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Chapter 1
The Medical Assistant
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Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
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
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Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
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)
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General Competencies
• Communication• Legal and Ethical Concepts• Patient Instruction and Advocacy• Operational Functions
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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
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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
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“Boundaries” of Medical Assisting
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Work Environment
• Doctor’s offices• Specialty practices• Urgent care centers• Clinics• Hospitals
• Labs• Insurance companies• Billing companies• Government agencies
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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.”
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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
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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
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Personal Appearance
• Cleanliness• Posture• Hand care• Hair care
• Proper attire• Jewelry• Appropriate fragrances
and cosmetics
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Professional Behaviors
• Accurate• Adaptable/flexible• Courteous• Confidential• Dependable• Empathetic
• Honest• Takes initiative• Patient• Punctual• Respectful• Tactful
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Personal Qualities
• Qualities that affect the way your character traits are perceived– Friendly attitude– Genuine smile– Perception as a professional
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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
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Professional Organizations
• Medical assisting organizations that provide services to members, such as:– Credential examinations– Continuing education
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Professional Organizations
• 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
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Professional Organizations
• 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
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Professional Organizations
• American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)– CPC (physician practice)– CPC-H (outpatient hospital/facility)– CPC-P (payer)– Other certifications available for coders as well