PowerPoint® to accompany
Medical Assisting
Chapter 2
Second Edition
Ramutkowski • Booth • Pugh • Thompson • Whicker
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.
1
Types of Medical Practice
Objectives
2-1 Describe medical specialties and specialists.
2-2 Explain the purpose of the American Board of
Medical Specialists.
2-3 Describe the duties of several types of allied
health professionals with whom medical
assistants may work.
2-4 Name professional associations that may help
advance a medical assistant’s career.
2
Medical Specialties


Approximately 22
Cardiology
major medical
specialties exists
Specialized
medical care is
driven by
Pediatrics
Adult
advances in
diagnosing and
Note: Cardiology = specialty
treating various
Pediatrics & Adult = subspecialty
diseases
3
Physician Education & Licensure
Obtain Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate from an Accredited Medical School
Pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam
Complete 2-6 years of Residency
4
Family Practice



Medical doctors that treat all
conditions and age groups
Also called general practitioners or
primary care physicians by insurance
companies
Refers patients to specialists for
specific diseases requiring specialized
care
5
Medical Specialists
Specialist
Allergist
Anesthesiologist
Cardiologist
Functions
Diagnose and treat persons
with hypersensitivity to
substances like drugs, chemicals,
and elements in nature
 Administers medications that
alter sensation and feelings
during surgery
 Diagnose and treat diseases of
the heart and blood vessels

6
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Functions
Dermatologist

Doctor of
Osteopathy

Emergency
Medicine
Diagnose and treat diseases of the
skin, hair, and nails
Use their eyes and hands to
identify structural problems and
promote natural healing
 Work in hospital emergency rooms
 Diagnose and treat medical crisis
and accidents
7
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Endocrinologist
Functions
Diagnose and treat disorders of
the endocrine system which
regulates many body functions
Gastroenterologist  Diagnose and treat disorders
related to the stomach, intestines,
and other organs
Gerontologist
 Diagnose and treat problems and
diseases affecting older adults

8
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Internist
Nephrologist
Neurologist
Obstetrics
Function
Diagnose and treat problems
related to internal organs
 Study, manage, and diagnose
diseases of the kidney
 Diagnose and treat disorders and
diseases of the nervous system
 Study pregnancy, labor and
delivery, and postpartum

9
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Oncologist
Function
Identify and treat patients
with cancer
Ophthalmologist
 Diagnose and treat diseases
and disorders of the eye
Orthopedist
 Diagnose and treat diseases
and disorders of muscles and
bones
Otorhinolaryngogolist  Diagnose and treat ear, nose,
and throat disorders

10
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Function
Pathologist

Studies bodily changes produced by
disease processes
Pediatrician

Physiatrists

Plastic Surgeon

Diagnose and treat childhood
diseases
Diagnose and treat diseases and
disorders with physical therapy
Performs reconstruction, correction,
and improvement of body structures
11
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Radiologist
Surgeon
Urologist
Function
Uses X rays and radioactive
substances to diagnose and treat
diseases
 Uses their hands and instruments
to diagnose, correct, and treat
injuries, diseases, and deformities
 Diagnose and treat diseases of
the kidneys, bladder, and urinary
system

12
Apply Your Knowledge
Name the medical specialists who would
be involved in the care of a 6-month-old
infant with massive burns over 90% of
his body? Indicate how each specialist
will contribute to the care for this
situation.
13
Apply Your Knowledge -Answer
Pediatrician
6-month-old infant
Plastic Surgeon
Dermatologist
Emergency Medicine
Skin grafting
Skin, hair, and nail repair
Treats medical crisis
14
Working With Other
Allied Health Professionals
Doctors
Nurses
Medical Assistants
Health Care
Team Members
Patients
Specialists
15
Electroencephalographic (EEG)
Technologist



Electroencephalography is the study and
recording of the brain electrical activity.
EEG technologists are also referred to as
technicians.
EEG technicians work in hospitals,
physician’s offices, and clinics.
16
Electrocardiograph (ECG)
Technician


ECG Technicians
operate
electrocardiograph
machines that
record the heart’s
electrical impulses
ECG Technicians
work in hospitals
17
Medical Technology

Medical
Technologist



Perform lab tests and
procedures such as
examining body
fluids and tissues
Have a 4-year
degree
Work in clinics,
industry, hospitals,
research, etc.

Medical Laboratory
Technician (MLT)



Perform lab tests
under supervision of
physicians or medical
technologists
Have 1 to 2 year
degrees
Work in hospital labs,
clinics, etc.
18
Physician Assistant (PA)




Provides direct patient care under the
supervision of a licensed physician
Training requirements vary, many states
require certification and registration with the
state medical board
Works in a variety of settings such as private
practice, nursing homes, hospitals, etc.
Some states allow them to write prescriptions
19
Nuclear Medicine Technologist



Complete either a 2-year or 4-year program
Work in hospitals, physician offices, or public
health institutions
Duties include:





Overseeing quality control
Prepare & administer radioactive drugs
Operate radiation detection instruments
Patient positioning
Performing imaging procedures
20
Respiratory Therapist



Works under the supervision of a physician
Works in hospitals, physician offices, nursing
homes, and commercial companies
Evaluates, treats and cares for patients with
respiratory problems such as:




Asthma
Emphysema
Pneumonia
Bronchitis
21
Medical Secretary



Assist medical, professional, and technical
personnel
Work in hospitals, clinics, medical offices,
and nursing homes
Perform secretarial and clerical duties such as:




Typing
Dictation
Maintaining files
Using word processors to compose and
prepare letters
22
Physical Therapist (PT)




Has a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy
Must pass a state board examination
May work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers,
outpatient clinics, private practice, or sports
medicine center
Improve patient functioning by using:




Electricity and heat
Cold
Ultrasound & massage
Exercise
23
Medical Records Technologist



Organize and evaluate medical records
Compile administrative and health statistics,
code symptoms, and input and retrieve
computerized health data
Two types are:


Registered Records Administrator (RRA)
Accredited Records Technician (ART)
24
Phlebotomist



Draw blood for diagnostic laboratory testing
Receive advanced phlebotomy training that
allows them to draw blood under difficult
circumstances
Most states require phlebotomists to be
certified by the National Phlebotomy
Association or registered by the American
Society of Clinical Pathologists
25
Radiologic Technician



Trained in x-ray theory and practical
applications as well as radioactive materials
May specialize in radiation therapy,
radiography, or nuclear medicine
Work in:




Hospitals
Clinics
Medical Laboratories
Medical Practices
26
Radiographer



Also called x-ray technician
Assists radiologist in taking x-ray films to diagnose
broken bones, tumors, ulcers and disease
Works in:






Hospitals
Laboratories
Clinics
Industry
Government Agencies
Physician Offices
27
Pharmacist



Dispense
medications and
health supplies to
the public
Employed in
hospitals, clinics,
nursing homes,
pharmaceutical
companies, private
or chain pharmacies
3-levels of
educational training
for pharmacy
careers
7
6
5
Pharmacy
Technician
4
3
2
1
0
Registered
Pharmacist
(RPh)
Doctor of
Pharmacy
(PharmD)
# Years of
Education
28
Registered Dietitian




Also called nutritionists
Assists patients and family with nutrition
planning
May prepare and serve food to groups
Work settings include:





Community Health Agencies
Hospitals
Clinics
Private Practices
Teaching and serving as Consultants
29
Nursing Careers
Nursing Aide/
Assistant
Practical/
Vocational
Nurse
Training
Sample Duties
1 week to
3 months
Bed making
Vital signs
Bathing Patients
Vital Signs
Medication Administration
Dressing Changes
Assist registered nurses &
physicians
1 year
30
Registered Nurse (RN)
Title
Training
Associate Degree RN
(ADN)
Diploma RN
2 years
Baccalaureate RN
(BSN)
4 years
3 years
31
Nurse Practitioner (NP)



An RN that functions in an expanded role
Requires a minimum of a Master’s Degree
and 4 to 12 months of formal training or an
apprenticeship
Duties include:




Physical Examinations
Treating Common illnesses & injuries
Many states allow NP’s to write prescriptions
Patient Education
32
Mental Health Technician



Also called psychiatric aide or counselor
Participates in supervising group therapy and
counseling sessions
Works with emotionally disturbed and
mentally retarded patients in settings such as:




Psychiatric Clinics
Crisis Centers & Shelters
Hospital Psychiatric Units
Specialized Nursing Home Settings
33
Occupational Therapist



Helps patients attain maximum physical and
mental health through the use of educational,
vocational and rehabilitation activities
Have a 4-year degree plus 9 to 12 months
internship at an accredited hospital
Work settings include:



Hospital
Government agency
Rehabilitation Hospital
34
Medical Transcriptionist


Translate a physician’s dictation about patient
treatments into a comprehensive, typed report
Work settings include:






Attorney Offices
Insurance Companies
Hospitals
Physician Offices
Clinics
Laboratories
35
Apply Your Knowledge
If you had to choose other health team members
to plan the care for a 68-year old patient recently
diagnosed with a stroke, who has a history of
seizure disorders, which would you choose, and
why?
36
Apply Your Knowledge -Answer






Physical Therapist-for decreased mobility due
to stroke
Pharmacist-medications
Nutritionist-dietary modifications
EEG-check brain electrical activities
Nurse (RN & CNA)
Other answers may be acceptable!
37
Specialty Career Options

Anesthetist’s
Assistant



Provide anesthetic care
under direct supervision
of the anesthetist
Work in hospitals and
high-technology
surgical centers
Assist in evaluating
patient mental and
physical status

Dental Assistant



Can practice without
formal education or
training
Perform both
administrative and lab
functions
Work in private
practice, clinics,
schools, local health
agencies, and for
insurance companies
38
Specialty Career Options (cont.)

Pediatric Medical
Assistant


Assist the pediatrician
with administrative and
clinical duties
Work in private
practice, hospitals, and
clinics

Pharmacy Technician


Perform routine tasks
related to record
keeping and preparing
and dispensing
medications
Work in hospitals,
pharmaceutical firms,
and wholesale
pharmacies
39
Specialty Career Options (cont.)

Emergency Medical
Technician/Paramedic



Referred to as an EMT
Trained to triage patients
and follow instructions
from a physician
Work for an ambulance
service, fire department,
hospital emergency
rooms, and private
industry

Surgeon’s Assistant




Complete a 2-year
or 4-year degree
Provide patient services
under direct supervision
of a surgeon
Perform diagnostic and
therapeutic procedures
Work in hospitals
primarily
40
Specialty Career Options (cont.)

Ophthalmic Assistant



Assists
ophthalmologists
Performs simple vision
testing and other patient
care procedures
3 Ophthalmic Career
levels:



Technologist
Technician
Assistant

Physical Therapy
Assistant




Works directly under
the physical therapist
Performs tests and
treatment procedures
Observes and
documents patient
responses to therapy
Works in hospitals,
rehabilitation centers,
nursing homes, etc.
41
Specialty Career Options (cont.)

Radiation Therapy
Technologist




Assists the radiologist
Maintains radiation
treatment equipment
Completes a 2-or 4year education program
Works in hospitals,
labs, clinics, and
physician offices

Respiratory Therapy
Technician



Works under
supervision of
physician and
respiratory therapist
Performs artificial
ventilation and
maintains respiratory
equipment
Works in hospitals,
physician offices,
nursing homes, etc.
42
Specialty Career Options (cont.)

Speech/Language
Pathologist



Evaluate, diagnose, and
counsel patients with
communication
problems like stuttering
Usually have a
Master’s Degree
Work in schools,
hospitals, research
settings, teach, or
private practice

Certified Laboratory
Assistant



Perform lab procedures
such as bacteriology,
chemistry, hematology,
parasitology, serology,
and urinalysis
Are supervised by
medical technologists
or hospital pathologists
Work in labs, clinics,
physician offices, etc.
43
Specialty Career Options (cont.)

Occupational
Therapist Assistant



Supervised by
occupational therapists
Teach fine motor skills,
occupations & the arts
to patients with mental
& physical disabilities
Earn a 2-year degree

Pathologist Assistant



Supervised by a
pathologist
Some work with
forensic and/or
anatomic pathologists
Perform laboratory
duties and some
administrative
functions
44
Professional Associations
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT)
American College of Physicians (ACP)
American Hospital Association (AHA)
American Medical Association (AMA)
45
Professional Associations
American Medical Technologist (AMT)
American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA)
American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPI)
46
Apply Your Knowledge -Answer
Which of the professional organizations listed below are
primarily for the role (s) of medical assistants?
AMA
x
x
AAMA
ASCP
x
AAMT
AHA
ACP
AMT
APhA
47
The End
The End
48