What is one responsibility of a medical assistant regarding patient records?

Maintaining and updating patient records accurately is a fundamental responsibility of a medical assistant. This role involves ensuring that all patient information is current, organized, and reflective of the patient's medical history and ongoing treatments. Accurate record-keeping is critical for providing quality care, as it enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions based on the latest information about the patient's health status, medications, and previous treatments.

Additionally, proper management of patient records supports compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, safeguarding patient confidentiality and ensuring that sensitive information is protected. Accurate records also facilitate communication among the healthcare team and contribute to a seamless continuum of care for patients.

Creating new medical protocols, shredding old patient records without consent, and interpreting medical codes are responsibilities that may fall outside the direct purview of a medical assistant. These tasks often require specialized knowledge or authority that exceeds the typical scope of a medical assistant's duties in the clinical setting.