The Role of the Medical Assistant ch.1

This set of flashcards covers the role, tasks, settings, team members, scope of practice, and certification process for Medical Assistants as described in the Hartman lecture notes.

What is the definition of a patient navigator?

An individual who assists patients as they interact with the healthcare system, acting as a guide.

How is ambulatory care defined?

Care given without a patient being admitted to a hospital.

What is preventive care?

Care provided with an emphasis on staying healthy and avoiding serious injury or illness.

What does the term 'administrative' describe in a medical office?

Tasks related to the business and customer service operations of a medical office or other healthcare facility.

What is coding?

The use of established codes to document medical care provided.

What does the term 'clinical' refer to?

Tasks related directly to patient care.

What is point-of-care testing?

A category of diagnostic test that can be performed at the patient’s side, such as fingerstick blood glucose testing.

Medical Assistants (MAs) work under the supervision of which professional group?

Licensed healthcare professionals.

What are four examples of administrative tasks performed by a Medical Assistant?

Answering and making phone calls, scheduling appointments, managing patient medical records, and billing and coding.

What are four examples of clinical tasks performed by a Medical Assistant?

Measuring vital signs, performing phlebotomy, preparing and administering medications, and performing electrocardiograms (EKGs).

What is the projected job growth for the Medical Assistant field in the next 10 years?

$$19\%$$

Define the term 'inpatient'.

A word used to describe a hospital setting and care provided in a hospital.

Define the term 'outpatient'.

A word used to describe medical settings that do not require overnight stays and the care provided in these settings.

What is an emergency medicine specialist?

A physician who works in emergency rooms or trauma centers and treats patients experiencing unexpected, acute illness and injury.

What is geriatric medicine?

A branch of medicine focused on preventive care and treatment for adults $65$ years of age and older.

What is internal medicine, and what are its providers called?

A branch of medicine focused on preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment for adults of all ages; providers may be called internists.

What is telehealth?

A method of providing healthcare services via telephone or a video connection.

Define venipuncture.

The puncture of a vein with a hollow needle for the purpose of extracting a blood specimen.

What is another name for capillary puncture, and what is its purpose?

Also called dermal puncture, it is the puncture of a patient's skin for the purpose of collecting a blood specimen from the capillaries.

What is a patient-centered medical home (PCMH)?

A healthcare model outlined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act developed to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care coordinated by a primary care provider.

What is the function of the Joint Commission?

An independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare organizations.

In terms of the healthcare team, what is the role of NPs and PAs?

Licensed 'mid-level providers' who provide direct patient care and can often prescribe medications.

What does it mean to delegate?

To assign appropriate tasks to another person.

What is the definition of 'scope of practice'?

The roles, responsibilities, and procedures that are within the knowledge, training, and legal definition of a profession.

List five tasks that are beyond the scope of practice for a Medical Assistant.

1. Triage, 2. Prescribing medications, 3. Making treatment decisions, 4. Performing surgical procedures, 5. Providing intravenous therapy.

What is the purpose of the chain of command?

It provides a clear line of authority, protects employers and employees from liability, and helps ensure patients get proper health care.

What is professionalism?

Behaving properly when on the job.

Name seven qualities of a professional Medical Assistant.

Honesty, responsibility, dependability, personability, discretion, empathy, and dedication.

How is continuing education (CE) defined in healthcare?

Education intended to keep healthcare workers up-to-date on changes in medicine, new equipment, new procedures, or policy changes.

Which agency issues the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential?

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Which agency issues the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential?

American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Which agency issues the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential?

National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Which agency issues the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential?

National Healthcareer Association (NHA).