Clinical Medical Assistant 2024 Exam Study Supplement Handout

What does the scope of practice refer to in healthcare?

The scope of practice includes the activities that a licensed health professional is permitted to perform, determined by state statutes and regulations.

What is the difference between certification and licensing in healthcare?

Certification validates that a professional has met specific criteria for a skill or job, while licensing is a governmental verification that a professional can perform a certain occupation in a specific location.

What are common front office tasks performed by a Medical Assistant?

Greeting patients, managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and handling financial tasks.

What are some examples of therapeutic diets?

Clear liquid diet, full liquid diet, soft diet, low-fiber diet, and diabetic diet.

What is BMI and how is it categorized?

Body Mass Index is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight; categorized as underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), overweight (BMI 25-29.9), and obesity (BMI > 30).

What role do vitamins play in nutrition?

Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for metabolism, growth, and development, and they serve as antioxidants.

Why is patient education important in healthcare?

Patient education encourages compliance with physician's orders, reduces anxiety, and leads to better health outcomes.

What defines the patient-centered medical home model?

A healthcare delivery model where a primary care provider coordinates treatment to ensure patients receive necessary care in a culturally appropriate, patient-centered manner.

What does the term 'pay for performance' refer to in healthcare payment models?

A reimbursement model where providers are compensated based on meeting specific quality and efficiency measures.

What are standard precautions in infection control?

Infection prevention practices that include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and safe handling of contaminated materials.

What impact does physical disability have on mental health?

Individuals with physical disabilities may experience social discrimination, mobility issues, and are five times more likely to face mental health challenges compared to the general population.

How does telehealth enhance patient care?

Telehealth allows healthcare providers to offer care remotely, facilitating communication and ongoing monitoring without in-person visits.

What are the main components of effective patient education?

Assessment of patient needs, planning appropriate education, implementation of learning strategies, and evaluation of patient understanding.

What is the significance of the % Daily Value (%DV) on food labels?

%DV helps consumers understand how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet, indicating if it's high or low.

What factors are considered in capitation payment models?

Capitation models use a per-member, per-month payment system, accounting for patient demographics and expected usage of healthcare services.

What is the role of carbohydrate in nutrition?

Carbohydrates serve as the body's primary source of energy and are broken down into glucose for immediate fuel or stored as glycogen.

What are some strategies to improve patient compliance?

Continuity of care, effective follow-up, engagement in treatment discussions, and addressing financial and health literacy factors.

What is meant by the term 'false positive' in laboratory tests?

A false positive result indicates that a test shows a disease or condition is present when in reality the patient does not have it.

How does cultural eating impact nutritional choices?

Cultural practices may influence individuals to socialize around food, which can contribute to overconsumption of high-calorie diets.

What are some common symptoms of anxiety?

Rapid heart rate, increased respiration, sweating, nervous feelings, and panic attacks.

What does collaborative care in healthcare entail?

Collaborative care involves integrating care managers and psychiatric consultants in primary care to treat behavioral health conditions.

What guidelines should be followed when conducting a telehealth screening?

Ensure patients are comfortable with the technology, assist with setup, maintain good communication, and take notes on key discussion points.