Ch. 16 Healthcare and the Professional Medical Assistant

Anesthesiology

• Provides pain relief during surgical procedures

• Manages patients with longstanding conditions accompanied by pain

General surgery

Performs operations to correct deformities, defects, and treat diseases or injured parts of the body

Internal medicine

Provides comprehensive care and often diagnoses and treats patients with chronic conditions

Pathology

Studies cells, tissues, body fluids, and organs to investigate the cause of a disease

Ambulatory care

a type of medical care facility for patients who do not need to be admitted to a hospital for treatment. Some examples are physicians’ offices, dialysis centers, occupational health centers, and outpatient surgery facilities.

Private practice

involves one doctor or a group of physicians who offer services in their area of specialization. The physician or the group of physicians hold the ownership of the practice and usually also manage other administrative work such as scheduling appointments, billing, etc.

Solo practice

Only one physician taking care of all patients. A physician in a solo practice may hire a medical assistant for administrative and clinical support.

Group practice

Physicians of the same specialty may come together to form a group practice, sharing resources and staff. All physicians may contribute to clinical and administrative work, based on their interest and need.

Clinic

public or nonprofit healthcare facilities offering outpatient services.

Comprehensive care

PCMH strives to provide comprehensive patient care, including physical and mental healthcare, preventive care, acute and chronic care, and wellness.

Patient centered care

involves a complete understanding of a patient’s needs, cultural values and practices, preferences of treatment, including all aspects of life.

Coordinated care

Effective primary care requires all parts of the healthcare system, including specialty care, hospitals, home healthcare, as well as community services and supports, to coordinate with each other.

Accessible services

The PCMH aims to improve accessibility by diminishing waiting periods for acute health needs, adding office hours, and providing around-the-clock (24-hour) access to health team members through telephone or email.

Quality and safety

The primary care physician practices are improved through patient feedback, safety data analysis, and measurement of practice performance.

Standard of care

a legal term that refers to whether the level and quality of service provided is the same as what another healthcare worker with similar training and experience in a similar situation will provide.

Gatekeepers

Primary care providers (PCPs) are usually referred to as “gatekeepers” because, according to the requirements of insurance policies, a patient must first be assessed and treated by the PCP and later referred to a specialist for more advanced treatment.

Technicians

undergo training to perform procedures, and their education usually takes two years.

Nurses/therapists

• Nurses and therapists undergo intensive education programs. They require a state issued license and an advanced degree.

• Nurses and therapists are trained to diagnose a patient condition and understand the treatment procedure.

Anesthesiology assistant

Works under a licensed and qualified anesthesiologist; assists in developing and implementing the anesthesia care plan

Art therapist

Uses drawings and other art media forms to assess, treat, and rehabilitate patients with emotional and mental disorders

Diagnostic cardiovascular sonographer/technologist

Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and therapeutic interventions for the heart and blood vessels on the request of a physician, using invasive or noninvasive techniques

Dental hygienist

Assists the dentist in various tasks and educates patients about oral hygiene

Dietitian

Applies the principles of food science, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, food management, and behavior to achieve and maintain good health in patients

Massage therapist

Applies manual techniques to promote health in patients

Medical assistant

Works as a member of the healthcare team and performs both administrative and clinical procedures; is a multi-skilled, multi-tasking healthcare professional

Pharmacy technician

Assists pharmacists in a pharmacy

Respiratory therapists

Treats patients with respiratory illness and cardiopulmonary problems

Surgical technologist

Assists surgeons to carry out surgical procedures

Clinical lab/medical technologist

Performs tests to diagnose the cause and nature of a disease; develops data on blood tissues and body fluids

Cytotechnologist

Works with a pathologist and evaluates cellular material from all body sites, primarily through a microscope

Radiation therapist

Delivers the prescribed dosage of radiation to patients for therapeutic purposes

Medical illustrator

Designs communication tools to teach medical professionals and the public

Courteous and respectful

• Practice courtesy, respect, and dignity while interacting with patents.

• Use therapeutic communication skills to know the problems of the patient.

Diplomatic and tactful

• Practice diplomacy and tactfulness, and avoid offending others.

• Communicate politely in an honest manner.

Responsible and honest

• Provide correct information to the patient and talk in a straightforward manner.

• Understand your weakness and seek guidance regarding any procedure.

Response to criticism

• Be willing to respond to constructive criticism because it helps to improve professional behavior.

• Recognize areas of improvement and develop suitable methods.

• Learn to understand and accept critiques in a positive manner.