CCMA Lesson 1: The Professional MA & Healthcare Team Review

Practice flashcards covering the role of the Medical Assistant, history of medicine, ethics, healthcare specialties, communication techniques, and nutrition foundations.

How does the role of a Medical Assistant (MA) vary across different states?

Most perform both administrative and clinical duties, but the specific permissible procedures are defined by state scope of practice.

What are some typical administrative duties of a Medical Assistant?

Using computer applications, greeting patients, answering phones, maintaining records, scheduling, and medical billing/coding.

What are some typical clinical duties of a Medical Assistant?

Taking medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for treatment, collecting specimens, administering medications, drawing blood, and assisting with EKGs.

What was the primary source of early medical treatments?

Plants and animals found in the environment, such as ginger for gastrointestinal problems and chamomile for nerves.

Who is known as the "Father of Medicine" and lived between $460\text{ and }370\text{ BC}$?

Hippocrates

What were the four humors Hippocrates believed must be in balance for health?

Blood, Phlegm, Black Bile, and Yellow Bile.

Which wellness behaviors did Hippocrates postulate were necessary for health?

Perfect diet, exercise, rest, positive attitude, and moderation.

Galen, a Roman physician around $160\text{ AD}$, is known for what discovery regarding the brain?

He discovered that the brain controlled the body through the nerves.

Who is known as the "Father of Modern Anatomy" and lived from $1514\text{ to }1564\text{ AD}$?

Andreas Vesalius

Who was the first person to describe the cardiovascular system and properties of blood in detail?

William Harvey

Which English physician is referred to as the "English Hippocrates" and worked in early epidemiology?

Thomas Sydenham

Who is commonly referred to as the "Father of Microbiology" and developed the microscope?

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek

Where and when was the first medical college in the United States established?

The College of Philadelphia Department of Medicine in $1765\text{ AD}$.

What ancient document established penalties for medical errors, eventually evolving into the Hippocratic Oath?

Ancient Babylonian Hammurabi Code

When did the American Medical Association (AMA) establish its Principles of Medical Ethics?

$$1847$$

According to the MA Code of Ethics, when is it permissible to disclose confidential patient information?

Only when legally authorized or required by responsible performance of duty to divulge such information.

What was the intention behind the Patient Bill of Rights established by the AHA in $1973$?

To support open communication and respect for the patient's role in decision-making about treatment choices.

What legal term means the physician is ultimately responsible for the errors of their supervised health professionals?

Respondent superior

What are the education requirements for a Physician Assistant (PA) in most states?

A bachelor’s degree plus at least $2\text{ years}$ in an accredited master's degree program.

How do the educational paths of LPNs/LVNs and RNs differ?

LPNs/LVNs usually complete $1\text{ year}$ of training; RNs have a diploma, an Associate degree (ADN), or a Bachelor’s degree (BSN) plus a national exam.

What is the role of a Cytotechnologist?

A technician trained in the medical examination and identification of cellular abnormalities.

What does an Electroencephalograph Technologist do?

Obtains interpretable electroencephalographic recordings and applies electrodes for interpretation by a neurologist.

Which professional prepares a written record of patient data dictated by a physician?

Medical Transcriptionist

How often must a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the AAMA renew their credential?

Every $60\text{ months}$ ($5\text{ years}$).

What are the renewal requirements for a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through the AMT?

Required every $3\text{ years}$ through continuing education points, professional education, or authorship.

In a healthcare facility, what does the term "Front Office" typically refer to?

Administrative tasks such as admissions, billing, insurance, and scheduling.

What does the "Back Office" refer to in a medical practice?

The clinical aspects of patient care, including vitals, phlebotomy, and minor surgery assistance.

What are the components of non-verbal communication?

Tone of voice, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and posture.

What is the advantage of using a personal name in medical workplace email systems?

It helps to identify the sender faster than an internet address alone.

According to email etiquette, what is the maximum recommended signature length?

$4\text{ to }7\text{ lines}$.

How often should you check back with a caller who is on hold?

Every $20\text{ seconds}$ or so.

What is a "yea-saying" culture in the context of healthcare?

When individuals agree with perceived authorities (like physicians) to show respect, even if they actually disagree or do not understand.

What is an "External Locus of Control" or fatalistic perspective?

The belief that there is nothing that can be done to help one's condition, which may lead to delays in seeking healthcare.

Which defense mechanism involves converting psychological problems into a physical ailment?

Conversion

Which defense mechanism is characterized by redirecting an impulse, usually aggression, onto a powerless substitute?

Displacement

What is the difference between repression and suppression?

Repression is the involuntary exclusion of painful thoughts; suppression is the conscious decision to delay paying attention to an emotion.

What are the five stages of grief identified by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross?

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

What occurs during the "Bargaining" stage of grief?

The patient tries to negotiate death or make a deal to delay the inevitable.

List the levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy from bottom to top.

Physiological Needs, Safety and Security, Love and Belonging, Self Esteem, and Self-Actualization.

According to Maslow's Hierarchy, what are examples of Physiological Needs?

Breathing, food, sex, sleep, homeostasis, and excretion.

What is the definition of "Personal Space" or a comfort zone?

The area surrounding a person that they need to feel comfortable; it varies by individual and culture.

When communicating with a hearing-impaired patient, where should you position yourself?

Always face them directly so they can see your lips form words and examine facial expressions.

Why should you avoid using a patient's child as an interpreter?

There is a high possibility of miscommunications.

What is the goal of symbolic communication tools like ASL and Braille?

To provide alternative ways of communicating for those who are hearing, vocally, or visually impaired.

Why do many patients switch medical practices without expressing dissatisfaction?

Commonly due to poor human relations, such as feeling ignored, belittled, or treated as just an insurance case.

What is the recommended daily intake of fruit on a $2,000\text{ calorie}$ MyPlate plan?

$$2\text{ cups/day}$$

What is the recommended daily intake of grains on a $2,000\text{ calorie}$ MyPlate plan?

$$6\text{ ounces/day}$$

What is the recommended daily intake of dairy on a $2,000\text{ calorie}$ MyPlate plan?

$$3\text{ cups/day}$$

What protein equivalent equals $1\text{ ounce}$ of protein for MyPlate?

$1\text{ ounce}$ of tuna fish, $1\text{ egg}$, or $\frac{1}{4}\text{ cup}$ of cooked beans.

What is the definition of Anorexia Nervosa according to the DSM-$5$?

Significant low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted self-perception.

How is Binge Eating Disorder (BED) diagnosed?

Recurrent binge episodes at least once a week for $3\text{ months}$, with feelings of loss of control and distress.

What is Pica?

The ingestion of non-nutritional items such as dirt or hair, lasting at least $1\text{ month}$.

What characterizes Rumination Disorder?

Repeated regurgitation of food without distress, not associated with other medical conditions.

What is a Cardiac Electrophysiologist?

A cardiologist with specialized training in the heart's electrical system and rhythm problems.

What is the focus of a Perinatologist?

High-risk pregnancies and fetal care.

What is the role of a Physiatrist?

Specializes in rehabilitation to help patients regain function after surgery or injury.

Which specialist treats conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system?

Urologist

What is the role of a Forensic Pathologist?

Performs autopsies and examines tissue to identify causes of death in suspected crimes.

What does an Otoplaryngologist (ENT Specialist) treat?

Ear, nose, and throat conditions.

What is the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?

An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor treating eye defects, injuries, and diseases; an Optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry who diagnoses vision problems.

Which professional evaluates disorders of the immune system?

Allergist

What specific duty does a Blood Bank Technologist perform?

Routine and specialized tests in blood bank immunohematology and transfusion services.

What is the primary goal of the AAMA Role Delineation Study?

To provide an occupational analysis of the medical assisting profession.

What are some clinical benefits of positive patient-provider relations?

Patients with a positive attitude have been shown to heal faster.

How should an MA handle a fax according to HIPAA regulations?

Call ahead to the recipient, note the fax in the chart (recipient, date, time), and maintain a fax log.

What is ARFID?

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, which involves food limitations without body image concerns.

What constitutes a successful "Back Office" EKG task for an MA?

Correctly using equipment to record the electrical impulses transmitted by a patient's heart under physician supervision.

Describe the defense mechanism of "Rationalization.‐

Offering a socially acceptable logical explanation for an act or decision actually produced by unconscious impulses.

What is the core focus of "Self-Actualization" in Maslow’s hierarchy?

Creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice, and acceptance of facts.

Why is voice tone important in oral communication for MAs?

It helps to ensure the MA sounds pleasant and confident, projecting professional intentions accurately.