While the physician is responsible for performing the sterile procedure, the medical assistant has many duties related to assisting the physician during the procedure. You will learn what the individual physician prefers for equipment and routine, but having a good understanding of the basics of sterile technique and office surgeries will allow you to assist in any minor procedure. You must be prepared to pass instruments to the physician during the procedure. This should be done in a firm and precise method so that the physician is able to easily grip the instruments. You should make sure that instruments are held so there is no danger of injury to either yourself or the physician. The medical assistant is also is responsible for maintenance of the sterile field. The physician must be notified immediately of any breach of the sterile field. The medical assistant must also be prepared to process specimens that are obtained during the procedure. Suturing of the wound is done at the end of the procedure. You will pass the needleholder and/or suture material to the physician. Be prepared to cut the suture and swab the area with sterile gauze so the physician has good visualization of the area.
Once the procedure is finished, you will clean and bandage the wound. The area may be rinsed with sterile, normal saline as directed by the physician. A sterile nonadherent dressing should be applied unless ordered otherwise. The patient should be assisted to dress if needed. Instruction for care of the surgical area should be given in writing and a follow-up appointment scheduled prior to the patient leaving the office. The patient must be made aware of the signs and symptoms of infection and informed to call the office if any problems or questions occur. Documentation of the procedure and the instructions should be placed in the patient’s chart immediately after the procedure is completed.