Hi Abby, You have a misunderstanding about the Physician and Medical Assistant concept. First of all, say you work for a physician and if he was to see you as patient or one of your family members, with the insurance that you have. You would have to pay a co payment, and than you would have to pay for any labs that may be done, and the Doctors time, and services rendered and of course if there are any supplies that might be used, and of course there might be x-rays involved. All together that could easily run you about $350.00 and up. Now getting back to the Doctor treating you at no charge is a little perk for a small practice. This is one of the reasons we get into medicine in the first place is to help each other, and other people as well. It will help you build a bond with your Doctor that you are working with, you'll really get to know each other well, and when you're treated right by him or her and you go and tell your family and friends about how good or bad he or she treated you. Word gets around, and that can make or break a Doctors practice, and in these times not all of us have the money on hand to pay to be seen as with mostly all practices now a days they want you to pay in advance. This practice;(One good turn for another turn) has been going on since there have been Doctors. I'm very thankful for any little help I can get along the way. If you have compassion for others then you'll be a great MA. I hope this has helped.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: NCMA, (NCCT), AS

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? Yes