Medical Assisting: The profession Lesson 1: The History and Training of Medical Assistants

Lesson Objectives Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to … Define and spell the terms to learn for this chapter. Discuss the history of medical assisting as a profession. Discuss educational opportunities available for medical assistants. Identify accrediting agencies for medical assisting programs.

How long has the medical assisting field been in existence? THINK and DISCUSS How long has the medical assisting field been in existence? What has caused the field to grow?

Steps in the History of Trained Medical Assistants MAs were originally trained on the job. 2. Responsibility and liability issues increased, leading to more formal training. 3.Nurses were in higher demand due to physicians familiarity with this profession. 4. Demand for well trained MAs increased as nursing shortages grew, as the MA profession expanded, and as physicians began to see the value in hiring MAs.

The AAMA Acronym for the American Association of Medical Assistants Founded by Maxine Williams Organized in 1956 Williams was the first president of the AAMA

AAMA Definition of a Medical Assistant “A multi-skilled allied health profession whose practitioners work primarily in ambulatory settings such as medical offices and clinics. Medical assistants function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures.”

THINK and DISCUSS Why is it important for medical assistants to be formally trained? Does the existence of organizations such as the AAMA help the profession? If so, how?

Curriculum Typically Found in MA Programs Anatomy and physiology Medical terminology Medical law and ethics Psychology Communication (oral and written) Medical assistant administrative procedures Medical assistant clinical procedures Professional components Externship

The Medical Assistant Externship Component of our MA program Volunteer position Settings include physician’s office, clinic, or hospital setting Total hours of externship vary

Criteria for Externship Must be able to work 40hours/week x 4 weeks (160hours) Must have a passing grade Improved Progress Reports Must have good attendance Must follow uniform/appearance rules Based on teacher recommendation

Lesson 2: Role and Responsibilities of the Medical Assistant Lesson Objectives Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to … List ten administrative duties of the medical assistant. List ten clinical skills medical assistants need to know. List qualities usually found in a good medical assistant.

Role of the Medical Assistant To assist the physician in providing patient care

Places of Employment for MAs Physician offices Ambulatory care clinics Government agencies Urgent care facilities Free-standing facilities

THINK and DISCUSS Why would an MA choose to work in one type of employment setting versus another? (Think about your moral and ethical beliefs)

Duties of the Medical Assistant Vary from office to office Vary according to size and type of setting Vary due to federal and state regulations and guidelines

Administrative Duties Scheduling Greeting patients Screening non-patients and visitors Making arrangements for patient admissions to hospitals, patient tests, and procedures Providing patient instruction Updating and filing patient medical records Coding diagnoses and procedures for insurance purposes

Administrative Duties (cont.) Handling financial arrangements with patients Transcribing medical dictation Handling the telephone Writing reports Handling mail Performing tasks related to accounts payable and accounts receivable Operating office equipment

Administrative Duties (cont.) Preparing and maintaining employee records Handling petty cash Reconciling bank statements Maintaining records for license renewals, membership fees, and insurance premiums Handling the office in the physician’s absence Assisting the physician with articles, lectures, and manuscripts

HIPAA guidelines Read “About HIPAA” HO and discuss Activity cards w/scenarios

Clinical Responsibilities Assisting patients in preparation for physical exams and procedures Perform routine clinical and lab procedures Obtain a medical history

Clinical Responsibilities (cont.) Collecting, preparing, and transporting laboratory specimens Venipuncture Assisting the physician with procedures Instructing and educating patients Cleaning and sterilizing equipment Obtaining patient’s height, weight, and vital signs Preparing and maintaining exam and treatment rooms Inventory control – ordering and storing of supplies Disposing of hazardous waste and other materials

Clinical Responsibilities (cont.) Administering medications Changing bandages and dressings Suture removal Handling drug refills Performing ECGs Ensuring compliance with OSHA

Clinical Responsibilities Performing skills relevant to various specialties Disposing of contaminated supplies Sterilizing medical instruments Preparing patients for x-rays

THINK and DISCUSS Are MAs always expected to have both administrative and clinical skills?

What are the characteristics of a good Medical Assistant?? Post-it What are the characteristics of a good Medical Assistant??

General Characteristics of a Good MA General medical knowledge Ability to perform administrative and clinical skills Genuinely care about others Ability to communicate and get along with others

Qualities Found in a Good MA Integrity Discretion Empathy Ability to safeguard patient’s right to confidentiality Thoroughness Punctuality Congeniality Proactive Competence

How to Present a Professional Image Using a calm, pleasant speaking voice Not eating, drinking, or chewing gum while working in public areas Developing a basic understanding of human behavior Using good communication skills Exhibiting good daily personal hygiene and grooming habits Providing quality care

Activity Dress/Groom for success Two groups Right or wrong

Lesson 3: Certification and Career Opportunities for the MA Lesson Objectives Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to … Discuss the professional organizations that certify medical assistants. Identify career opportunities available to medical assistants and give examples of areas in which you may choose to work.

MA Certifying Organizations Medical Assistant Organizations at-a-glance HO Small group (5) activity Read about your organization/Share Qualifications needed Cost Benefits of certification Initials Renewal CEU’s/cost

General Medical Assisting Knowledge Anatomy and physiology Medical terminology Medical law Medical ethics Human rights Patient education

THINK and DISCUSS What do you think the job outlook in the future for MAs might be? What factors might impact the growth of the field of medical assisting?

Statistics on Jobs in Medical Assisting FYI: According to the U.S. Department of Labor MAs held about 417,000 jobs in 2006 62% were employed by physician offices 12% held positions in public and private hospitals About 11% worked in the offices of other health care practitioners 15% were employed in other health care industries Projections are that the field of medical assisting from 2002-2012 will be a fast-growing occupation

Job Title Opportunities for MAs Clinic aid Data processing clerk Billing or collection assistant Insurance claims coder Medical records clerk Multifunctional technician With additional training other jobs include: Medical laboratory assistant ECG technician Phlebotomist