#13 NHA CCMA: Community Resources, Continuity of Care, Patient Adherence, Disease Prevention, and Pharma

What is the role of the Medical Assistant (MA) regarding community resources?

To inform patients of local services and educational programs that support preventive care and lifestyle improvements.

How can an MA build a community resource library?

By collecting local listings with:

• Agency name

• Address

• Website

• Phone number

• Contact person

• Special instructions

How often should community resource information be updated?

At least every 6 months

Where should the community resource information be posted?

In an accessible location in the office and on the practice’s website

What services do transportation and medical equipment resources provide?

Help patients get to appointments and access needed medical equipment

What are adult day programs?

Daily activities for older adults

What is assisted living?

Housing for older or disabled individuals who can partly care for themselves, with help for meals, housekeeping, and some nursing care

What is long-term care?

Services for people who can’t perform basic daily activities on their own

What do educational programs and support groups offer?

Education and emotional support for individuals with specific needs

What should be included when researching clinical community resources?

• State and federal agencies

• Home health agencies

• Long-term care and nursing homes

• Mental health services

• Local charities

• Food services

• Substance use support

• Shelters

• Hospice care

• WIC

• Disease-specific support groups

• Weight management and grief support

What should MAs collect when contacting community resources?

• Business cards

• Pamphlets

• Brochures

• Detailed contact info

Why is it important to maintain a list of community resources in a medical office?

To direct patients to helpful services and support as part of their overall care

What is the MA’s role in ensuring continuity of care?

Work closely with the health care team and patients to eliminate barriers and ensure timely access to care and resources.

What types of patient barriers should MAs help identify and address?

• Financial (e.g., cost of care, medications)

• Cultural (e.g., beliefs, language)

• Physical (e.g., mobility, transportation)

• Emotional (e.g., stress, fear, lack of support)

How should MAs handle sensitive patient needs?

With privacy, respect, and consideration of the patient’s current situation.

What must be documented in the patient record?

All patient education provided and resources/referrals offered.

What resources can MAs refer patients and families to for non-clinical support?

• Caregivers

• Adult day programs

• Addiction and substance abuse support groups

• Local board of health (e.g., immunization assistance)

If immunizations are needed and finances are a barrier, what referral can be made?

The local board of health, which may provide low-cost vaccinations.

Name examples of community resources for non-clinical support:

• Food pantries

• Transportation assistance

• Fitness programs

• Adult day programs

• Financial/income support

• Employment programs

• Youth services

• Fuel assistance (heating bills)

• Weatherization assistance

Why should MAs address non-clinical needs?

It strengthens both the individual and the community by expanding access to essential support services.

What are intellectual disabilities?

Conditions that limit self-care, communication, and social skills, often causing delayed development.

Name key organizations that support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities:

• TASH – Advocates for rights and inclusion

• National Disability Rights Network

• American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)

• The Arc – Offers programs, funding, and policy support

• Specialized instructional programs

What should MAs do before referring a patient to disability resources?

Research local options in advance to ensure relevance and accessibility.

What should MAs do immediately after a patient’s visit with the provider?

• Answer questions

• Provide follow-up information

• Schedule next appointments

• Educate on medications and referrals

What tools can help patients remember appointments?

• Reminder cards

• Text messages

• Phone calls

• Electronic reminder systems

What information should be provided before the patient leaves?

• How and when to take medications

• Why medications are important

• Office policy on prescription refills

What tools can help patients take medication correctly?

• Medication dosage box

• Phone apps

• Timers or alarms

What is the purpose of follow-up phone calls?

To check for questions or barriers to adherence (e.g., medication use, treatment plans).

What is the best method to promote patient adherence?

Communication—via phone or secure email, based on patient preference.

What must always be maintained in patient communication?

HIPAA compliance and respect for patient privacy preferences.

What must be verified before sharing patient information with someone else?

The person is an authorized individual listed in the medical record.

Why is follow-up communication important?

• Answers patient questions

• Reduces anxiety

• Confirms the treatment plan is being followed

• Reinforces short- and long-term goals

What are some barriers to patient adherence?

• Social factors (e.g., lack of support)

• Economic issues (e.g., cost of meds)

• Behavioral habits

• Environmental or genetic challenges

What should MAs do when discussing treatment adherence?

Ask about and address barriers that could prevent the patient from following the plan.

What type of barrier includes diet, exercise, smoking, and drug use decisions?

Behavior

What type of barrier includes conditions like sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, and cystic fibrosis?

Biological or genetic

What type of barrier includes access to jobs, education, food, safety, and transportation?

Environment

What type of barrier includes housing, climate, toxins, and recreational space access?

Physical

What type of barrier involves health beliefs, gender roles, family influence, and cultural norms?

Cultural

Who typically facilitates specialist referrals after a provider visit?

Medical assistant

What must be verified before scheduling a referral appointment?

Insurance acceptance

What information should patients be given when referred to a specialist?

Name and contact number of the specialist

Who might schedule the specialist appointment in some cases?

The medical assistant

What should be done after a referral is given to ensure continuity of care?

Follow up to confirm the appointment was scheduled

What is a basic hygiene method to prevent disease spread?

Handwashing

What is a household hygiene practice to prevent transmission?

Disinfecting surfaces

What behavior reduces spread during coughing or sneezing?

Using a tissue or sleeve

What action should be avoided to prevent disease spread through shared contact?

Sharing personal items

What health action helps provide immunity against certain diseases?

Receiving vaccinations

What should a person do when feeling ill to reduce transmission risk?

Stay away from others

What safe practice reduces risk of sexually transmitted infections?

Practicing safe sex

What lung disease caused by bacteria must be reported?

Tuberculosis (TB)

What bacterial infection often linked to contaminated food or water must be reported?

E. coli

What category of illness related to contaminated food is reportable?

Foodborne diseases

What tick-borne disease is a required report?

Lyme disease

Which hepatitis types are reportable?

B, C, D, and E

What virus attacks the immune system and is reportable?

HIV

What STI is on the reportable disease list?

Gonococcal infections

What recent viral pandemic illness must be reported?

COVID-19

What class of drugs relieves pain?

Analgesics

What class of drugs treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Antacids/Anti-ulcer

What class of drugs treats bacterial infections?

Antibiotics

What class of drugs reduces smooth muscle spasms?

Anticholinergics

What class of drugs delays blood clotting?

Anticoagulants

What class of drugs prevents or controls seizures?

Anticonvulsants

What class of drugs relieves depression?

Antidepressants

What class of drugs reduces diarrhea?

Antidiarrheals

What class of drugs reduces nausea and vomiting?

Antiemetics

What medications are examples of analgesics?

Acetaminophen, hydrocodone, codeine

What medications are examples of antacids or anti-ulcer agents?

Esomeprazole, calcium carbonate, famotidine

What medications are examples of antibiotics?

Amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole

What medications are examples of anticholinergics?

Ipratropium, dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

What medications are examples of anticoagulants?

Warfarin, apixaban, heparin

What medications are examples of anticonvulsants?

Clonazepam, phenytoin, gabapentin

What medications are examples of antidepressants?

Doxepin, fluoxetine, duloxetine, selegiline

What medications are examples of antidiarrheals?

Bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide, diphenoxylate/atropine

What medications are examples of antiemetics?

Metoclopramide, ondansetron

What class of medication is used to treat fungal infections?

Fluconazole, nystatin, miconazole

What medications are used to relieve allergies?

Diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine

What medications help lower blood pressure?

Metoprolol, lisinopril, valsartan, clonidine

What medications are used to reduce inflammation?

Ibuprofen, celecoxib, naproxen

What medications are used to lower cholesterol?

Atorvastatin, fenofibrate, cholestyramine

What medications relieve migraine headaches?

Topiramate, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan

What medications are used to improve bone density?

Alendronate, raloxifene, calcitonin

What medications are used to treat psychosis?

Quetiapine, haloperidol, risperidone

What medications help reduce fever?

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin

What medications reduce or prevent muscle spasms?

Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, carisoprodol

What medications control cough and promote elimination of mucus?

Dextromethorphan, codeine, guaifenesin

What medications treat viral infections?

Acyclovir, interferon, oseltamivir

What medications are used to reduce anxiety?

Clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam

What medications relax airway muscles?

Albuterol, isoproterenol, theophylline

What medications are used to reduce hyperactivity?

Methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine

What medications are used to prevent pregnancy?

Medroxyprogesterone acetate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone

What medications relieve nasal congestion?

Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline

What medications eliminate excess fluid from the body?

Furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide

What medications are used to stabilize hormone deficiencies?

Levothyroxine, insulin, desmopressin, estrogen

What medications promote bowel movements?

Magnesium hydroxide, bisacodyl, docusate sodium

What medications reduce blood glucose?

Metformin, glyburide, pioglitazone

What medications induce sleep or relaxation?

Zolpidem, temazepam, eszopiclone

What classification includes drugs with high abuse potential and no approved medical use in the U.S.?

Heroin, mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), cannabis