Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Chapter 1 The Medical Assistant Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. The Role of the Medical Assistant Most versatile allied health occupation in today’s medical environment An integral member of the health care team The liaison between provider and patient Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. The Role of the Medical Assistant In order to become a successful medical assistant, you need to acquire specific: – Knowledge base (theory) – Skills (procedures) – Behaviors (professional characteristics and attitudes)

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. General Competencies Communication Legal and Ethical Concepts Patient Instruction and Advocacy Operational Functions

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Administrative Competencies Administrative Procedures – Examples: Scheduling appointments, creating and filing medical records, Practice Finances – Examples: Bookkeeping and financial procedures, preparing insurance forms, billing and coding

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Clinical Competencies Fundamental Practices – Examples: Aseptic technique, infection control, vital signs Diagnostic Procedures – Examples: Minor surgery, collecting and processing specimens, lab testing, ECGs, administering medications, phlebotomy Patient Care

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. “Boundaries” of Medical Assisting

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Work Environment Doctor’s offices Specialty practices Urgent care centers Clinics Hospitals Labs Insurance companies Billing companies Government agencies

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Work Environment Solo practices Partnerships Multiprovider clinics Urgent care centers Patient-centered medical homes (PCMH) – “A team-based model of care led by a personal physician who provides continuous and coordinated care throughout a patient's lifetime to maximize health outcomes.”

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Job Outlook The medical assisting profession is expected to grow by 34% through 2018 – Faster than average Factors affecting growth of the profession – Versatility of MA skills – Aging population – Technological advances & industry expansion

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Demonstrating Professionalism Evolving into a professional doesn’t happen overnight Why is professionalism important? – Gives the impression that you are knowledgeable and competent at your job – Encourages respect of coworkers, supervisors, and patients – Helps you to feel like a part of the team

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Personal Appearance Cleanliness Posture Hand care Hair care Proper attire Jewelry Appropriate fragrances and cosmetics

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Professional Behaviors Accurate Adaptable/flexible Courteous Confidential Dependable Empathetic Honest Takes initiative Patient Punctual Respectful Tactful

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Personal Qualities Qualities that affect the way your character traits are perceived – Friendly attitude – Genuine smile – Perception as a professional

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Time Management Skills, tools, and practices used to manage daily activities to be most productive The Pareto Principle – The rule: focus on the 20% of your work that yields 80% of results Stay organized and take active control of your schedule

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Professional Organizations Medical assisting organizations that provide services to members, such as: – Credential examinations – Continuing education

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Professional Organizations American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) – MA Credential offered: CMA(AAMA) American Medical Technologists (AMT) – MA Credentials offered: RMA and CMAS – Other health care credentials offered as well

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Professional Organizations National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) – MA Credentials offered: NCMA, NCMOA – Other health care credentials offered as well National Healthcareer Association (NHA) – MA Credentials offered: CCMA, CMAA – Other health care credentials offered as well

Copyright ©2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Professional Organizations American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) – CPC (physician practice) – CPC-H (outpatient hospital/facility) – CPC-P (payer) – Other certifications available for coders as well