2-1
Types of Medical Practice
PowerPoint® presentation to accompany:
Medical Assisting
Third Edition
Booth, Whicker, Wyman, Pugh, Thompson
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-2
Learning Outcomes
2.1 Describe medical specialties and specialists.
2.2 Explain the purpose of the American Board of
Medical Specialties.
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.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-3
Introduction

Medical assistants are an
integral part of the health-care
team

A working knowledge of
specialties and allied health
professionals enables the MA
to function better as a member
of the health-care team
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-4
Medical Specialties

Approximately 22
major medical
specialties exist

Specialized medical
care is driven by
advances in diagnosing
and treating various
diseases
Cardiology
Pediatrics
Adult
Note: Cardiology = specialty
Pediatrics and Adult = subspecialty
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-5
Physician Education and Licensure
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate from an Accredited Medical School
Pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam
Complete 2–6 Years of Residency
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2-6
Medical Specialists
Specialist
Functions
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
Family Practice

Allergist
 Diagnoses and treats people with hypersensitivity to
substances such as drugs, chemicals, and elements in
nature
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2-7
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Functions
Anesthesiologist
 Administers
medications that alter
sensation and feelings during surgery
Bariatrics

Medical and surgical treatment of obesity
Cardiologist

Diagnoses and treats diseases of the
heart and blood vessels
Dermatologist

Diagnoses and treats diseases of the skin,
hair, and nails
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-8
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Functions
Doctor of
Osteopathy

Emergency
Medicine
Physician

Endocrinologist

Uses eyes and hands to identify
structural problems and promote natural
healing
Works in hospital emergency rooms
 Diagnoses and treats medical crises and
accidents
Diagnoses and treats disorders of the
endocrine system, which regulates many
body functions
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-9
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Gastroenterologist
Gerontologist
Gynecologist
Internist
Functions
Diagnoses and treats disorders related to
the stomach, intestines, and other organs
 Diagnoses and treats problems and
diseases affecting older adults
 Diagnoses and treats diseases of the female
reproductive system
 Diagnoses and treats problems related to
internal organs

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-10
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Nephrologist
Neurologist
Obstetrician
Oncologist
Functions
Studies, manages, and diagnoses diseases
of the kidney
 Diagnoses and treats disorders and diseases
of the nervous system
 Studies pregnancy, labor and delivery, and
postpartum
 Identifies and treats patients with
cancer

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-11
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Function
Ophthalmologist

Diagnoses and treats diseases and
disorders of the eye
Orthopedist

Diagnoses and treats diseases and
disorders of muscles and bones
Otorhinolaryngologist

Diagnoses and treats ear, nose, and
throat disorders
Pathologist

Studies bodily changes produced by
disease processes
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-12
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Function
Pediatrician

Diagnoses and treats childhood diseases
Physiatrist

Diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders
with physical therapy
Podiatrist

Treats disorders of the foot
Plastic Surgeon

Performs reconstruction, correction, and
improvement of body structures
Radiologist/
Nuclear Medicine

Uses x-rays and radioactive substances
to diagnose and treat diseases
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-13
Medical Specialists (cont.)
Specialist
Function
Sports Medicine

Surgeon

Urologist
Subspecialty of medicine dealing with
treatment and preventative care of
athletes
Uses hands and instruments to
diagnose, correct, and treat injuries,
diseases, and deformities
 Diagnoses and treats diseases of the
kidneys, bladder, and urinary system
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-14
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 the body
and indicate how each specialist will contribute to the care for this
situation.
ANSWER: The following specialists would be involved in the care of this
patient:
•Pediatrician because of the age of the infant
•Plastic surgeon to perform skin grafting
Correct!
•Dermatologist for skin, hair, and nail repair
•Emergency medicine for treatment during medical crisis
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-15
Health-Care Team
Doctors
Nurses
PATIENT
Medical Assistants
Specialists
Knowing the duties of other health-care team members
will help you be a more effective team member.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-16
Allied Health Professionals
Discipline
Acupuncturist
Function

Treats pain or discomfort by
inserting thin, hollow needles under
the skin to balance the opposing
forces of yin and yang

Based on Chinese beliefs
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-17
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Chiropractor
Electroencephalographic
(EEG) Technologist /
Technician
Function

Treats disorders without drugs or
surgery by making adjustments to
realign the vertebrae in the spine

Is an independent practitioner

Electroencephalography is the study
and recording of the brain’s electrical
activity

EEG technicians work in hospitals,
physicians’ offices, and clinics
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-18
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Electrocardiograph
(ECG) Technician
Function

ECG technicians operate
electrocardiograph machines that
record the heart’s electrical impulses

ECG technicians work in hospitals
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-19
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Function
Massage Therapist

Promotes muscle and full body relaxation;
increases circulation and lymph flow
 One of the oldest methods to promote
healing
Medical
Administrative
Assistant

Provides administrative support to medical,
professional, and technical personnel
Transcribing dictation
 Composing correspondence


Works in hospitals, clinics, etc.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-20
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Function
Extraction and coding of medical information from
patient records
 Preparation of insurance claims to maximize
reimbursement and ensure ethical standards in the
profession
Medical Billing
and Coding

Medical
Records
Technologist

Organizes, analyzes, and evaluates medical records
 Compiles administrative and health statistics, code
symptoms, and inputs and retrieves computerized
health data
 Registered Records Administrator (RRA)
and Accredited Records Technician (ART)
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-21
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Medical Office
Administrator /
Manager
Function
Manages the practice of a physician or a group practice
 Coordinates records and filing
 Oversees office staff
 May also greet patients, make appointments, and
perform general secretarial tasks
 Requires knowledge of

Computer application software
 Advanced document processing skills
 Accounting

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-22
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Function
Medical Technology – includes:
Performs lab tests under supervision of
physicians or medical technologists
 1- or 2-year degree
 Works in hospital labs, clinics, etc.
Clinical
Laboratory
Technician (CLT)

Medical
Technologist

Performs lab tests and procedures such as
examining body fluids and tissues
 Has a 4-year degree
 Works in clinics, industry, hospitals,
research, etc.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-23
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Function
Medical
Transcriptionist
 Translates a physician’s dictation into comprehensive,
Mental Health
Technician

(Psychiatric Aide or
Counselor)
typed records
 Works in attorney offices, insurance companies,
hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and laboratories
Participates in supervising group therapy and
counseling sessions
 Works with emotionally disturbed and
mentally challenged patients
 Work settings include psychiatric clinics, crisis centers
and shelters, hospital psychiatric units, and specialized
nursing home settings
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-24
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Nuclear
Medicine
Technologist
Function
Completes either a 2-year or 4-year program
 Works in hospitals, physician offices, or public
health institutions
 Duties include:

Overseeing quality control
 Preparing and administering radioactive drugs
 Operating radiation detection instruments
 Positioning patients
 Performing imaging procedures

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-25
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Occupational
Therapist
Function
Helps patients attain maximum physical and
mental health through the use of educational,
vocational, and rehabilitation activities
 Has a 4-year degree plus 9- to 12-month
internship at an accredited hospital
 Work settings include:

Hospital
 Government agency
 Rehabilitation hospital

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-26
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Pharmacy
Function
Dispensing of medications and health supplies
 Employment in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes,
pharmaceutical companies, or private or chain
pharmacies
 Three levels of educational training for pharmacy careers
 Pharmacist Technician (CPhT) - 2 year programs
 Registered Pharmacist (RPh) - 5 years of college
 Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) - 6 to 7 years of
college with residency

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-27
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Phlebotomist
Function
Draws blood for diagnostic laboratory testing
 Receives advanced phlebotomy training that
allows him/her 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
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-28
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Physical
Therapist (PT)
Function
Has a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy
and must pass a state board examination
 May work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers,
outpatient clinics, private practice, or sports
medicine center
 Improves patient functioning by using:

Electricity, heat, and cold
 Ultrasound and massage
 Exercise

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-29
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Physician
Assistant (PA)
Function
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: private
practice, nursing homes, hospitals, etc.
 Some states allow PAs to write prescriptions

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-30
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Radiographer (Xray Technician)
Radiographic
Technologist
Function
 Assists
a radiologist in taking x-ray films
 May be employed in hospitals, physicians’ offices,
clinics, government agencies, etc.
Trained in x-ray theory and practical applications as
well as radioactive materials
 May specialize in radiation therapy, radiography, or
nuclear medicine
 Works in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, and
medical practices

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-31
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Registered
Dietitian
Function
 Also
called nutritionist
 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 consulting

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-32
Allied Health Professionals (cont.)
Discipline
Respiratory
Therapist
Function
 Works under the supervision of a physician
 Works in hospitals, physicians’ offices,
nursing homes, and commercial companies
 Evaluates, treats, and cares for patients with
respiratory problems such as:
 Asthma
 Emphysema
 Pneumonia
 Bronchitis
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-33
Nursing Careers
Training
Nursing Aide/
Assistant
1 week to 3
months
Sample Duties



Practical/
Vocational
Nurse (LPN,
LVN)
1 year




Bed making
Vital signs
Bathing patients
Vital signs
Medication administration
Dressing changes
Assists registered nurses and
physicians
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-34
Registered Nurse (RN)
Title
Training
Associate Degree RN (ADN)
2 years
Diploma RN
3 years
Baccalaureate RN (BSN)
4 years
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-35
Nursing Careers
Title
Registered
Nurse (RN)
Function

RN designation once state boards are passed

Responsible for planning, providing, and
supervising bedside care of patients
Work
settings include
Hospitals, nursing homes, and physicians’ offices
 Public health agencies and government agencies
 Educational settings

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-36
Nursing Careers (cont.)
Title
Nurse
Practitioner
(NP)
Function
 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 and injuries
 Many states allow NPs to write prescriptions
 Patient education

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-37
Apply Your Knowledge
If you had to choose other health-care 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?
ANSWER: The health-care team members that might participate in this patient’s care
are:
•Physical therapist for decreased mobility due to stroke
•Pharmacist to review medications
Good
•Nutritionist for dietary evaluation and possible modifications
Job!
•EEG technician to perform EEG for brain electrical activity
•Nursing staff (RN, LPN, CNA)
•Other health-care professionals will also be part of the team!
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-38
Specialty Career Options for MAs

Require additional education or training

Many options available – check:




Local and medical college libraries
State employment agencies
Health career opportunities in local newspapers
Directly with companies where you might seek
employment
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-39
Specialty Career Options (cont.)
Specialty
Function
Anesthetist’s
Assistant

Certified
Laboratory
Assistant

Provides anesthetic care under direct supervision of the
anesthetist
 Works in hospitals and high-technology surgical centers
 Assists in evaluating patient mental and physical status
Performs lab procedures such as bacteriology,
chemistry, hematology, parasitology, serology, and
urinalysis
 Supervised by medical technologists or hospital
pathologists
 Works in labs, clinics, physicians’ offices, etc.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-40
Specialty Career Options (cont.)
Specialty
Function
Can practice without formal education or training
 Performs both administrative and lab functions
 Works in private practice, clinics, schools, local health
agencies, and for insurance companies
Dental Assistant

Emergency
Medical
Technician /
Paramedic

Referred to as an EMT
 Trained to triage patients and follow instructions from a
physician
 Works for an ambulance service or in fire department,
hospital emergency room, or private industry
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-41
Specialty Career Options (cont.)
Specialty
Function
Supervised by occupational therapists
 Teaches fine motor skills, occupations, and the arts to
patients with mental and physical disabilities
 Earns a 2-year degree
Occupational
Therapist
Assistant

Ophthalmic
Assistant
 Assists ophthalmologists
 Performs simple vision testing and other procedures
 Three ophthalmic career levels:
 Technologist
 Technician
 Assistant
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-42
Specialty Career Options (cont.)
Specialty
Function
Supervised by a pathologist
 Some work with forensic and/or anatomic
pathologists
 Performs laboratory duties and some administrative
functions
Pathologist
Assistant

Pediatric Medical
Assistant
 Assists
the pediatrician with administrative and
clinical duties

Works in private practice, hospitals, and clinics
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-43
Specialty Career Options (cont.)
Specialty
Pharmacy
Technician
Physical
Therapy
Assistant
Function

Performs routine tasks related to record keeping and
preparing and dispensing medications

Works in hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, and wholesale
pharmacies
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.

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-44
Specialty Career Options (cont.)
Specialty
Function
Radiation
Therapy
Technologist
Assists
the radiologist
Maintains radiation treatment equipment
Completes a 2-or 4-year education program
Works in hospitals, labs, clinics, and physicians’ 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.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-45
Specialty Career Options (cont.)
Specialty
Function
Evaluates, diagnoses, and counsels patients with
communication problems like stuttering
 Usually has a Master’s Degree
 Works in schools, hospitals, research settings, or
private practice
Speech /
Language
Pathologist

Surgical
Technician
Completes
a 2-year or 4-year degree
 Provides patient services under direct supervision of a
surgeon
 Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
 Works primarily in hospitals
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-46
Professional Associations

Involvement in issues and activities relevant
to your profession

Opportunities for continuing
education
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-47
Professional Associations (cont.)
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)
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-48
Professional Associations (cont.)
American Medical Technologist (AMT)
American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA)
American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPI)
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-49
JCAHO


Non-profit organization
Goal is to maintain and elevate the standards
of health-care delivery by health-care
organizations



Evaluation
Accreditation
Accreditation is significant factor in gaining
reimbursement from Medicare and managed
care organizations
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-50
Council of Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA)

Develops policy for the AMA

Addresses timely ethical issues

Maintains and updates
the AMA Code of Ethics

Comprehensive ethics guide for physicians
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-51
Apply Your Knowledge
Which of the professional organizations listed below are
primarily for the role(s) of medical assistants?
AMA
ANSWER:
x AAMA
AHA
x AMT
ASCP
x
AAMT
ACP
APhA
Right
Answer!
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-52
In Summary

Career options for medical assistants



Offices of specialists and subspecialists
Specialty career options
Professional organizations

Information about issues and activities



Medical assisting field
Specialty or subspecialty of employer
Benefits to members
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
2-53
The End
They go the extra mile. They give their hearts,
and lead with great minds.
—Sharon Hudacek
From A Daybook for Nurses: Making a Difference Each Day
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved