Medical Assisting Foundational Knowledge

Practice vocabulary flashcards for Medical Assisting Chapter 1, covering roles, certifications, provider types, and healthcare delivery models of care.

Medical Assistant (MA)

A vital member of the healthcare team who performs both administrative and clinical duties, typically in outpatient or ambulatory care settings under the supervision of licensed providers.

Administrative Duties

Office-based tasks performed by medical assistants, such as greeting and registering patients, scheduling appointments, answering phones, and handling billing or insurance claims.

Clinical Duties

Patient-care tasks performed by medical assistants, including measuring vital signs, collecting lab specimens, administering immunizations, and preparing exam rooms.

Scope of Practice

The specific duties an MA is legally allowed to perform based on their training, certification, and state laws. MAs are prohibited from diagnosing, prescribing, or interpreting results.

1956

The year the first professional association for medical assistants was formed.

1978

The year the U.S. Department of Education officially recognized the medical assistant field.

CMAA

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant; an additional credential focusing on front-office and administrative skills.

CPT

Certified Phlebotomy Technician; a credential specialized in the collection of blood specimens.

CET

Certified EKG Technician; a credential specialized in performing electrocardiograms.

CBCS

Certified Billing and Coding Specialist; a credential focused on submitting insurance claims and processing medical codes.

CEHRS

Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist; a credential focused on managing digital patient health data.

Medical Doctor (MD)

Also known as allopathic physicians, they focus on diagnosing diseases and treating illnesses using modern medicine, surgery, and scientific methods.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Physicians who learn foundational medicine as well as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), taking a holistic approach to care.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

A hands-on technique used by DO physicians to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness by manual manipulation of the body.

Physician Assistant (PA)

A licensed provider who practices medicine under the supervision of an MD or DO, and can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

An advanced-practice nurse with a graduate degree who provides direct patient care, diagnoses conditions, and prescribes medications; some states allow them to practice independently.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Also known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), they complete a one-year program and provide supportive clinical care under the supervision of RNs or physicians.

Registered Nurse (RN)

A nurse who completes an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and is licensed to manage care plans, educate patients, and perform complex procedures.

Medical Laboratory Technician

An allied health professional who performs diagnostic tests on bodily samples like blood and urine to detect and monitor diseases.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

A therapist who helps patients with physical or mental challenges regain independence in the activities of daily living.

Physical Therapist (PT)

A specialist focused on restoring movement, strength, and flexibility through exercise and rehabilitation after injury or surgery.

Radiology Technician

A professional who operates medical imaging equipment such as X-ray, CT, or MRI machines.

Licensure

The mandatory legal authority granted by a state for a provider to practice medicine; required for all physicians but not for MAs in most states.

Reciprocity

A process where one state recognizes a medical license issued by another state.

National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

A certifying organization that requires medical assistants to renew their certification every two years and complete 10 hours of continuing education (CE).

Inpatient Care

Healthcare services provided to patients who are formally admitted to a hospital or facility for at least one overnight stay.

Outpatient Care

Also known as ambulatory care; healthcare services provided without hospital admission where patients return home the same day.

Home Health Care

Medical and rehabilitative services provided in a patient's home, usually for short-term recovery and prescribed by a licensed provider.

Hospice Care

Care focused on providing comfort and quality of life for terminally ill patients rather than seeking a cure.

Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)

A healthcare delivery model led by a primary care provider (PCP) focusing on coordinated, comprehensive, and patient-focused care.

Telehealth

Healthcare services provided virtually through video calls or online platforms, ideal for follow-ups and medication reviews.

Patient Portal

A secure online system within an electronic health record (EHR) that allows patients to view lab results, message their team, and schedule appointments.

Fee-for-Service (FFS)

A system where providers are paid for each individual service code performed, which carries a risk of encouraging unnecessary procedures.

Value-Based Care

A model that rewards providers for the quality of care and positive health outcomes rather than the quantity of services.

Quadruple Aim

The four core goals of value-based care: improved patient outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, lower costs, and provider well-being.

Capitation

A payment model where providers receive a set monthly payment per patient regardless of the number of visits.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

A health plan that requires patients to use in-network providers and usually requires referrals to see specialists.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

A health plan offering more flexibility; patients can see any provider without a referral, though in-network care costs less.

Point-of-Service (POS) Plan

A hybrid healthcare model combining features of HMO and PPO plans.

Internist

A physician who specializes in providing comprehensive medical care for adults, often managing complex chronic diseases.

Endocrinologist

A specialist who treats hormonal and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and thyroid conditions.

Ancillary Services

Additional healthcare services that support diagnosis and treatment, such as urgent care, laboratory services, and diagnostic imaging.

Acupuncture

A complementary therapy involving the insertion of fine needles into specific body points to promote healing and relieve pain.

Chiropractic Medicine

A complementary therapy focusing on spinal alignment and manipulation to treat musculoskeletal pain.