office equipment, such as voice mail messaging systems, and use word processing, spreadsheet, or other software applications to prepare reports, invoices, financial statements, letters, case histories, or medical records.

Interview patients to complete documents, case histories, or forms, such as intake or insurance forms.

Maintain medical records, technical library, or correspondence files.

Greet visitors, ascertain purpose of visit, and direct them to appropriate staff.

Compile and record medical charts, reports, or correspondence, using typewriter or personal computer.

Perform bookkeeping duties, such as credits or collections, preparing and sending financial statements or bills, and keeping financial records.

Schedule tests or procedures for patients, such as lab work or x-rays, based on physician orders.

Receive and route messages or documents, such as laboratory results, to appropriate staff.

Transmit correspondence or medical records by mail, e-mail, or fax.

Complete insurance or other claim forms.

Transcribe recorded messages or practitioners' diagnoses or recommendations into patients' medical records.

Arrange hospital admissions for patients.

Prepare correspondence or assist physicians or medical scientists with preparation of reports, speeches, articles, or conference proceedings.

Perform various clerical or administrative functions, such as ordering and maintaining an inventory of supplies.