Medical assistants can work in a variety of specialized branches of medicine in support of physicians and the medical team. Podiatry is a field in which many medical assistants work, supporting physicians and helping patients. Their duties include several administrative and clinical tasks, including preparing exam rooms, helping with wound care, diagnostic tests, and managing patient records. The demand for medical assistants is growing due to an aging population, an overall increase in population, and a need for qualified healthcare workers to help those patients.
What is a Podiatric Medical Assistant?
Podiatric medical assistants is a specialized healthcare worker who helps physicians and nurses provide care for patients with foot, ankle, and lower leg issues. They perform many diverse administrative and clinical duties, some of which require specialized training in podiatric care. Medical assistants in podiatry help patients with foot issues due to diabetes, injury, neurological issues, and other conditions. Some of their duties can include preparing exam rooms, wound care, administering diagnostic tests, assisting physicians with medical procedures, and managing patient records. Their work is crucial to providing effective, compassionate care to patients in podiatry clinics.
Where They Work
Podiatric medical assistants most commonly work in private practice podiatry practices, about 6 in 10 work in medical offices. Medical assistants also help podiatrists in outpatient clinics, hospitals, sports medicine, occupational health, municipal health departments, and assisted living facilities.
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Responsibilities of Podiatric Medical Assistants
Working in a podiatry department requires medical assistants to handle specific tasks and learn certain skills. Podiatric medical assistants should have a solid understanding of anatomy and typical foot and ankle issues such as diabetic foot ulcers, plantar faciitis, hammertoes, and bunions. This will help them more effectively help the physician and provide patient care. These are some of the most typical duties that a podiatric medical assistant will have each day.
Patient intake and check-in. The medical assistants process patient intake forms, make sure insurance information is input, and all forms are filled out and signed.
Manage patient records. In a medical office, the medical assistants are usually responsible for updating and maintaining electronic health records for patients.
Schedule patient follow-up appointments. After their current appointment is finished, the medical assistant sets up their next visit.
Preparing exam rooms. A podiatric medical assistant prepares the examination rooms, and stocks them with supplies and equipment, sterilizing and wiping down the exam table after every patient. They prepare patients for examinations by taking their vital signs, documenting symptoms, reviewing patient histories, and setting up necessary equipment.
Taking vital signs. The MA will take patient vital signs such as blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and temperature.
Wound care. Medical assistants in podiatry offices must have the ability to provide wound care, including changing bandages and dressings, due to foot wounds and ulcers found in diabetes patients, and patients who have undergone foot surgery. They must educate patients on bandaging and foot care to prevent infection and promote healing.
Toenail care. Many patients have difficulty caring for their toenails, so medical assistants may help trim ingrown toenails properly.
Casting and bracing assistance. Medical assistants often help podiatrists set casts or fit orthopedic devices such as braces and splints. This helps the foot and ankle heal faster while maintaining mobility.
Helping with diagnostic and laboratory procedures. If the patient is suffering chronic foot pain, the medical assistant may help set up an X-ray or ultrasound to take imaging of the foot. This will help determine if there is a fracture or structural misalignment. They may also help with diagnostic tests such as gait analysis.
Taking patient samples. There are times when medical assistants will have to collect blood samples for diagnostic testing.
Billing and Insurance. The medical assistant may sometimes be tasked with submitting reimbursement claims to patients’ insurance companies, if they are trained in billing and coding.
Patient education and communication. Podiatric medical assistants help educate patients, teaching them how to play a crucial role in patient education, showing patients how to care for their feet when they have diabetes, how to wear orthotics, doing exercises to maintain foot health, or how to change bandages after foot surgery. It’s important for medical assistants to have compassion and empathy while conveying information to the patients.
How to Become a Podiatry Medical Assistant
These are the steps you will take to become a medical assistant who specializes in podiatry care.
Step 1: Complete a Medical Assisting Training Program
Becoming a certified medical assistant can be accomplished by successfully completing a Medical Assisting program through an accredited school. A good program will teach you medical terminology, basics of medical coding and billing, clinical and administrative skills, laboratory assisting, medical office workflow and practices, and provide an externship at a local clinic so you can get the hands-on experience you need to sit for the certification exam. Note: In California and many other states, becoming certified as a medical assistant is not required, but recommended, as employers often look for the most qualified candidates.
Step 2: Get Hands-On Clinical Experience in Podiatry
Completing a medical assisting program and getting experience in a general practice clinic is good, but podiatry has specialized tasks you might not encounter normally. Getting hands-on experience in a podiatry office will give you the clinical skills you need to gain a deeper understanding of this branch of healthcare. Assisting physicians with wound care, podiatric exams, and the tools used in podiatry will give you valuable experience you need to specialize in podiatric offices.
Step 3: Get Certified in Podiatry as a Medical Assistant (optional)
To show advanced proficiency in podiatric medical assisting, you may consider getting additional certification from organizations recognized by podiatrists. For California residents, the Podiatric Medical Board of California can give you information on the certifications that would be recognized in the state. Also, the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants has certifications on their website for medical assistants who are members of their organization. Getting specialty certifications may help you earn more as a podiatric medical assistant.
Positive Impact on Your Community
Working in podiatry as a medical assistant allows you to have a direct impact on your local community. Whether you are helping patients with diabetes, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendon issues, you are helping improve their quality of life. Your work helps people live better day to day lives, and that work can feel very rewarding.
Become a Certified Medical Assistant at Campus Sacramento
If you’re ready to begin your journey to becoming a certified medical assistant, Campus Sacramento has a comprehensive Medical Assisting program that will give the skills you need to start your career. We have flexible schedules to accommodate your busy schedule, and start dates throughout the year. To get more information on this program, including financial aid, contact our friendly Admissions team or call 888-675-2460.