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Foundations and Principles
PowerPoint® presentation to accompany:
Medical Assisting
Third Edition
Booth, Whicker, Wyman, Pugh, Thompson
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
1-2
Learning Outcomes
1.1 Describe the job responsibilities of a medical
assistant.
1.2 Discuss the professional training of a medical
assistant.
1.3 Identify the personal characteristics a medical
assistant needs.
1.4 Define multiskilled health professional.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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Learning Outcomes (cont.)
1.5 Explain the importance of continuing education for
a medical assistant.
1.6 Describe the process and benefits of certification
and registration.
1.7 List the benefits of becoming a member of a
professional association.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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Introduction


Fast-growing
occupation
Generalist


Medical assistant


Graduate of accredited
institution
Multitasking skills
Someone trained in
all departments of the
facility
A multitasking professional is someone who is able to work in the
administrative area, the clinical areas, and the financial areas.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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Growth of the MA Profession

According to U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of
Statistics, medical assistants held 365,000 jobs in
2002.

60% in physicians’ offices

14 % in hospitals

10% in nursing homes and offices of other health-care
practitioners

Remainder in outpatient care centers, laboratories, and
other health-care-related services
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Knowledge Base Needed

Administrative and clinical skills

Patient insurance product knowledge

Compliance (OSHA, CLIA and HIPAA)
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Knowledge Base Needed (cont.)

Providing exceptional customer service

Practice management

Current patient treatments and education
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American Association of Medical
Assistants (AAMA)
National Organization
Purpose: To raise the standard
of medical assisting to a
more professional level
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
OF MEDICAL ASSISTANTS
20 N. WACKER DR., Ste. 1575
CHICAGO, IL 60606
(312) 899-1500
http://www.aama-ntl.org/
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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AAMA
Serves the needs of medical assistants by
providing:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Publications
Accreditation
Certification
Recertification
Continuing education
Legislative monitoring
• Member discounts
• Group insurance
• Annual national
convention
• Networking
opportunities
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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AAMA Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics of AAMA sets forth
principles of ethical and moral conduct as
they relate to the medical profession and the
particular practice of Medical Assisting.

Members of AAMA are dedicated to the
conscientious pursuit of their profession.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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Apply Your Knowledge
List four ways the AAMA serves the
needs of the medical assistant.
ANSWER: The AAMA serves the needs of the medical
assistant by providing the following services:
Publications
Certification
Continuing Education
Member Discounts
Annual National Convention
Opportunities
Good
Job
Accreditation
Recertification
Legislative Monitoring
Group Insurance
Networking
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Importance of Credentialing

Malpractice


Having credentialed personnel or staff will
lessen the likelihood of legal challenges of the
quality of care
Managed Care Organizations (MCO)

Place great importance in credentials for
employees.
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Certified Medical Assistant

CMA credential is awarded
by the Certifying Board of
the AAMA

Certification examination
evaluates mastery of
medical assisting
competencies

Recertify every
5 years

Continuing education
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Registered Medical Assistant

Credential is given by
American Medical
Technologists (AMT)

Certification exam

Educational and experiential requirements



High school graduate or acceptable equivalent
Graduate from accredited program
Pass the AMT exam
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RMA/CMA Examinations

General medical
knowledge





Terminology
Anatomy and
physiology
Behavioral science
Medical law
Ethics
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Medical Assistant Associations

Set standards for quality and performance
in the profession

Define tasks and functions for an
occupation

Provide opportunities for member
networking

Further the profession and assist members
to achieve career goals
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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Member Benefits

AAMA (CMA)






Professional
publications
Educational
opportunities
Group insurance
Legal information
Networking
Legislative monitoring

AMT (RMA)







Professional
publications
AMT Institute for
Education
Educational
opportunities
Group insurance
Legal representation
Networking
Student membership
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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RMA/CMA Examinations

Administrative
knowledge




Medical record
management
Collections
Insurance processing
HIPAA

Clinical knowledge




Exam room techniques
Medication preparation
and administration
Pharmacology
Specimen collections
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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Apply Your Knowledge
What are two reasons why credentialing
is important?
ANSWER: The likelihood of a legal challenge to quality of
care decreases when employees are certified, and Managed
Care Organizations place importance on credentials for
employees.
BRAVO!
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Apply Your Knowledge
Correct
List three things professional
medical assistant associations do or provide.
ANSWER: Medical Assistant Associations
• set standards for quality and performance for the
profession
• define tasks and functions for an occupation
• provide opportunities for member networking
• assist members to achieve career goals
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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Accreditation

The process by which programs
are officially authorized

Two recognized entities for
accrediting MA programs



CAAHEP
ABHES
Accreditation ensures that the program meets nationally
accepted standards
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Accredited Programs

Greater career options

Completion of a program that
meets national standards

Provides recognition of your education
by professional peers

Makes you eligible for registration
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Externships

Obtain practical work
experience

Duties will be planned
to meet your program’s
requirements

Offers you the opportunity to acquire a good
reference
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National Healthcare Association

Certification exams for other health-care
occupations, such as phlebotomy and ECG
technician

Continuing education

Program development

Education, career advancement, and networking
services for members

Registry of certified professionals
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Volunteering

Experience in a variety of settings

Practical experience

Help you make career
decisions

Include on résumé
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Multiskill Training

Reduces health care costs


Personnel are cross-trained for more
than one position
Expands your career opportunities






Office manager
Certified Office Laboratory Technician
Medical lab technician
ECG technician
Medical biller
Hospital admission coordinator
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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Apply Your Knowledge
What is the purpose of accreditation for
medical assistant programs?
ANSWER: Accreditation ensures that the program
meets nationally accepted standards.
List two advantages of multiskill training.
ANSWER: Multiskill training reduces healthcare
costs and expands your career opportunities.
Great!
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Daily Duties of MAs – Entry Level

Administrative, laboratory, and clinical duties
are all part of the duties of a medical assistant

Administrative

Greeting patients
Handling correspondence

Scheduling appointments

Answering telephone

Creating and maintaining patient medical records

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Daily Duties of MAs: Entry Level

Laboratory



Performing tests such as
a urine pregnancy test on
the premises
Collecting, preparing,
and transmitting
laboratory specimens
Teaching patients to
collect specimens

Clinical





Assisting the doctor
during examination
Asepsis and infection
control
Giving medications
Performing ECGs
Explaining treatments
to patients
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Other Duties

Advanced

Clinical




Laboratory



Initiating an IV and administering medication
Reporting test results
Acting as a patient advocate
Performing as an OSHA compliance officer
Performing more complex testing
Specialization
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Personal Qualifications

Critical thinking skills

Attention to detail

Empathy

Willingness to learn

Flexibility

Self-motivation

Professionalism
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Appearance

Uniform clean and
pressed

Shoes comfortable,
clean, and white

Hairstyle clean and
pulled back

Nails short, pale color

Avoid acrylic nails

Minimum of jewelry
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Attitude

Positive and caring

Respond to criticism as a
learning experience

Take direction from
authority without question

Function as a vital member of a medical team
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Change Your Attitude

If you can answer “yes” to any
of these questions

Do I have repeated conflicts with people?

Have I had a conflict at work that has resulted in
termination?

Do I have conflicts with authority figures?

Do people make comments about my attitude?
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Integrity and Honesty

Everything you do and every task you complete
should be performed with a goal of excellence.

Integrity and honesty are key in providing superior
customer service to your patients.

Your office staff and physician must be able to trust
you and the decisions you make.
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Other Attributes

Diplomacy

Proper judgment

Communication skills

Remaining calm in a
crisis

Ethical behavior
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Working As a Team Member

Team dynamics

Assist each other with required duties

Avoid interpersonal conflict with team members

Perform extra responsibilities without
questioning or complaining

Be considerate of other team members’ duties
and responsibilities
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AAMA Role Delineation Study

Areas of competence for entrylevel medical assistants



Includes Delineation Chart found
in Appendix 1
Provides the basis for medical
assisting education and evaluation
Three areas



Administrative
Clinical
General
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Scope of Practice

Regulated by

Profession’s scope of practice (AAMA)

Your training

State of practice

The policies of the organization or facility
where you practice
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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Apply Your Knowledge
List any four personal qualifications you should
have to be an effective medical assistant.
ANSWER: List any four of these personal qualifications
that medical assistants should display:
Critical thinking skills Attention to detail
Empathy
Willingness to learn
Flexibility
Self motivation
Professionalism
Good Answer!
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
1-42
Apply Your Knowledge

When should you take action to change
your attitude?
ANSWER: When you can answer “yes” to any of the
following questions:
 Do I have repeated conflicts with people?
 Have I had a conflict at work that has resulted in
termination?
 Do I have conflicts with authority figures?
 Do people make comments about my attitude?
Correct!
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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In Summary
Medical Assistant
Training on-the-job versus training programs
Skills and duties
according to
AAMA Role
Delineation Chart
Stay abreast of changes
in technology,
procedures, and
regulations
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End of Chapter
Participating in any aspect of healing
is an awe-inspiring experience.
— Carol Jackson, The Healer’s Art
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved