Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
SOC: 43-6013.00
Common Job Titles
Medical Receptionist
Medical Secretary
Unit Clerk
Unit Support Representative
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeOrganize appointment schedules and patient flow logistics balancing provider availability, patient needs, and clinic capacity constraints.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate insurance verification and billing compliance with payer requirements identifying discrepancies and resolving issues to ensure accurate reimbursement.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate patient confidentiality protocols with administrative workflow processes when handling sensitive medical information across multiple communication channels.
Proficient
Hands-onCoordinate multi-line telephone systems, intercom equipment, and digital communication platforms to manage simultaneous patient inquiries, provider communications, and external calls efficiently.
Proficient
KnowledgeCompare patient records against administrative and clinical standards ensuring data accuracy and regulatory compliance within hospital or clinic procedures.
Proficient
MindsetReconcile competing priorities among patient needs, provider schedules, and administrative deadlines maintaining professionalism under time pressure in fast-paced medical office settings.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply medical terminology and healthcare coding systems (HCPCS, ICD) when documenting patient records and processing billing information in clinical settings.
Developing
Hands-onOperate electronic health record (EHR) software systems (Epic, MEDITECH, eClinicalWorks) to accurately input, retrieve, and manage patient data following HIPAA compliance protocols.
Developing
MindsetEngage with patients and families during check-in, billing inquiries, and appointment coordination demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity in high-volume healthcare environments.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret physician dictation and clinical documentation to transcribe and compile accurate medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
830,760
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,050. 25th percentile: U.S. $37,880. 50th percentile: U.S. $44,640. 75th percentile: U.S. $49,720. 90th percentile: U.S. $60,050. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$35,050
10% of workers earn the following or more
$60,050
Workers on average earn
$45,580
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
English Language4.3/5
Administrative3.9/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.6/5
Personnel and Human Resources3.4/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
