Medical assistants provide physician support services that ensure that healthcare facilities run smoothly. They are responsible for administrative as well as clinical tasks, such as maintaining patient records, preparing patients and rooms for examination, assisting physicians with exams, and performing front-desk tasks. Medical assistants typically work in physician's offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Other duties include recording and updating medical histories and contact information in patient files, scheduling patient appointments, and performing standard care procedures like drawing blood, checking vitals, or collecting lab samples.