Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science
What is the term for the study of drugs and their effects on the body?
Pharmacology
What is the basic unit of life?
Cell
What is the purpose of a patient portal?
To allow patients to securely access their medical records online.
What does HIPAA stand for?
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
What is the legal and ethical obligation of healthcare professionals regarding patient confidentiality?
To protect patient information from unauthorized disclosure.
What are the four main stages of pharmacokinetics?
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME)
What is the largest artery in the human body?
The aorta
What is a common barrier to patient adherence to medication regimens?
Cost of medication, side effects, forgetfulness
What is the purpose of a superbill
To document services provided to a patient for billing purposes.
What is the purpose of a living will?
To express a patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care.
What is the difference between a sign and a symptom of a disease?
A sign is an objective, measurable indication of a disease (e.g., fever, rash), while a symptom is a subjective experience reported by the patient (e.g., pain, nausea).
Which organ system is responsible for the production of hormones?
The endocrine system
What is the role of a medical assistant in patient education?
Providing instructions on medications, procedures, and lifestyle changes
What is the difference between a copay and a deductible?
A copay is a fixed amount paid by the patient at the time of service, while a deductible is the amount the patient must pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins.
What are some examples of mandatory reporting laws?
Child abuse, elder abuse, and certain infectious diseases.
Name the three basic types of muscle tissue
Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle.
What is the term for the process of maintaining a stable internal environment in the body?
Homeostasis
What is the importance of patient education regarding preventative care?
To empower patients to take an active role in their health and reduce the risk of future health problems.
What is the importance of obtaining prior authorization for certain medical procedures?
To ensure that the procedure is medically necessary and covered by the patient's insurance.
What is the difference between negligence and malpractice?
Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care, while malpractice is negligence by a professional (such as a doctor or nurse).
What are the six essential nutrients?
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
What are the four major chambers of the heart?
Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle
How can a medical assistant facilitate communication between a patient and a specialist
Scheduling appointments, obtaining necessary medical records, and providing clear instructions to the patient.
How can a medical assistant contribute to the efficient flow of patients in a medical office?
By managing appointments, preparing patients for exams, and assisting with check-in and check-out procedures
What is the importance of obtaining informed consent from a patient before a medical procedure?
To ensure that the patient understands the risks and benefits of the procedure and has the right to make an informed decision.