Chapter 1 MA

Patient-centered medical home

A model of care that emphasizes care coordination and communication to transform primary care into what patients want it to be.

Multiskilled health professional

An individual with versatile training in the health care field, able to perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks.

Scope of practice

The procedures, actions, and processes that are permitted for a particular health care profession according to state law.

Telemedicine

The use of electronic telecommunications technology for the delivery of health care.

Accreditation

A nongovernmental professional peer review process that evaluates educational programs for quality based on pre-established standards.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A certification for medical assistants awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants upon passing an exam.

Regenerative medicine

A branch of medicine focused on repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs.

Coping mechanisms

Strategies used to manage stress and emotional conflicts.

Administrative tasks

Nonclinical tasks performed by medical assistants, including managing patient records and scheduling appointments.

Clinical tasks

Procedures performed by medical assistants related to direct patient care, such as obtaining vital signs.

Maladaptive coping mechanisms

Strategies that are counterproductive and can lead to additional stress.

Continuing education units (CEUs)

Credits earned for participating in continuing education activities, necessary to maintain certain certifications.

Certification

The process by which a professional organization validates a person's qualifications in a certain field.

Professional behaviors

Expected behaviors in a professional setting, including dependability, honesty, and empathy.

Self-boundaries

Limits set on the relationships between health care professionals and their patients to avoid inappropriate behavior.

Medical specialties

Branches of medicine that focus on specific systems or patient populations.

The American Health Care System

A complex framework of health care delivery, insurance, and regulations in the United States.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

A law designed to protect patient privacy and secure medical information.

Behavioral Health

A term that encompasses mental health and substance use disorder services.

Holter monitor

A portable device used to continuously monitor heart activity over a period.

Allied health care professionals

Health care workers who provide a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services.

Outpatient

A medical setting in which patients receive care without being admitted to a hospital.