The Medical Assisting Profession Chapter 1 The Medical Assisting Profession

Historical Perspective of Profession Nursing: role of management, training, assisting provider in clinical procedures 1978: profession of medical assisting recognized by U.S. Dept. of Education 1991: American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) approved current definition of medical assisting

Career Opportunities Versatile and multifaceted profession Employment in variety of settings 500,000 MAs in workforce Projections of more than 650,000 by 2018

Education of the Medical Assistant Community colleges, junior colleges, proprietary schools Requirements based on entry-level MA responsibilities in medical office New mode of education is online education Student receives diploma or certificate Associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs

Education of the Medical Assistant Courses in a Medical Assisting Program Administrative General Clinical Practicum (externship and internship) Sites Benefits (See Table 1-1: Some Typical Administrative, General, and Clinical Courses in an Accredited Medical Assisting Program)

Accreditation of MA Programs CAAHEP Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs Accrediting body for medical assisting programs in private and public postsecondary institutions Standards are minimum standards of quality On-site review teams evaluate program’s compliance

Accreditation of MA Programs Abhes Accrediting Bureau of Health Education School Accreditation to medical assisting programs in public and private schools and colleges that offer health education

Attributes of MA Professional As you watch the video clip, write down all the characteristics that Dee is lacking. After you watch the video clip, do you see any similarities between Dee and yourself?

Attributes of MA Professional Communication Presentation Appearance Good personal hygiene practices A smile Follow dress code for your facility Use of correct body mechanics

Attributes of MA Professional Manual dexterity Empathy Good attitude Competency Dependability Measuring blood pressure requires the MA to see and hear well >> [FIGURE 1-4]

Attributes of MA Professional Flexibility Initiative Desire to learn Integrity Accountability Ethical behavior

AAMA American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Founded in 1956 Certification Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Voluntary, not mandatory, for medical assistants to practice Continuing education requirement for recertification of CMA credential

AMT American Medical Technologists (AMT) Founded in 1939 Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) 1972: AMT established certification examination Voluntary credential for medical assistants National exam

AMT Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) Competent in multitude of skills Familiar with clinical and administrative concepts Credentials help secure medical assistant’s role in health care field

AMT Continuing education Certification Continuation Program (CCP) To maintain RMA credential, you must obtain 30 points in 3-year period

NHA National Healthcareer Association Certifies and offers continuing education course development Membership services for professionals Registry for certified professionals Two ways to attain certification National certification exam NHA home study courses

NHA Continuing education Courses offered online Certification remains current NHA recognized and approved by many organizations

National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Independent certifying body for many allied health professions Two routes: Graduation from approved educational program Qualifying work experience National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

Regulation of Health Care Providers Credentialing regulates health care providers, which ensures: Competence of health care providers Minimum standard of knowledge, training, skill Limiting of performance of certain procedures to specific occupation Licensure, certification, registration are three kinds of regulations/credentialing (See Table 1-2: Comparison of Requirements for Certification, Licensure, and Registration)

Regulation of Health Care Providers Scope of practice Medical assistants not licensed Medicine and nursing licensed professions License: regulates activities of professions by laws that specify educational requirements and define scope of practice MAs can become certified voluntarily