2-1 Introduction  Medical assistants are an integral part of the health-care team  A working knowledge of specialties and allied health professionals enables the MA to function better as a member of the health-care team

2-2 Medical Specialties  Approximately 22 major medical specialties exist  Specialized medical care is driven by advances in diagnosing and treating various diseases Cardiology PediatricsAdult Note: Cardiology = specialty Pediatrics and Adult = subspecialty

2-3 Physician Education and Licensure Bachelor’s Degree Graduate from an Accredited Medical School Pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam Complete 2–6 Years of Residency

2-4 Medical Specialists SpecialistFunctions Family Practice  Medical doctors that treat all conditions and age groups  Also called general practitioners or primary care physicians by insurance companies  Refers patients to specialists for specific diseases requiring specialized care Allergist  Diagnoses and treats people with hypersensitivity to substances such as drugs, chemicals, and elements in nature

2-5 Medical Specialists (cont.) SpecialistFunctions Anesthesiologist  Administers medications that alter sensation and feelings during surgery Bariatrics  Medical and surgical treatment of obesity Cardiologist  Diagnoses and treats diseases of the heart and blood vessels Dermatologist  Diagnoses and treats diseases of the skin, hair, and nails

2-6 Medical Specialists (cont.) SpecialistFunctions Doctor of Osteopathy  Uses eyes and hands to identify structural problems and promote natural healing Emergency Medicine Physician  Works in hospital emergency rooms  Diagnoses and treats medical crises and accidents Endocrinologist  Diagnoses and treats disorders of the endocrine system, which regulates many body functions

2-7 Medical Specialists (cont.) SpecialistFunctions Gastroenterologist  Diagnoses and treats disorders related to the stomach, intestines, and other organs Gerontologist  Diagnoses and treats problems and diseases affecting older adults Gynecologist  Diagnoses and treats diseases of the female reproductive system Internist  Diagnoses and treats problems related to internal organs

2-8 Medical Specialists (cont.) SpecialistFunctions Nephrologist  Studies, manages, and diagnoses diseases of the kidney Neurologist  Diagnoses and treats disorders and diseases of the nervous system Obstetrician  Studies pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum Oncologist  Identifies and treats patients with cancer

2-9 Medical Specialists (cont.) SpecialistFunction Ophthalmologist  Diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders of the eye Orthopedist  Diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders of muscles and bones Otorhinolaryngogolist  Diagnoses and treats ear, nose, and throat disorders Pathologist  Studies bodily changes produced by disease processes

2-10 Medical Specialists (cont.) SpecialistFunction Pediatrician  Diagnoses and treats childhood diseases Physiatrist  Diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders with physical therapy Podiatrist  Treats disorders of the foot Plastic Surgeon  Performs reconstruction, correction, and improvement of body structures Radiologist/ Nuclear Medicine  Uses x-rays and radioactive substances to diagnose and treat diseases

2-11 Medical Specialists (cont.) SpecialistFunction Sports Medicine  Subspecialty of medicine dealing with treatment and preventative care of athletes Surgeon  Uses hands and instruments to diagnose, correct, and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities Urologist  Diagnoses and treats diseases of the kidneys, bladder, and urinary system

2-12 Apply Your Knowledge Name the medical specialists who would be involved in the care of a 6-month-old infant with massive burns over 90% of the body and indicate how each specialist will contribute to the care for this situation. ANSWER: The following specialists would be involved in the care of this patient: Pediatrician because of the age of the infant Plastic surgeon to perform skin grafting Dermatologist for skin, hair, and nail repair Emergency medicine for treatment during medical crisis Correct!

2-13 PATIENT Medical Assistants Doctors Specialists Nurses Health-Care Team Knowing the duties of other health-care team members will help you be a more effective team member.

2-14 Allied Health Professionals DisciplineFunction Acupuncturist  Treats pain or discomfort by inserting thin, hollow needles under the skin to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang  Based on Chinese beliefs

2-15 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Chiropractor  Treats disorders without drugs or surgery by making adjustments to realign the vertebrae in the spine  Is an independent practitioner Electroencephalographic (EEG) Technologist / Technician  Electroencephalography is the study and recording of the brain’s electrical activity  EEG technicians work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and clinics

2-16 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Electrocardiograph (ECG) Technician  ECG technicians operate electrocardiograph machines that record the heart’s electrical impulses  ECG technicians work in hospitals

2-17 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Massage Therapist  Promotes muscle and full body relaxation; increases circulation and lymph flow  One of the oldest methods to promote healing Medical Administrative Assistant  Provides administrative support to medical, professional, and technical personnel  Transcribing dictation  Composing correspondence  Works in hospitals, clinics, etc.

2-18 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Medical Billing and Coding  Extraction and coding of medical information from patient records  Preparation of insurance claims to maximize reimbursement and ensure ethical standards in the profession Medical Records Technologist  Organizes, analyzes, and evaluates medical records  Compiles administrative and health statistics, code symptoms, and inputs and retrieves computerized health data  Registered Records Administrator (RRA) and Accredited Records Technician (ART)

2-19 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Medical Office Administrator / Manager  Manages the practice of a physician or a group practice  Coordinates records and filing  Oversees office staff  May also greet patients, make appointments, and perform general secretarial tasks  Requires knowledge of  Computer application software  Advanced document processing skills  Accounting

2-20 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Medical Technology – includes: Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT)  Performs lab tests under supervision of physicians or medical technologists  1- or 2-year degree  Works in hospital labs, clinics, etc. Medical Technologist  Performs lab tests and procedures such as examining body fluids and tissues  Has a 4-year degree  Works in clinics, industry, hospitals, research, etc.

2-21 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Medical Transcriptionist  Translates a physician’s dictation into comprehensive, typed records  Works in attorney offices, insurance companies, hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and laboratories Mental Health Technician (Psychiatric Aide or Counselor)  Participates in supervising group therapy and counseling sessions  Works with emotionally disturbed and mentally challenged patients  Work settings include psychiatric clinics, crisis centers and shelters, hospital psychiatric units, and specialized nursing home settings

2-22 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Nuclear Medicine Technologist  Completes either a 2-year or 4-year program  Works in hospitals, physician offices, or public health institutions  Duties include:  Overseeing quality control  Preparing and administering radioactive drugs  Operating radiation detection instruments  Positioning patients  Performing imaging procedures

2-23 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Occupational Therapist  Helps patients attain maximum physical and mental health through the use of educational, vocational, and rehabilitation activities  Has a 4-year degree plus 9- to 12-month internship at an accredited hospital  Work settings include:  Hospital  Government agency  Rehabilitation hospital

2-24 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Pharmacy  Dispensing of medications and health supplies  Employment in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, pharmaceutical companies, or private or chain pharmacies  Three levels of educational training for pharmacy careers  Pharmacist Technician (CPhT) - 2 year programs  R egistered Pharmacist (RPh) - 5 years of college  Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) - 6 to 7 years of college with residency

2-25 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Phlebotomist  Draws blood for diagnostic laboratory testing  Receives advanced phlebotomy training that allows him/her to draw blood under difficult circumstances  Most states require phlebotomists to be certified by the National Phlebotomy Association or registered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists

2-26 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Physical Therapist (PT)  Has a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and must pass a state board examination  May work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, private practice, or sports medicine center  Improves patient functioning by using:  Electricity, heat, and cold  Ultrasound and massage  Exercise

2-27 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Physician Assistant (PA)  Provides direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed physician  Training requirements vary; many states require certification and registration with the state medical board  Works in a variety of settings: private practice, nursing homes, hospitals, etc.  Some states allow PAs to write prescriptions

2-28 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Radiographer ( X- ray Technician)  Assists a radiologist in taking x-ray films  May be employed in hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics, government agencies, etc. Radiographic Technologist  Trained in x-ray theory and practical applications as well as radioactive materials  May specialize in radiation therapy, radiography, or nuclear medicine  Works in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, and medical practices

2-29 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Registered Dietitian  Also called nutritionist  Assists patients and family with nutrition planning  May prepare and serve food to groups  Work settings include:  Community health agencies  Hospitals  Clinics  Private practices  Teaching and consulting

2-30 Allied Health Professionals (cont.) DisciplineFunction Respiratory Therapist  Works under the supervision of a physician  Works in hospitals, physicians’ offices, nursing homes, and commercial companies  Evaluates, treats, and cares for patients with respiratory problems such as:  Asthma  Emphysema  Pneumonia  Bronchitis

2-31 Nursing Careers TrainingSample Duties Nursing Aide/ Assistant 1 week to 3 months  Bed making  Vital signs  Bathing patients Practical/ Vocational Nurse (LPN, LVN) 1 year  Vital signs  Medication administration  Dressing changes  Assists registered nurses and physicians

2-32 Registered Nurse (RN) TitleTraining Associate Degree RN (ADN) 2 years Diploma RN3 years Baccalaureate RN (BSN) 4 years

2-33 Nursing Careers TitleFunction Registered Nurse (RN)  RN designation once state boards are passed  Responsible for planning, providing, and supervising bedside care of patients  Work settings include  Hospitals, nursing homes, and physicians’ offices  Public health agencies and government agencies  Educational settings

2-34 Nursing Careers (cont.) TitleFunction Nurse Practitioner (NP)  An RN that functions in an expanded role  Requires a minimum of a Master’s degree and 4 to 12 months of formal training or an apprenticeship  Duties include:  Physical examinations  Treating common illnesses and injuries  Many states allow NPs to write prescriptions  Patient education

2-35 Apply Your Knowledge If you had to choose other health-care team members to plan the care for a 68-year-old patient recently diagnosed with a stroke, who has a history of seizure disorders, which would you choose, and why? ANSWER: The health-care team members that might participate in this patient’s care are: Physical therapist for decreased mobility due to stroke Pharmacist to review medications Nutritionist for dietary evaluation and possible modifications EEG technician to perform EEG for brain electrical activity Nursing staff (RN, LPN, CNA) Other health-care professionals will also be part of the team! Good Job!

2-36 Specialty Career Options for MAs  Require additional education or training  Many options available – check: Local and medical college libraries State employment agencies Health career opportunities in local newspapers Directly with companies where you might seek employment

2-37 Specialty Career Options (cont.) SpecialtyFunction Anesthetist’s Assistant  Provides anesthetic care under direct supervision of the anesthetist  Works in hospitals and high-technology surgical centers  Assists in evaluating patient mental and physical status Certified Laboratory Assistant  Performs lab procedures such as bacteriology, chemistry, hematology, parasitology, serology, and urinalysis  Supervised by medical technologists or hospital pathologists  Works in labs, clinics, physicians’ offices, etc.

2-38 Specialty Career Options (cont.) SpecialtyFunction Dental Assistant  Can practice without formal education or training  Performs both administrative and lab functions  Works in private practice, clinics, schools, local health agencies, and for insurance companies Emergency Medical Technician / Paramedic  Referred to as an EMT  Trained to triage patients and follow instructions from a physician  Works for an ambulance service or in fire department, hospital emergency room, or private industry

2-39 Specialty Career Options (cont.) SpecialtyFunction Occupational Therapist Assistant  Supervised by occupational therapists  Teaches fine motor skills, occupations, and the arts to patients with mental and physical disabilities  Earns a 2-year degree Ophthalmic Assistant  Assists ophthalmologists  Performs simple vision testing and other procedures  Three ophthalmic career levels:  Technologist  Technician ,Assistant

2-40 Specialty Career Options (cont.) SpecialtyFunction Pathologist Assistant  Supervised by a pathologist  Some work with forensic and/or anatomic pathologists  Performs laboratory duties and some administrative functions Pediatric Medical Assistant  Assists the pediatrician with administrative and clinical duties  Works in private practice, hospitals, and clinics

2-41 Specialty Career Options (cont.) SpecialtyFunction Pharmacy Technician  Performs routine tasks related to record keeping and preparing and dispensing medications  Works in hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, and wholesale pharmacies Physical Therapy Assistant  Works directly under the physical therapist  Performs tests and treatment procedures  Observes and documents patient responses to therapy  Works in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, etc.

2-42 Specialty Career Options (cont.) SpecialtyFunction Radiation Therapy Technologist  Assists the radiologist  Maintains radiation treatment equipment  Completes a 2-or 4-year education program  Works in hospitals, labs, clinics, and physicians’ offices Respiratory Therapy Technician  Works under supervision of physician and respiratory therapist  Performs artificial ventilation and maintains respiratory equipment  Works in hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes, etc.

2-43 Specialty Career Options (cont.) SpecialtyFunction Speech / Language Pathologist  Evaluates, diagnoses, and counsels patients with communication problems like stuttering  Usually has a Master’s Degree  Works in schools, hospitals, research settings, or private practice Surgical Technician  Completes a 2-year or 4-year degree  Provides patient services under direct supervision of a surgeon  Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures  Works primarily in hospitals

2-44 In Summary  Career options for medical assistants Offices of specialists and subspecialists Specialty career options  Professional organizations Information about issues and activities  Medical assisting field  Specialty or subspecialty of employer Benefits to members