Will “Secretary” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

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

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

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

• 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.

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

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

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

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

• Maintain medical records, technical library, or correspondence files.

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

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

• Complete insurance or other claim forms.

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

• Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff.

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