As our health care system continues to undergo a fundamental transformation, the need for supporting positions in the medical field is increasing. The transition to electronic medical records combined with increasingly complicated regulations and paperwork has made it necessary to staff more people to handle administrative office tasks in order to ensure compliance. Additionally, with fewer doctors entering the profession and many leaving it, there is a shortage of doctors expected at a time when the number of patients is increasing. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports that the United States will face a shortage of between 46,000-90,000 physicians within 10 years.
Medical Assistants are poised to fill the need for both administrative and clinical help and the demand for this occupation is expected to grow much faster than the national average for all other occupations. Candidates for these positions can increase their options by becoming certified (CMA), as many employers prefer to hire medical assistants with this credential. Additionally, some states have begun to require certification of medical assistants.
Sample of Possible Interview Questions for Medical Assistants:
Tell me what you know about HIPPA.
What medical records software are you familiar with?
Tell me about a time when you helped make a process more efficient.
How would you handle a patient who was complaining to you about his/her doctor?
What is your level of experience with insurance billing?
Do you plan on getting your certification?
How do you help calm a patient who is very anxious?
Pretend I am your patient and get my medical history.
What do you do if a patient passes out while you are taking a blood sample?
What would you say to a patient who refused to fill out the required medical forms for treatment?
Have you ever completed an insurance form incorrectly?
Pretend I am your patient and explain to me why and how much of this medication I should take.
What have you done in the past 6 months to improve your knowledge of medical terminology and advancements?
Tell me about the most recent high-pressure situation you handled.
How do you ensure that the patient scheduling system is well-organized?
How would you handle it if a doctor yelled at you in front of a patient?
Are you comfortable explaining insurance information to patients?
Do you have experience with coordinating prescription refills?
Do you have experience managing employee payroll?
Explain how the electrocardiogram (ECG) chest leads should be placed.