Lesson 1: Medical Assisting Foundations

Health care provider

A physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant licensed to examine, diagnose, and prescribe treatment to patients.

Scope of practice

Medical assistants may only perform those duties that are consistent with their training and experience.

Ambulatory care

Services provided on an outpatient basis without admission to a hospital.

Certification

Implies that an individual has met certain competencies in their field.

Mid-Level practitioners

Physician assistants and nurse practitioners areconsidered mid-level practitioners.

Allied health

Encompasses a broad range of health professions that are distinct from doctors and nurses, including medical assisting.

Patient navigator

A liaison between the health care system and patient/family/caregiver.

Medical scribe

Accompanies a physician into the exam room and documents the encounter into the medical record