copyright ©2012 delmar, cengage learning. all rights reserved. chapter 1 the medical assistant...

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Chapter 1

The Medical Assistant



The Role of the Medical Assistant

• Most versatile allied health occupation in today’s medical environment

• An integral member of the health care team

• The liaison between provider and patient



The Role of the Medical Assistant

• In order to become a successful medical assistant, you need to acquire specific:– Knowledge base (theory)– Skills (procedures)– Behaviors (professional characteristics and

attitudes)


General Competencies

• Communication• Legal and Ethical Concepts• Patient Instruction and Advocacy• Operational Functions


Administrative Competencies

• Administrative Procedures– Examples: Scheduling appointments, creating and

filing medical records, • Practice Finances

– Examples: Bookkeeping and financial procedures, preparing insurance forms, billing and coding


Clinical Competencies

• Fundamental Practices– Examples: Aseptic technique, infection control,

vital signs• Diagnostic Procedures

– Examples: Minor surgery, collecting and processing specimens, lab testing, ECGs, administering medications, phlebotomy

• Patient Care


“Boundaries” of Medical Assisting


Work Environment

• Doctor’s offices• Specialty practices• Urgent care centers• Clinics• Hospitals

• Labs• Insurance companies• Billing companies• Government agencies


Work Environment

• Solo practices• Partnerships• Multiprovider clinics• Urgent care centers• Patient-centered medical homes (PCMH)

– “A team-based model of care led by a personal physician who provides continuous and coordinated care throughout a patient's lifetime to maximize health outcomes.”


Job Outlook

• The medical assisting profession is expected to grow by 34% through 2018– Faster than average

• Factors affecting growth of the profession– Versatility of MA skills– Aging population– Technological advances & industry expansion


Demonstrating Professionalism

• Evolving into a professional doesn’t happen overnight

• Why is professionalism important?– Gives the impression that you are knowledgeable

and competent at your job– Encourages respect of coworkers, supervisors, and

patients– Helps you to feel like a part of the team


Personal Appearance

• Cleanliness• Posture• Hand care• Hair care

• Proper attire• Jewelry• Appropriate fragrances

and cosmetics


Professional Behaviors

• Accurate• Adaptable/flexible• Courteous• Confidential• Dependable• Empathetic

• Honest• Takes initiative• Patient• Punctual• Respectful• Tactful


Personal Qualities

• Qualities that affect the way your character traits are perceived– Friendly attitude– Genuine smile– Perception as a professional


Time Management

• Skills, tools, and practices used to manage daily activities to be most productive

• The Pareto Principle– The 80-20 rule: focus on the 20% of your work that

yields 80% of results• Stay organized and take active control of your

schedule


Professional Organizations

• Medical assisting organizations that provide services to members, such as:– Credential examinations– Continuing education



• American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)– MA Credential offered: CMA(AAMA)

• American Medical Technologists (AMT)– MA Credentials offered: RMA and CMAS – Other health care credentials offered as well



• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)– MA Credentials offered: NCMA, NCMOA– Other health care credentials offered as well

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)– MA Credentials offered: CCMA, CMAA– Other health care credentials offered as well



• American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)– CPC (physician practice)– CPC-H (outpatient hospital/facility)– CPC-P (payer)– Other certifications available for coders as well

copyright ©2012 delmar, cengage learning. all rights reserved. chapter 1 the medical assistant...

Documents