Chapter 2: Healthcare Trends and Terms

MA role in allergy and immunology

administer allergy injections, perform allergy testing and assisting the provider with office procedures.

phlembotomist

draws blood for diagnostic lab testing

Ophthalmology-

Specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of the eyes. They address eye-related problems, much like optometrists do; however, these specialists are trained to perform surgeries, such as Lasik, as well as the removal of cataracts.

MA in Urology

The role for the medical assistant in this field could include asking personal sexual questions in the health histories, obtaining urine samples and providing patient education.

MA in internal medicine

The role of the medical assistant with the internist office is similar to the duties with family medicine.

Physical Therapist (PT)

These specialists help patients restore function, relieve pain, and are the kind of therapists that athletes see when they are injured. They are trained to help prevent disability after a dangerous disease or injury. They use various methods of treatment depending on the patient's need. These treatments include: cold, heat, therapy with electricity, ultrasound, exercise and massage.

Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS)

Works with provider's daily operations to manage accounts receivables

MA in Pediatrics

Your roles could include administering immunizations, performing strep and flu testing, plotting growth charts, educating parents on immunizations or procedures and obtaining proper head and chest circumference.

Dermatology

a physician with training and expertise in the diagnosis, medical and surgical management of diseases of the skin, hair, nails and mucus membranes

electronic health records (EHR)

a systematized collection of patient and population electronically-stored health information in a digital format

coder- various

accurately codes for billing purposes

Nephrology

also known as an internist, specializes in disorders of the kidney, high blood pressure, fluid and mineral balance, and dialysis of body wastes when the kidneys do not function.

Endocrinology

also known as an internist, specializes in the diagnosis and management of disorders of hormones and their actions, metabolic disorders, and neoplasia of the endocrine glands. The specialist cares for patients with diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, obesity, pituitary disorders, reproductive and gonadal disorders and adrenal diseases.

Medical Oncology

an internist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. This specialist decides on and administers therapy for these malignancies as well as consults with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatments for cancer, to include chemotherapies and radiation.

MA in emergency medicine

assist the provider with any needed procedures, obtain samples, dress wounds, assess vital signs and educate patients.

Electroencephalographic Technologists

assist with testing to diagnose diseases and irregularities in brain activity. They accomplish this by attaching electrodes to the patient's scalp and connects them to electroencephalography (EEG) machine that then produces a written record of the electrical activity of the patient's brain.

physical therapy assistant

assists a physical therapist

surgical technician

assists in performing surgical procedures

Registered Nurse (RN)

coordinates patient care and supervise LPNs and LVNs. They accomplish this with their duties of planning, giving and supervising patient bedside care. They may also work in a more administrative role performing tasks such as assisting in daily operations, overseeing different hospital programs, and planning community health services. RN's typically are employed in hospitals, long-term care settings or public health agencies.

Cardiology

diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases

emergency medicine

focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospital setting by directing emergency medical technicians and in the emergency department. Emergency providers stabilize their patients so they can then be managed by their Primary Care Provider (PCP) or appropriate specialist. Emergency medicine is a fast-paced field and within a chaotic atmosphere.

Occupational Therapists (OT)

help patients return to normal life after a significant disease or injury. To help their patient achieve the highest level of physical and mental health they use vocational, educational and rehabilitation therapies and activities.

medical assistant role in family medicine

include but not limited to making referrals, administering immunizations, educating patients and assisting in various procedures and should be knowledgeable in the amount of time needed for each procedure, as well as the instruments needed to perform.

Pathology

is the study of disease. A pathologist deals with the causes and nature of disease and contributes to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biologic, chemical and physical sciences. This specialist uses information gathered from the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells and body fluids as well as from the clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secretions for the diagnosis, exclusion and monitoring disease.

Massage Therapists

knead, apply pressure or vibration, tapping and stroke areas of the body to loosen tight muscles, tendons, and connective tissue, to ease pain and promote healing. As well as improve circulation and lymph flow. By increasing the circulation this helps with the removal of blood and waste products from injured tissues and brings fresh blood and the needed nutrients to the area for healing. Massage is one of the oldest methods of promoting healing and is often used to treat bruises, strains, muscle soreness or tightness, lower back pain as well as dislocations. Massage can help relieve muscle spasms, edema (swelling) and restore function and motion of an area of the body.

health information technician

manages patient records for completeness and accuracy

Certified Nursing Aide/Assistant (CNA)

may also be called a patient care technician, as well as a variety of other titles assigned by the specific healthcare facility. The CNA is more often employed in an inpatient setting. They assist in direct patient care under nursing staff supervision. Their duties typically include: obtaining vitals, transporting patients to and from treatment areas, bedside glucose dermal sticks, making beds, bathing patients and serving meals.

pathologist's assistant

may work as anatomist, preparing frozen sections of dissected body tissue or organs

MA in Otorhinolaryngology

medical assistant's role in this field could include obtaining medical histories, assisting the provider, and obtaining specimens.

MA in Medical Oncology

must have the ability to compassionately assist anxious patients who are facing mortality, or experiencing extreme effects from cancer treatment. Demand for medical assistants in this field is growing.

Registered Dietitians

offer nutrition guidance and create dietary plans based on physical challenges, allergies, illness, or medication contraindications. These specialists work in many different settings depending on need and demand.

nutritionist

often gets confused with a dietitian, however a nutritionist cares for a person who is in good condition but wants to maximize nutritional intake to maintain excellent health whereas as dietitian cares for ill patients and their nutritional needs.

A Physician's Assistant (PA)

practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. Each state decides on the level of autonomy and responsibility bestowed upon this position; though, the physician assistant can prescribe medicine in all 50 states. PA's provide therapeutic, diagnostic and preventive healthcare services. They obtain medical histories, order medical imaging or laboratory tests, examine, diagnose, treat, counsel and follow up with patients of all ages. They can suture, cast and splint injuries as well as perform minor office surgeries. As a medical assistant you may work directly with a PA.

MA in cardiology

preparing patients for cardiovascular procedures, recording heart test results, applying Holter monitors, and educating patients on medications and nutrition. As well as obtaining ECGs and possessing knowledge to educate patients on prevention and rehabilitation through diet and exercise

MA in endocrinology

preparing patients for exams, performing finger sticks (dermal punctures) to run hemoglobin A1C and obtain vital signs.

MA in Orthopedic Surgery

role in this field could include, wrapping an injured joint, casting, assisting the provider with procedures and range of movement.

MA in Nephrology

role in this field would include, administering medications, collecting urine samples, venipunctures, as well as educating patients.

medical transcriptionist

serves as a medical language specialist for dictated documentation

Otorhinolaryngology

treatment of the ears, nose, and throat (ENT). A practitioner in this field may specialize in sleep medicine, children's respiratory issues, as well as plastic surgery of the head and neck.

Chiropractor

treats pain and bodily injuries through manual treatments and some physical therapy such as spinal manipulation, exercise programs, and nutritional advice. Manual treatments, called adjustments help in realigning the vertebrae to restore the function of the spinal nerves. Testing used by chiropractors include the use of x-ray, muscle manipulation, and posture analyses. Once they gather the results from these test's they develop a plan of treatment for the patient. This could be several adjustments per week for several weeks in order to accomplish the goal of restoring the alignments.

Respiratory Therapists

treat patients with any respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, and bronchitis. They work under the supervision of a licensed practitioner in a variety of settings. They may supplement patient care to resolve or prevent respiratory problems during serious illnesses or extended hospital stays. The respiratory therapist receives assistance from the respiratory technician

Nuclear Medicine

uses molecular tracers for diagnosis and therapy. These labeled tracers are most often used to produce images that provide information about organ function, as well as cellular function on molecular level. Molecular imaging can be combined with anatomical imaging (radiology) by using specialized cameras. This specialty is relatively non-invasive, yet highly effective in diagnosing and treating illnesses and conditions of internal organs and their functions.

MA in dermatology office

varies by location; may record patient histories, preparing patients for procedures, prepare laboratory specimens and discuss dermatological conditions and care with patients

Nurse Practitioners (NP)

work with physicians or independently. Nurse practitioners can prescribe medications, including controlled substances, in all 50 states. In 26 states, they can practice independently. As a Medical Assistant, you may be employed with a Nurse Practitioner rather than a physician, typically in an ambulatory patient care setting. Other nursing specialties may include things such as Nurse Midwives which is an NP with specialized training in obstetrics.

occupational therapist assistant

works under the direction of an occupational therapist

Electronic Claims Professional

works with government payors and other larger reimbursement accounts

pharmacy technician

works with prescription requests to verify for accuracy and reimbursement; takes inventory of medications; receives payments

Colon and Rectal Surgery

A colon and rectal surgeon diagnoses and treats various diseases of the small intestine, colon, rectum, anal canal, and perianal area including the organs and tissues related with primary intestinal diseases. They treat conditions such as hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses and fistulas. They also diagnosis and treat problems of the intestine and colon such as cancer, polyps and inflammatory conditions.

Compliance Officer

Reviews and updates policies and procedures to assure compliant billing

respiratory technician

assists with ventilator usage as well as cleaning, sterilizing and maintaining equipment.

Pharmacists

dispense medications and health supplies. Pharmacists are knowledgeable of the chemical and physical qualities of drugs. They inform the public about side effects of their prescriptions as ll as any over the counter medications the person may be using.

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN, LVN)

duties include taking vital signs, passing medications, dressing wounds, and assisting registered nurses. The LVN duties can include observing patients and reporting changes in their conditions. Both LPN and LVN are typically employed in a hospital or in a long-term care facility.

Orthopedic Surgery

educated in the preservation, investigation, and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine, and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means working with the musculoskeletal system. Disorders relating to this field may include injuries in the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and or tendons

Nuclear Medicine

technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs as well as operate radiation detection instruments. These jobs may hold an additional risk because they work with radioactive substances. This type of professional is responsible for proper patient positioning, performing imaging procedures and preparing the report of information for the ordering physician.

MA in General Surgery

the medical assistant supports the completion of surgery by cleaning the surgical incision area and educating the patient about postoperative surgical site wound-care. It is beyond the Medical Assistant's scope of practice to place sutures; however, you may help remove sutures after the surgical site is healed.

Speech or Language Pathologists

treat communication disorders such as speech impediments and hearing impairment, as well as diagnose and counsel people concerning management and treatment plans for these issues. They work with a team of occupational and physical therapists for rehabilitative needs, after a stroke or other neurological illnesses.

Acupuncturists

treat pain and illness by inserting thin, hollow needles under the skin at specific pulse points, meridians known as pathways for the flow of qi in the body. Though not well understood in western medicine, this is an area in which students interested in alternative medicine may learn about the flow of qi (pronounced chee), or life energy in the body. Acupuncture relates to the Chinese beliefs about how the body works. Qi is made up of two opposite forces called yin and yang. If the balance of qi becomes unbalanced or interrupted then emotional, mental, spiritual as well as physical problems will occur. The acupuncturist works to keep the two forces in perfect balance. The use of Chinese herbs and the benefits of meditation and stress reduction is also practiced.

MA in plastic surgery

A medical assistant may assist prior to, during, or after a plastic surgery procedure. The medical assistant may be expected to remove sutures or staples and dress wounds.

MA in nuclear medicine

A medical assistant would explain procedures to patients, administer radioactive substance to the patient for testing as well as producing the images on a computer screen for the provider to interpret.

Radiologic Technology

A radiographer (x-ray technician) assists radiologists and helps with positioning and image capture. A technician in this field performs the positioning and filming, while the radiologist reads the results. The technician may know the results, but it is not within their scope of practice to share information with the patient.

Pediatrics

Pediatricians practice the specialty of medical science concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. As a medical assistant in this field you will need to have compassion and ability to calm the young children.

osteopathy

refers to the "whole person". Hands on and holistic techniques to improve function and restore health

MA in Colon and Rectal Surgery

role in this field could include, rooming and obtaining medical histories, assisting in procedures and providing patient education.

General Surgery

A general surgeon has principal expertise in the diagnosis and care of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, breast, skin and blood vessels. There are many sub-specialties within this area. As a medical assistant, you can help prepare for surgeries or function as a surgical technician during the surgery.

MA in psychiatry and neurology

A medical assistant's role in either of these categories could include, rooming patients, educating patients, dispensing medications, obtaining detailed health histories or obtaining blood samples.

MA in Obstetrician-Gynecologists (OBGYNs)

A medical assistant's role in this field could include collecting urine or blood samples, measuring a pregnant patient's abdomen, finding fetal heart tones with the doppler, obtaining health histories and vital signs.

Plastic Surgery

A plastic surgeon deals with the repair, reconstruction or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, craniomaxillofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk as well as external genitalia or cosmetic enhancement of these areas of the body.

Psychiatry and Neurology

A psychiatrist specializes in the evaluation and treatment of mental, addictive and emotional disorders such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance disorders, sexual and gender-identity disorders. A neurologist specializes in the evaluation and treatment of all types of diseases or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, and autonomic nervous system, as well as the blood vessels that relate to these structures. Diseases such as Alzheimer's or another type of dementia, along with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson's, stroke, and brain tumors.

Radiology

A radiologist is a physician who uses imaging methodologies to diagnose and manage patients and provide therapeutic options.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

A specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, evaluates and treats patients with physical and/or cognitive impairments and disabilities that result from musculoskeletal conditions or neurological conditions

Urology

A urologist focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the urinary tracts of males and females. A urologist also treats male reproductive diseases. The gynecologist handles many urinary problems for a female patient; however, a urologist is better trained to address some issues, such as kidney stones. Some urology clinics are specializing in the treatment of sexual dysfunction in men, these centers often employ only male medical assistants

Allergy and Immunology

Diagnosis and manages disorders involving the immune system conditions such as asthma, anaphylaxis, rhinitis, and eczema as well as adverse reactions

Family Medicine

Family providers are personal physicians who deliver a range of acute, chronic and preventive care services to individuals of all ages

Obstetrician-Gynecologists (OBGYNs)

Focuses on the health of women before, during and after childbearing years, diagnosing and treating conditions of the reproductive system and associated disorders. This includes administration of pap tests, addressing health complications that include infertility, fibroid tumors, preterm labor, and cesarean births. OBGYN doctors generally work in both the office and hospital.

Billing/Insurance Specialist

Help with insurance and claim issues

MA in Ophthalmology-

Medical assistants role in this field could include performing vision testing, administering eye drop medications and obtaining health histories.

MA in Radiology

Medical assistants would receive additional training and certification to safely and adequately take limited x-ray images within a clinical setting, such as an Urgent Care Office. The ability to obtain this additional training varies from state to state.

MA in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

As a medical assistant in this field you could be asked to administer heat or cold therapies as directed by the provider, assist in range of motion, apply and monitor a tens unit, supervise patients on equipment and educated patients on maneuvers in the office and at home prescribed therapies.

MA in Pathology

As a medical assistant in this field your duties could include dissecting and preparing specimens, preparing tissue samples or obtaining health histories.

Internal Medicine

An Internist tackles diseases or conditions that relate to the function or dysfunction of internal organs. Internist's are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infections, and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints, and digestive, respiratory and vascular systems. They are also trained in the essentials of primary care internal medicine. There are 20 subspecialties within this field; however, a specialized physician will only be certified to work within that specific subcategory. Some of these focused areas include adolescent medicine, allergy and immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, geriatrics, hematology, infectious disease, nephrology, oncology, pulmonology, rheumatology, and sports medicine.