10 Essential Qualities of A Virtual Medical Assistant
There are many things you need to do as a family physician, dentist or vet. There’s no shortage tasks, whether you are examining patients or managing your staff. You also have to balance your personal life. This is why it’s important to delegate strategically. A virtual medical assistant can be a great tool, as it can save you time, cut out unnecessary non-clinical tasks, decrease operating costs, and allow you to better manage your day. Let’s put this all in perspective. We will be reviewing the 10 essential qualities of a virtual assistant.
1 – Training and experience relevant
You will need the appropriate training and experience if you are looking to hire a medical professional. All reputable virtual medical assistants have the ability to learn both the most popular medical terminologies as well as best practices.
Virtual medical assistants can have previous experience as nurses or other medical backgrounds.
A virtual medical assistant is able to assist you in many ways, including updating patient records, reviewing electronic health record systems, and discussing health issues with patients.
#2 – Trustworthy Background
A virtual medical assistant is also required by medical professionals with a trustworthy background and credibility, in addition to previous work experience.
Reputable medical virtual assistants have HIPAA-training certifications and go through NBI background checks to ensure the confidentiality and safety of your patients’ medical records.
It is important that you are always able to ask your virtual assistant about their HIPAA training certificate and NBI background.
#3 – Scheduling Flexibility
Even though it is five o’clock in some places, that does not mean that patient care and treatment can stop for the day. You need a virtual assistant to help you manage your patient care schedule.
Flexible scheduling allows your patients to receive the care and attention that they require, regardless of when it is.
Your practice can be open during regular business hours, and you can operate after-hours, or on weekends, if necessary, to provide the 24-hour care that your patients need.
4 – Empathy, Bedside Manner and Empathy
Virtual medical assistants must be able and willing to interact with patients.
Not only must medical professionals address sensitive medical problems quickly and effectively, but they also need a human touch to make patients feel relaxed and heard.
According to a study conducted by MGMA-Healthgrades about 52% of medical patients wish their healthcare providers were compassionate, patient, and had a comforting bedside manner.
An excellent virtual medical assistant should have empathy.
5 – Organization Skills
It’s obvious that you have many electronic medical records, as well as medical charts, to manage in your practice.
A Physicians Foundation 2018 study found that doctors average 51 hours per week and see as many as 20 patients each day. The Physicians Foundation found that 25% of doctors spend their time on paperwork and non-clinical tasks.
Virtual assistants should be attentive and well-organized to allow providers to concentrate on what is most important: giving their patients the best care.
Healthcare providers are in dire need of someone who can update patient information, record medical equipment inventories, interpret detailed notes based on patient condition and manage many other administrative tasks.
It is because virtual medical assistants with a healthcare background understand the importance to be well-organized when working with you and your patient.
6 – Professionalism
Excellence and professionalism are foundational to how your patients perceive your practice in any related field.
Also, patients will likely leave your practice with negative impressions if the virtual medical assistant is not professional.
This is why virtual assistants are certified according to medical standards and have a thorough understanding of medical terminology.
This allows for a seamless and efficient patient interaction, leaving your patients with a great overall experience.
7 – Problem Solving Skills
It doesn’t really matter whether you provide general medical services or specialized care such as dental or veterinary work, it is vital to have the support of professionals who can help whenever needed.
The job of medical virtual assistants is to assist you in any way they can, as they have extensive industry knowledge.
No matter if you are looking for someone to help you chart and diagnose, consult, or simply to keep track of your patients’ monthly records, our virtual assistants will be able to help you!
8 – Being Proactive
Duke University has found that doctors must work an average of 17 hours per week, seven days a weeks, in order to provide for all the patients’ medical needs.
If you are looking to maximize the activities of your medical practice, you need more than one set of eyes.
You want a member of your team who is actively involved and not just there to do the job.
9 – Adaptability
It is a fact, that no two medical practices will be the same.
While your practice may be a specialist in one field of medicine, others might offer a greater range of services for their patients.
It’s therefore essential to find virtual medical aids who are flexible and adaptable based on the practice they’re assigned to.
Virtual medical assistants are able to work alongside family physicians, therapists and veterinarians as well as behavioral health providers and other healthcare providers.
10 – Friendly, Approachable
Did you know the virtual healthcare assistant industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate 39.5% between 2021-2026
The global market for telecommunications is expected to grow to $6 billion by 2026 if the industry keeps its current pace.
With this growth, there is an increasing demand for virtual medical assistants who can be approachable and friendly when working with patients and doctors.
You need a virtual assistant to help you make patients feel comfortable, regardless of whether you are consulting them about their patient’s chart.