The Cost of Hiring a Medical Virtual Assistant 2023

Fernando Barranta • Feb 01, 2023

Understanding Virtual Assistant Cost in 2023

Staffing issues have been spreading like an epidemic in medical practice for quite some time. Many healthcare providers struggle to provide quality care without much-needed help. Moreover, patients begin to suffer the consequences more than anyone else involved.

Maintaining your medical practice's operations running smoothly and keeping your patients satisfied are the top 2 things you should prioritize in 2023. That's where hiring a virtual medical assistant comes into play.

A virtual medical assistant can buy you more time to spend with your patients. In addition, they can efficiently manage your clinical tasks on a day-to-day basis. Instead of worrying about the cost of hiring a virtual medical assistant, you should focus on the perks and benefits of getting one.

You're in the right place if you're looking forward to adding a virtual medical assistant to your practice. We'll discuss the advantages of hiring a medical VA and decipher the cost of a virtual assistant. So, without further delay, let's dive in.

What is a Virtual Medical Assistant?

A virtual medical assistant is a remote employee who performs medical practice tasks such as insurance verification, EMR data entry, prescription refills, and prior authorization. Moreover, they also do patient scheduling and other clerical duties.

A Medical VA can help "ease out" the burden in your practice, allowing you to focus on your patients efficiently.

Why You Need A Virtual Medical Assistant

Suppose you're still unsure whether your practice needs a virtual medical assistant. In that case, this next section will help you with your decision.

The key is identifying the reasons why you need a medical VA. Think about what prompted you to seek assistance in the first place. We've compiled the factors that make hiring a virtual assistant is crucial in your practice.

Save Time, Money, and Effort

Hiring remote employees helps reduce your practice's overall overhead costs significantly. Studies say you can save up to $22,000 annually for a virtual medical assistant. Imagine the positive impact of working with virtual medical VAs in your practice.

Spend Quality Time with Your Patients

One of the most significant factors why you should consider hiring a medical VA is you can spend more quality time with your patients. As a healthcare provider, your goal is to safely treat and manage your patients' health conditions. With the help of a virtual medical assistant, you no longer need to divide your attention between admin tasks and your patients' well-being. Moreover, it helps with increasing your practice's overall productivity.

Address Capacity and Staffing Issues

Sometimes, capacity issues are not always about physical space. It also refers to your available time. Some patients turn away from your services due to your inability to cater to their needs. When you find yourself buried in overwhelming waves of paperwork and other clerical stuff, it's time to consider hiring a virtual medical assistant. In addition, prompt responses to your patient's needs and demands can help increase your revenue.

Improved Healthcare Services and Patient Experience

Spending quality time with your patients creates a positive vibe that enhances your patients' overall experience. Patients appreciate the focus and undivided attention of their doctors all the time. You can provide what they need while your VAs manage the additional tasks. Moreover, medical VAs smoothen the billing process too. You can hit two targets in one move - providing quality care and patient convenience. Therefore, improving the overall experience for your patients.

Understanding The Cost of A Virtual Medical VA

How much is a virtual assistant? The reasonable cost of a virtual medical assistant depends on the skills and experience. The typical virtual assistant services rates range from $5.00 to $100.00 per hour (virtual assistant hourly rate). The virtual assistant pricing may not sound attractive to small practices. However, there are ways to determine the factors beneficial to you.

Here are some examples:

Certifications
Quality
Reliability
Cost
Location
Soft skills
Language
Tech savviness
How much do virtual assistants make

After careful consideration, ask yourself: What skills make sense for the quality and type of services we need help with? Do not base your decision on the cheapest rate you can find. Instead, focus on the areas of your practice that can improve with the help of a virtual medical assistant.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Medical Assistant Provider

Looking for the right medical VA provider for your practice is vital to success. However, the search can be overwhelming at first. Don't worry. We've compiled tips to get you started.

Provides Extensive Training to Virtual Medical Assistants

Look for a provider who offers ample training to their medical VAs. Their virtual medical assistants should be familiar with the tasks related to the services you offer.

Familiar with HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA violations can cost you a small fortune. Hiring a medical VA who is HIPAA certified can reduce the risks of unnecessary fines and fees. Look for a medical VA provider who ensures HIPAA compliance training for their virtual medical assistants.