Medical Assisting: The Profession

Unit 1: Introduction to Health Care

Learning Objectives

  • After completing this chapter, you should be able to:

    • 1.1 Define and spell the terms for this chapter.

    • 1.2 Outline the history of the medical assisting profession.

    • 1.3 Identify educational opportunities available for medical assisting students.

    • 1.4 Explain the importance of accreditation for medical assisting programs.

    • 1.5 List responsibilities that may be included in the medical assistant’s scope of practice.

    • 1.6 Identify health care professionals who are able to delegate duties to a medical assistant.

    • 1.7 List professional qualities of a medical assistant.

    • 1.8 Identify the benefits of obtaining a medical assisting credential.

    • 1.9 List credentials available to medical assistants that are awarded by various national organizations.

    • 1.10 Explain the current employment outlook for medical assistants.

    • 1.11 Describe the role of a patient navigator.

Medical Assisting: The Profession

Accreditation and Key Terms

  • Accreditation:

    • A process by which an institution voluntarily seeks validation from an external accrediting body to verify that it meets specific standards of quality and performance.

  • Accrediting Organizations:

    • Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

    • American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

    • American Medical Technologists (AMT)

  • Certification:

    • Designation that recognizes an individual as having met specific eligibility and competency standards in the field. Examples include:

    • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

    • Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

    • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) (AAMA)

    • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

    • National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

  • Continuing Education Unit (CEU):

    • A unit that measures participation in continuing education activities.

Case Study: Lucy's Journey to Medical Assisting

  • Profile: Lucy Guttierez, a high school graduate working full-time for three years, wishes to pursue a career in health care as a medical assistant. She explores various training programs:

    • Valley Heights Community College: Offers an associate degree in medical assisting.

    • Valley Heights Business School: Provides a nine-month certificate program.

Importance of Medical Assistants

  • Medical assistants (MAs) are vital in providing support and services across varying health care settings, including pediatric and chiropractic offices.

  • Their training helps in both clinical and administrative roles, allowing flexibility and adaptability in diverse workplaces.

History of Medical Assisting

  • Originally, medical assistants were trained on-the-job under a physician’s guidance.

  • As demands grew, formal training became necessary, leading to the employment of medical assistants instead of solely registered nurses in outpatient settings.

  • The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) was established in 1955 to promote education and standards for medical assistants.

Education and Training for Medical Assistants

  • Education routes for medical assistants include:

    • Certificate Programs: Typically 6 weeks to 1 year; focus on specific skills (clinical or administrative).

    • Usually require an externship.

    • Diploma Programs: Often 6 months to 1 year in length; similar to certificates but more comprehensive.

    • Degree Programs: Range from 8 months to 2 years involving both occupational training and general education.

  • Curriculum Components:

    • Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Medical Law and Ethics, Psychology, Administrative Procedures, Clinical Procedures, among others.

Accreditation for Medical Assisting Programs

  • Accreditation signifies that a program meets specific educational standards.

  • Recognizing bodies include:

    • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

    • Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Responsibilities of the Medical Assistant

  • Scope of Practice:

    • Varies by state and specific health care setting. Key responsibilities fall into:

    • Administrative Duties:

      • Scheduling appointments, handling patient interactions, coding for insurance, maintaining medical records.

    • Clinical Duties:

      • Vital sign measurement, specimen collection, assisting in procedures, managing patient preparation.

  • All duties require adherence to state regulations and thorough understanding of the medical assistant's role.

Delegation of Duties

  • Physicians and qualified health care practitioners have the authority to delegate tasks to medical assistants which must remain within their training scope.

Professional Qualities of a Medical Assistant

  • Essential attributes include:

    • Integrity

    • Empathy

    • Discretion

    • Confidentiality

    • Thoroughness

    • Punctuality

    • Congeniality

    • Proactivity

    • Competence

Professional Organizations and Credentialing

  • CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA) - highlight the importance of certification for enhanced employability and professional development.

  • Employers increasingly require credentials for medical assistants, and regulations may specify tasks performed by certified personnel only.

Employment Outlook

  • Employment for medical assistants is thriving, especially in outpatient settings, expected to grow significantly due to demographic changes and advancements in healthcare technology.

  • Job opportunities can include roles such as: data processing clerk, billing assistant, clinic aide, medical receptionist, among others.

The Role of the Patient Navigator

  • A potential job for well-rounded medical assistants who facilitate patients' healthcare journeys, enhancing communication and efficiencies between patients and healthcare providers.

Chapter Review Questions

  • Various questions cover key terminology, responsibilities, roles, and the importance of credentials for medical assistants.

Internet Activity

  • Encourages students to search local job listings to understand certification requirements.

On the Job Case Study: Ethical Implications

  • A scenario involving Kayla Christianson, a CMA, examining the boundaries of her responsibilities and integrity regarding compliance with medical assistant guidelines.

Conclusion

  • The medical assisting field is robust, presenting numerous opportunities for those dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth in healthcare delivery.