Medical Assistant review

Why can the medical field seem overwhelming?

New terminology and legal concerns.

What kind of approach does understanding the health care system require?

A holistic approach.

What strengthens the effectiveness of the health care team?

Knowing clinical and administrative roles.

What is the primary role of a Medical Assistant (MA)?

To work alongside a provider in outpatient/ambulatory settings.

What two areas can MAs be cross-trained in?

Administrative and clinical duties.

Name 2 administrative duties of an MA.

Greeting patients, scheduling, billing, filing claims, handling correspondence.

Name 2 clinical duties of an MA.

Taking medical history, measuring vitals, performing EKGs, collecting lab specimens, giving immunizations.

What must an MA pass to become credentialed?

A national certification exam.

What defines the scope of practice?

Education, training, and experience.

Can MAs practice medicine?

No, only duties they are trained and certified for.

Who supervises MAs?

Providers.

When was a formal MA association formed?

1956.

When was the MA profession recognized by the U.S. Department of Education?

1978.

CMAA stands for?

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant.

CPT stands for?

Certified Phlebotomy Technician.

CET stands for?

Certified EKG Technician.

CBCS stands for?

Certified Billing & Coding Specialist.

CEHRS stands for?

Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist.

How many years of school must physicians complete?

8 years (4 undergrad, 4 medical).

How long is residency?

2–7 years.

What are the two types of physicians?

MD (allopathic) and DO (osteopathic).

What extra practice do DOs have?

Osteopathic manipulative therapy.

Who must supervise physician assistants?

MD or DO.

Can nurse practitioners prescribe medications?

Yes.

Can NPs practice independently in all states?

No, only in some states.

How long is schooling for LPN?

About 1 year.

What test must LPNs pass?

A state board exam.

What degree(s) can RNs earn?

Associate, diploma, or bachelor’s.

Who has a broader scope of practice: RN or LPN?

RN.

What regulates licensure?

State statutes through medical practice acts.

Do MAs need to be licensed?

No.

Is certification required for MAs?

Generally optional, but sometimes required (e.g., phlebotomy, giving meds).

How long is NHA certification valid?

2 years (with 10 hours continuing education).

Inpatient care means?

Admitted to hospital.

Outpatient care means?

Treated in clinics, not admitted.

What is the U.S. system largely based on?

Fee-for-service.

What are the four parts of the Quadruple Aim?

Outcomes, patient satisfaction, lower cost, provider well-being.

What does HMO require for specialists?

Referrals.

Can PPO patients see specialists directly?

Yes.

Who treats heart conditions?

Cardiologist.

Who treats skin conditions?

Dermatologist.

Who cares for newborns?

Neonatologist.

Who treats bones, joints, muscles?

Orthopedist.

Who treats mental disorders?

Psychiatrist.

What does urgent care provide?

Non-life-threatening alternative to ER.

What does physical therapy focus on?

Mobility and strength.

What does chiropractic medicine treat?

Spine alignment and pain.

What does acupuncture use?

Needles for pain relief.

What is hematology?

Study of blood.

What is phlebotomy?

Drawing blood for lab testing.

Blood is made of what two parts?

Plasma and formed elements.

Name the three formed elements.

RBCs, WBCs, platelets.

Plasma makes up what % of blood?

55%.

RBCs make up what % of blood?

44%.

WBCs + platelets make up what % of blood?

1%.

What are RBCs also called?

Erythrocytes.

What protein do RBCs carry?

Hemoglobin.

How long do RBCs live?

About 120 days.

Another name for WBCs?

Leukocytes.

Name 3 polymorphonuclear WBCs.

Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils.

Name 2 mononuclear WBCs.

Lymphocytes, monocytes.

What are agranulocytes?

WBCs without small particles (granules) in their cytoplasm.

What is the difference between granulocytes and agranulocytes?

Granulocytes have granules in their cytoplasm; agranulocytes do not.

What is the main function of all WBCs?

To fight pathogens and infections as part of the immune system.

What is plasma?

The liquid portion of blood containing many particles like proteins and nutrients.

What is the role of albumins in plasma?

They help regulate blood pressure by maintaining water balance.

What is fibrinogen needed for?

Blood clotting.

What is the role of globulin in plasma?

Transports fat-soluble vitamins and other substances.

What are platelets also called?

Thrombocytes.

What is the function of platelets?

They are necessary for clotting.

What is the normal platelet count in adults?

150,000–450,000.

What is morphology?

The study of the form and structure of cells.

Why is morphology important?

It helps understand how cells change, break down in the liver through hemolysis, and form clots.

What is serum?

The liquid portion of blood after clotting and centrifugation.

What is plasma (in terms of specimen collection)?

The liquid portion after a specimen is collected in an anticoagulant tube and centrifuged.

What is clotted blood?

Blood drawn in a tube with no anticoagulant.

What is whole blood?

Blood collected in a tube with an anticoagulant so clotting does not occur.

Who was the first president of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)?

Maxine Williams.

When was the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) established?

1955.

Why did medical assisting education become more formalized over time?

Because health care expanded, liability concerns grew, and demand increased with nursing shortages.

What are the three main educational pathways for medical assistants?

Certificate programs (6 weeks–1 year), diploma programs (similar but with administrative skills), and degree programs (8 months–2 years, including general education).

What are two accrediting bodies for MA programs?

CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) and ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools).

What topics are typically included in MA curricula?

Anatomy & physiology, infection control, communication, finances, coding, legal/ethical concepts, and externships (160–200 hours).

What is the primary role of a medical assistant?

To assist physicians and health care practitioners in delivering patient care.

Where do medical assistants commonly work?

Physician offices, urgent care centers, government agencies, and free-standing clinics.

Why do MA responsibilities differ?

Because of state regulations, office size, and physician preferences.

Name three administrative competencies of an MA.

Scheduling, insurance coding, medical records management (others: billing, HIPAA, mail, managed care coordination).

Name three clinical competencies of an MA.

Collecting medical history, taking vital signs, venipuncture (if allowed), administering medications (if allowed), performing ECGs, sterilizing instruments.

Who is ultimately responsible for tasks delegated to MAs?

The licensed provider (physician, PA, NP, or RN).

List three professional qualities of a successful MA.

Integrity, empathy, confidentiality (others: punctuality, communication skills, hygiene, professional image).

What does certification demonstrate for MAs?

Professionalism, competence, and improved employability.

What is the CMA credential and who offers it?

Certified Medical Assistant, offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Name three other certifying organizations for MAs.

American Medical Technologists (RMA), National Center for Competency Testing (NCMA), National Healthcareer Association (CCMA, CMAA).

What are the usual eligibility requirements for certification exams?

Graduation from an accredited program, documented training hours, or relevant work experience.

What three categories of knowledge do MA exams test?

General medical assisting, administrative duties, and clinical practices.

What is the projected employment growth for MAs from 2012–2022?

About 29% (one of the fastest-growing occupations).

Name three entry-level career opportunities for MAs.

Billing clerk, insurance processor, receptionist (others: clinical assistant, lab aide, ECG tech, phlebotomist).

What is a patient navigator?

A professional who helps patients access care, coordinates appointments, encourages treatment adherence, connects to community resources, and serves as a liaison between patients and providers.

Order of draw

Yellow, light blue, red, tiger, light green, green, lavender, gray

Yellow

Additive: Growth mediums, sodium polyanethol sulfonate

Inversions: 8-10

Laboratory use: blood cultures