The medical assistant performs a variety of administrative duties dependent upon the physician’s practice and unique office requirements. The duties may include acting as a secretary, bookkeeper, and receptionist; answering incoming calls; receiving mail; greeting patients; handling correspondence and filing; arranging for laboratory and X-ray procedures or hospital admissions; taking histories; and maintaining patient records, accounts and billing. The clinical duties of a medical assistant include preparing patients and assisting the physician with examinations or treatment; measuring height and weight; and taking vital signs. The assistant may perform certain laboratory tests, take X-rays or EKGs, or assist with diagnostic and minor surgical procedures and the administration of injections or other medications.