Chapter 1 The Medical Assisting Profession Copyright 2010

Chapter 1 The Medical Assisting Profession Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Historical Perspective • The nurse’s role is limited compared to that of the medical assistant • Formal training versus on-the-job training • In 1978, the medical assisting profession was recognized by the U. S. Department of Education Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Career Opportunities • Versatile profession • Employment is available in a variety of settings The MA is a valuable part of the health care team >> Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Career Opportunities • Employment outlook is promising – Fastest growing allied health profession through 2012 for many reasons Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Education of the MA • Community colleges, junior colleges, and proprietary schools • Requirements are based on entry-level MA responsibilities in the medical office • Accredited programs have administrative and clinical courses and a practicum • Bachelor’s degree programs available Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Attributes of a 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? Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Attributes of a Professional Click Here to play the video Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Attributes of a Professional • • • Empathy Attitude Dependability Initiative Flexibility A friendly attitude helps the patient feel at ease >> Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Attributes of a Professional • • Desire to learn Physical attributes Ability to communicate Ethical behavior Measuring blood pressure requires the MA to see and hear well >> Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

AAMA • American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) – Founded in 1956 – First president was Maxine Williams • Purposes: certification and continuing education – CMA (AAMA) credential Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

AMT • American Medical Technologists (AMT) – Founded in 1939 • Purposes: credentialing and continuing education – Certifies a variety of health care fields – Established the RMA exam in 1972 – CMAS exam is also available Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

NHA • National Healthcareer Association • Purposes: credentialing and continuing education – Certifies a variety of health care fields – Two ways to obtain certification Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Regulation of Health Care Providers • Credentialing regulates health care providers, which ensures: – Competence of health care providers – A minimum standard of knowledge, training, and skill – The limiting of the performance of certain procedures to a specific occupation Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Types of Regulations • Licensure – Mandatory, legislated by each state • Certification – Voluntary, through a nongovernmental agency or professional association • Registration – Voluntary, through a professional association Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Scope of Practice • Medical assistants are not licensed – Medicine and nursing are licensed professions • Medical assistants are allowed to perform clinical procedures under physician’s or other licensed health care practitioner’s supervision – In some states, authorization is required for some procedures – AAMA lists which procedures medical assistants can perform Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.