Chapter 1
The Medical Assistant
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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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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
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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
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Doctor’s offices
Specialty practices
Urgent care centers
Clinics
Hospitals
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Labs
Insurance companies
Billing companies
Government agencies
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Work Environment
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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
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Cleanliness
Posture
Hand care
Hair care
• Proper attire
• Jewelry
• Appropriate fragrances
and cosmetics
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Professional Behaviors
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Accurate
Adaptable/flexible
Courteous
Confidential
Dependable
Empathetic
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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
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All rights reserved.