Communication skills are important for professionals in any career, and people of all walks of life. Good communication helps us get our point across, share information, and listen to and understand others. Medical office administrators know the importance of effective communication, as they interact with patients, doctors, pharmacists, and suppliers on a regular basis.
Here are some of the three most essential communication skills medical office administrators use on the job.
Communicating with Patients One on One as an Administrator
The ability to make patients feel at ease is an important hallmark of a professional with medical office administrator training. Because a medical office administrator will often be a patient’s first point of contact when they enter a clinic, hospital, or physiotherapist’s, their ability to greet a patient with warmth and professionalism is an important part of that patient’s first impression.
When a medical office administrator greets a patient warmly, and attentively listens to concerns they might have, it helps put that patient at ease. Patients can sometimes feel stressed about their health, an upcoming test or test result, or the impact that their wellbeing might have on their loved ones. Knowing that they have a dedicated and attentive medical office administrator looking after their file will often give them an added sense of comfort during what can be a time of anxiety.
Communication Skills When Answering Phones
Whether it’s calling patients to book appointments or answering inbound calls, professionals with a medical office administrator diploma know how to communicate effectively over the phone.
Medical office administrators are clear and concise when conveying information to patients, and make sure that the patient knows when and where their next appointment or test will take place, and if there are any preparations they should undertake beforehand. Making sure that a patient has fasted before an important procedure, or that they have a friend or family member to drive them home if necessary, means that a patient can feel fully prepared and ready for their appointment.
Medical office administrators also know how to communicate without using inaccessible medical jargon when talking to patients. They make sure that they use language that is both accessible and understandable for patients who don’t have the medical knowledge and training of a medical office administrator.
Medical Administrators Use Communication When Writing Reports
Someone who has completed medical administrator courses in Ontario will have completed courses in anatomy and medical terminology. They will have a basic understanding of pharmacology and pathology, and will be able to listen to and communicate with doctors and other medical staff effectively and professionally. Their ability to write concise and accurate reports using this terminology ensures that doctors stay on top of new developments with their patients.
What other communication skills do you think are important for medical office administrators?