LESSON 1:THE HISTORY AND

TRAINING OF MEDICAL ASSISTANTS

Medical Assisting:The profession

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.

THINK and DISCUSS

1. How long has the medical assisting field been in existence?

2. What has caused the field to grow?

Steps in the History of Trained Medical Assistants

1. 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 1956Williams 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 physiologyMedical terminologyMedical law and ethicsPsychologyCommunication (oral and written)Medical assistant administrative proceduresMedical assistant clinical proceduresProfessional componentsExternship

The Medical Assistant Externship

Component of our MA programVolunteer positionSettings include physician’s office,

clinic, or hospital settingTotal hours of externship vary

Criteria for Externship

Must be able to work 40hours/week x 4 weeks (160hours)

Must have a passing gradeImproved Progress ReportsMust have good attendanceMust follow uniform/appearance rulesBased 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 officesAmbulatory care clinicsGovernment agenciesUrgent care facilitiesFree-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

SchedulingGreeting patientsScreening non-patients and visitorsMaking arrangements for patient

admissions to hospitals, patient tests, and procedures

Providing patient instruction Updating and filing patient medical recordsCoding diagnoses and procedures for

insurance purposes

Administrative Duties (cont.)

Handling financial arrangements with patients

Transcribing medical dictationHandling the telephoneWriting reportsHandling mailPerforming tasks related to accounts payable

and accounts receivableOperating office equipment

Administrative Duties (cont.)

Preparing and maintaining employee records

Handling petty cashReconciling bank statementsMaintaining records for license renewals,

membership fees, and insurance premiumsHandling the office in the physician’s

absenceAssisting the physician with articles,

lectures, and manuscripts

HIPAA guidelines

Read “About HIPAA” HO and discussActivity 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

VenipunctureAssisting the physician with proceduresInstructing and educating patientsCleaning and sterilizing equipmentObtaining patient’s height, weight, and vital signsPreparing and maintaining exam and treatment

roomsInventory control – ordering and storing of suppliesDisposing of hazardous waste and other materials

Clinical Responsibilities (cont.)

Administering medications Changing bandages and dressingsSuture removalHandling drug refillsPerforming ECGsEnsuring 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?

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

IntegrityDiscretionEmpathyAbility to safeguard patient’s right to confidentiality

Thoroughness

PunctualityCongenialityProactiveCompetence

How to Present a Professional Image

Using a calm, pleasant speaking voiceNot eating, drinking, or chewing gum while

working in public areasDeveloping a basic understanding of human

behavior Using good communication skillsExhibiting 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) activityRead 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 lawMedical ethicsHuman rightsPatient education

THINK and DISCUSS

1. What do you think the job outlook in the future for MAs might be?

2. 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

industriesProjections are that the field of medical

assisting from 2002-2012 will be a fast-growing occupation

Job Title Opportunities for MAs

Clinic aidData processing

clerkBilling or collection

assistantInsurance claims

coderMedical records

clerkMultifunctional

technician

With additional training other jobs include: Medical laboratory

assistant ECG technician Phlebotomist