Role of the MA
Types of tasks do MA's commonly perform in ambulatory care settings
Administrative and Clinical Tasks
Define clinical tasks when compared to administrative
Administrative is related to business/customer service. Clinical tasks are related to patient care and referred to as "back-office" work
What is the term for the responsibilities that are within the knowledge, training and legal definition of a profession
Scope of Practice
Work experience as an MA in a medical office or in the military.
Identify 3 guidelines for grooming and appearance for professionalism.
Bathe or shower daily
Brush and floss teeth regularly
Wear deoderant, no strong lotions or sprays
Comb/brush hair and pull back
Fingernails short, no artificial nails, non-chipped nail polish
Clean, wrinkle-free uniform
Wearing badge
Limit jewelry
Comfortable and clean shoes
This healthcare team member has many duties in common with an MA but does not do administrative tasks or give medication
Patient Care Technician
What clinical task is often delegated to MAs?
a. laceration repair
b. collection of payment
c. Drawing blood for testing
D. Assessing a patient's need for medication
C. Drawing blood for testing
What is the definition of administrative tasks
Tasks related to the business and customer service operations of a medical office/healthcare facility. Known as "front-office" work
If an MA works for a home health agency, what type of tasks is most likely to be involved
a. testing and monitoring
b. assessment and diagnosis
a. testing and monitoring
How should an MA go about reporting a concern about another employee
Using the facility's chain of command to properly report any concern or incident
Tasks that cannot be delegated to an MA
Decision-making based on medical knowledge
List 3 clinical tasks an MA might complete
Examples
Taking medical Histories
Performing physical assessments
Measuring height/weight/vision screenings/hearing
Preparing patients for exams and procedures
Collecting specimens (blood/urine)
Phlebotomy tasks
Administer some medications and vaccines
Perform EKG and/or lung function tests
First aid/CPR
Sterilize/clean equipment
Change dressings/provide wound care
Examples include:
Answering phones/making calls
Greeting/registering patients
Scheduling appointments
Managing medical records
Billing and coding
Getting preauthorization from insurance companies
Referrals
Insurance claims
Bookeeping/Banking
What is the function of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH)
Coordinate care a patient receives from multiple providers
Which characteristic of professionalism is characterized by identify feelings of another and being understanding and considerate of those feelings?
Empathy
Describe ambulatory care
Care given without being admitted to the hospital
Where is care given in an inpatient setting
hospital
What is medical coding
Using established codes to document medical care especially for the purpose of insurance billing
What are two common requirements for MA certification?
2. Passing a test given by a certification agency
Why is it important to dress in a clean, wrinkle-free uniform each day
Important sign of professionlism
Explain what a patient navigator is
They keep track of patient's care a progress through the healthcare system
Who would you care for if working in a geriatric office?
Adults 65 years of age and older
Define "preauthorization"
Getting approval from a health insurance company before procedures or filling medications for a patient
Although not all states require certification, what are two reasons why it is still important?
1. Proves a certain level of knowledge
2. Sign of professionalism
An MA gives a patient a flu shot accidentally when the patient wanted the COVID vaccine. The MA reports the mistake following the policy for med errors. Which characteristic of professionalism does this display?
Honesty