How to Be Geriatrics Medical Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 23, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The increasing aging population has led to a shortage of medical professionals trained to care for older adults. As a result, geriatric medical assistants are becoming an increasingly important part of the healthcare team. These professionals are specially trained to provide services and support to elderly patients, helping them manage their health conditions and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

They can provide assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. Geriatric medical assistants are also knowledgeable in geriatric care protocols, providing information on topics such as fall prevention, nutrition, advanced directives, and end-of-life care. With their expertise, geriatric medical assistants can help elderly patients stay healthy and independent for longer, improving their quality of life and reducing the burden on family caregivers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. A high school diploma or GED is the first step to becoming a geriatrics medical assistant.
Obtain an Associate Degree. An associate degree in medical assisting or a related field is typically the minimum requirement for this position. Many employers prefer applicants with a degree in geriatric health or a related area of study.
Become Certified. Completion of a certification program is not required, but it is highly recommended. Certification programs provide hands-on training and experience in geriatric care, which can be beneficial when seeking employment.
Develop Your Skills. Obtaining an education and certification can only take you so far. To be successful in geriatric medical assisting, you must develop your skills and become knowledgeable in geriatric care techniques and procedures.
Stay Current. As new techniques and procedures are developed, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in geriatric care. Continue to learn and stay informed about changes in the field.
Network. Building relationships and networking with other professionals in your area can help you land a job as a geriatrics medical assistant. It also provides opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues.

Being a geriatrics medical assistant requires reliable and competent performance in order to ensure the best health outcomes for elderly patients. The medical assistant must possess knowledge of medical terminology, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with patients and their families. They must also demonstrate excellent organizational and multitasking skills, be able to recognize and respond to changes in the condition of the patient, and be able to carry out duties delegated by the physician.

Furthermore, a geriatrics medical assistant should have a strong understanding of Medicare and Medicaid regulations and have the capacity to effectively document patient information in the electronic medical record. With these skills, the medical assistant is able to provide quality care to elderly patients, ensuring their safety and well-being.

You may want to check Geriatric Activities Director, Geriatrics Medical Office Receptionist, and Geriatric Psychiatrist for alternative.

Job Description

Assist geriatric patients with daily living activities and healthcare needs.
Administer prescribed medications and treatments according to doctor's instructions.
Monitor patient vital signs and report changes to supervising physician.
Assist in scheduling patient appointments and follow-up visits.
Provide emotional support to elderly patients and their families.
Prepare examination and treatment rooms with necessary instruments and supplies.
Educate patients on health maintenance and disease prevention.
Maintain patient medical records and file paperwork as necessary.
Perform basic laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and glucose monitoring.
Handle administrative tasks such as faxing, copying, and filing documents.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the principles of aging and geriatrics
Understanding of working with elderly patients
Ability to provide patient education about health maintenance and disease prevention
Ability to assist in the evaluation and management of geriatric patients
Ability to perform routine vital signs and other lab tests
Ability to document patient information accurately
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Understanding of infection control procedures
Knowledge of medical terminology and diseases
Computer literacy and experience with medical software
Basic knowledge of pharmacology and medication administration
Knowledge of medical coding, billing, and insurance processes

The most important skill to have as a Geriatrics Medical Assistant is the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with elderly patients. This requires being able to listen carefully and attentively, in order to understand the patient's concerns and needs. It also involves being able to explain medical information in an understandable way and provide clear instructions.

geriatrics medical assistants must be able to build relationships of trust and support with elderly patients and their families, as well as maintain confidentiality. These skills are essential for geriatrics medical assistants to ensure that elderly patients receive the best care possible. Without effective communication and relationship building, elderly patients may not receive the full range of care they need, which can have a negative effect on their overall health and wellbeing.

Geriatric Rehabilitation Nurse, Geriatric Care Facilitator, and Geriatrics Medical Billing Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How do you stay up to date on current developments in geriatric medicine?
What experience do you have working with elderly patients?
Describe a successful approach you have used to help an elderly patient adjust to a new medical regimen.
What strategies have you implemented when dealing with challenging behaviors from elderly patients?
How would you manage a situation where an elderly patient is refusing to take their medication?
What do you find most rewarding about working with elderly patients?
How do you prioritize tasks and ensure deadlines are met in a timely manner?
Describe a time when you had to perform a medical procedure on a geriatric patient.
What strategies do you use to ensure that elderly patients receive appropriate treatment?
How do you maintain a compassionate and understanding attitude when dealing with geriatric patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Records (EHR). EHR is a digital version of a patients paper chart. It allows medical assistants to store patient data, such as medical history, lab results, and insurance information in a secure, electronic format. (Eg: Athenahealth, Epic)
Practice Management Software. Practice management software helps medical assistants in scheduling appointments and managing patient records. (Eg: Kareo, AdvancedMD)
Charting Software. Charting software helps medical assistants to quickly and accurately record patient data such as symptoms, diagnoses, medications and treatments. (Eg: eClinicalWorks, Cerner)
Telemedicine Software. Telemedicine software allows geriatric patients to remotely access medical care without having to physically visit a doctors office. (Eg: MDLive, American Well)
Medical Billing Software. Medical billing software helps medical assistants to streamline the billing process by generating electronic claims and tracking payments. (Eg: Kareo, AthenaCollector)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geriatrics Society (AGS)
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM)
American Medical Directors Association (AMDA)
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA)
Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN)
National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB)
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
American Society on Aging (ASA)
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Society for Geriatric Nursing (SGN)

We also have Geriatrics Home Care Specialist, Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator, and Geriatric Mental Health Nurse jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Geriatrics. The branch of medical science that specializes in the care of elderly people.
Gerontology. The scientific study of aging and the elderly.
Geriatric Assessment. An evaluation of an elderly person's physical, psychological, social, and emotional health.
Geriatric Medicine. A branch of medicine that focuses on the health and well-being of older adults.
Assisted Living. A type of supportive living environment for older adults who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Long-Term Care. Services and support that help elderly individuals live safely and independently in a home or community setting.
Senior Living. A residential setting designed for seniors who have difficulty living independently.
Palliative Care. A specialized care approach focused on improving quality of life for patients with chronic or life-limiting illnesses.
Home Care. Non-medical care services provided in the home to help elderly individuals remain safe and independent.
Hospice Care. End-of-life medical care provided to those with terminal illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a geriatrics medical assistant?

A geriatrics medical assistant is a healthcare professional that specializes in providing support to elderly patients with their medical needs. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that elderly patients receive the care and support they need.

What are some of the tasks a geriatrics medical assistant might do?

The specific tasks of a geriatrics medical assistant may vary depending on the specific setting, but typically include taking vital signs, recording patient history, scheduling appointments, administering medications and performing lab tests. They may also assist with patient education and provide emotional support to elderly patients.

What qualifications are required to become a geriatrics medical assistant?

To become a geriatrics medical assistant, a person must have a high school diploma or GED, and a certificate or degree in medical assisting. Additional certifications may be required depending on the state and employer.

How much does a geriatrics medical assistant typically earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for geriatrics medical assistants in 2020 was $34,800.

What kind of work environment do geriatrics medical assistants work in?

Geriatrics medical assistants typically work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and private practice offices. Some may also work from home.