MA100 Study-Outline #1

Be familiar with all glove guidelines.

1. Keep fingernails trimmed short (less than inch long) to reduce the risk of tearing the gloves during application and use. 2. Wear the correct size glove. Gloves that are too small may rip as they are applied or may become uncomfortable to wear. Gloves that are too large may make it difficult to perform tasks. 3. Do not store gloves in areas where there are extremes in temperatures (e.g., near a heater or air conditioner). These conditions can cause the gloves to deteriorate.

Review the types of clinical responsibilities of a medical assistant.

1. Medical assistants are often asked to collect and process specimens. Some specimens are tested in the office, and others are sent to an outside laboratory. 2. Medical assistants perform several diagnostic tests, such as ECGs and respiratory testing. 3. Medical assistants prepare patients for examination, including taking medical histories, weighing the patient, measuring vital signs, and obtaining information about allergies, current medications, and the chief complaint. Having this done by a medical assistant may allow the physician to see at least one extra patient per hour. 4. After each patient appointment, the medical assistant prepares the examination and/or treatment room for the next patient (Fig. 2.4). This involves making sure that there is fresh paper on the table, the proper instruments and supplies are available for the next examination or procedure, and the necessary equipment is available and in working order. 5. Medical assistants help the physician with examinations and procedures. The medical assistant settles a patient into an examination room and positions and drapes the patient for portions of the examination. Another duty is to pass instruments and supplies to the physician during procedures. The medical assistant may also remove sutures and change sterile dressings. If minor surgery or sterile procedures are performed in the office, the medical assistant sets up the equipment and supplies and then assists the physician as needed. 6. Medical assistants may perform treatments, including nebulizer treatments and application of hot and cold packs or compresses. 7. Medical assistants prepare and administer medications and immunizations depending on state law and office policy. The administration of medication requires concentration and precision. All medications must be documented according to office procedure. 8. Sometimes a medical assistant also has to perform emergency care and administer first aid or assist with an office emergency. This does not happen often, but every medical assistant must be prepared.

What are the safety rules of work practice controls?

1. Perform all procedures involving blood or OPIMs in a manner that minimizes splashing, spraying, spattering, and the generation of droplets of these substances. 2. Observe warning labels on biohazard containers and appliances 3. Bandage cuts and other lesions on the hands before gloving. 4. Sanitize the hands after removing gloves, regardless of whether or not the gloves are visibly contaminated. 5. If your hands or other skin surfaces come in contact with blood or OPIMs, thoroughly wash the area as soon as possible with soap and water. 6. If your mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, mouth, nose) come in contact with blood or OPIMs, flush them with water as soon as possible. 7. Do not break or shear contaminated needles. 8. Do not remove, recap, or bend a contaminated needle. (Note: Sterile needles may be recapped, as after the withdrawal of medication from a vial or ampule.) 9. Immediately after use, place contaminated sharps in a puncture-resistant, leakproof container that is appropriately labeled or color-coded. Contaminated sharps are contaminated objects that can penetrate the skin, including (but not limited to) needles, lancets, scalpels, broken glass, and capillary tubes. 10. Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or lip balm, or handle contact lenses in areas where you may be exposed to blood or OPIMs. 11. Do not store food or drinks in refrigerators, freezers, or cabinets or on shelves or countertops where blood or OPIMs are present. 12. Place blood specimens or OPIMs in containers that prevent leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping. Ensure that the containers are closed before they are stored, transported, or shipped and that they are labeled or color-coded for easy identification. 13. Before any equipment that might be contaminated is serviced or shipped for repair or cleaning, such as a centrifuge, it must be inspected for blood or OPIMs. If such materials are present, the equipment must be decontaminated. If it cannot be decontaminated, it must be appropriately labeled to indicate clearly the contamination site and thus to enable those coming into contact with the equipment to take appropriate precautions. 14. If you are exposed to blood or O

Review the types of administrative responsibilities of a medical assistant.

1. Scheduling appointments, both over the telephone and in person, is a primary responsibility of the medical assistant 2. Maintaining the medical record and filing records and reports have traditionally been some of the medical assistant's roles. 3. Every patient visit generates activities that are necessary for the physician to be paid for the services provided. 4. On a regular basis, checks and cash need to be deposited into the office's bank account 5. Every business has bills to pay. These include rent (or mortgage, if the office is owned), electricity, lease payments on equipment, staff salaries, and a number of other regular payments, such as liability and malpractice insurance. 6. In the patient-centered medical home, the medical assistant may have additional administrative responsibilities to enter health registry data into the medical record and to monitor patient progress by the use of disease-specific registries and tools.

Be familiar with the housekeeping procedures of OSHA.

1. The cleaning and decontamination of equipment and work surfaces after completing procedures that involve blood or OPIM. 2. The cleaning and decontamination of all equipment and work surfaces as soon as possible after exposure to blood or OPIMs. 3. Inspect and decontaminate all reusable receptacles, such as bins, pails, and cans, on a regular basis. 4. Do not pick up broken, contaminated glassware with your hands, even if you are wearing gloves. Use mechanical means, such as a brush and dustpan, tongs, and forceps 5. Protective coverings, such as plastic wrap and aluminum foil, may be used to cover work surfaces or equipment, but they must be removed or replaced if contamination occurs. 6. Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible and with appropriate personal protective equipment. 7. If the outside of a biohazard container becomes contaminated, it must be placed in a second suitable container. 8. Biohazard sharps containers (Fig. 17.11) must be closable, puncture resistant, and leakproof.

What are the protective mechanisms of the body?

1. The skin is the body's most important defense mechanism 2. The mucous membranes of the body—which line the nose, throat, and respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genital tracts—help protect the body from invasion by microorganisms. 3. Mucus and cilia in the nose and respiratory tract fight off pathogens. 4. Coughing and sneezing help to force pathogens from the body. 5. Tears and sweat are secretions that aid in the removal of pathogens from the body. 6. Urine and vaginal secretions are acidic. Pathogens cannot grow in an acidic environment. 7. The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid, which helps in the process of digestion.

What type of appearance is considered appropriate and professional for a medical assistant?

A medical assistant who is neat, clean, and well-groomed projects a sense of professionalism, authority, and competence. When medical assistants are courteous, they project respect for a person's dignity.

After reading the section on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, identify some types of treatment that would be studied by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Acupuncture

Review the various medical specialties in Box 1.1.

Allergy and Immunology (Allergist, Immunologist): Treats adults and/or children with allergies and problems of the immune system. Many individuals experience allergies and/or asthma in the presence of allergens. The immune system can also malfunction either through inherited or acquired diseases. Allergists and immunologists diagnose, manage, and treat allergic diseases, immunodeficiency conditions, and autoimmune diseases. Anesthesiology (Anesthesiologist): Provides anesthesia during surgery and other procedures, as well as medical care to patients before, during, and after surgery. The anesthesiologist also supervises other anesthesia personnel in the operating room such as nurse anesthetists and anesthesiology residents. Colon and Rectal Surgery: Performs surgical treatment of the large intestine and rectum. These surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon and rectum in addition to full training in general surgery. They perform diagnostic and screening procedures and perform surgery when necessary. Dermatology (Dermatologist): Specializes in conditions of the skin. Dermatologists diagnose skin diseases and also perform surgery on the skin. Laser treatments are commonly used for skin conditions in addition to medication, cryotherapy, and surgery. Emergency Medicine: Treats patients for emergency conditions, usually in the emergency department of a hospital. Emergency medicine focuses on treatment of acute illnesses and injuries that require immediate care. The physician is often an employee of a hospital emergency department or other urgent care center. Family Medicine (Family Practitioner): Treats adults and children for routine care and complaints; often the primary care physician for all family members. The family practitioner is concerned with the total health of the individual and the family. Internal Medicine (Internist): Provides medical treatment for conditions of various body systems. The internist may be the primary care provider for adults. Within the discipline of internal medicine there are several subspecialties based on patient age groups, body system, or type of disease. Medical Genetics and Genomics: Provides diagnostic procedures and treatment for in

What are the elements of the ECP?

An exposure determination The method of compliance Post Exposure evaluation and follow up procedures

Be familiar with types of exposure incidents.

An exposure incident is defined as a specific incident involving eye, nose, mouth, or other mucous membrane, nonintact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or OPIMs resulting from an employee's duties.

What does OSHA consider regulated medical waste?

Any liquid or semiliquid blood or OPIM • Items contaminated with blood or OPIMs that would release these substances in a liquid or semiliquid state if compressed • Items that are caked with dried blood or OPIMs and are capable of releasing these materials during handling • Contaminated sharps • Pathologic and microbiologic wastes that contain blood or OPIMs

How often does the ECP need to be reviewed and updated?

At least annually

Since the 1970s, physicians have practiced "defensive medicine". What is this and why did they start this?

Because of the fear of a malpractice lawsuit and the high cost of malpractice insurance, physicians began to perform more laboratory and diagnostic tests to rule out even the most unlikely cause of an illness

In what ways can microorganisms be transmitted?

By droplets of moisture expelled from the upper respiratory tract known as droplet infection. Contamination of food or water by coughs or sneezes.

What does CLIA stand for? What is the purpose of CLIA?

CLIA(Clinical Laboratory improvement Amendments) '88 regulates laboratory testing.'88 specifies who can supervise laboratories and lays out the process for inspection and accreditation. It sets strict guidelines for quality control, quality assurance, handling of hazardous materials, documentation, and proficiency training.

What certifications are available, once a student has graduated their accredited medical assistant program?

Certified medical assistant (CMA) AAMA or registered medical assistant (RMA) certification examination.

Types of treatment physician's offer to patients They offer things such as ?

Curative treatment , Symptomatic treatment (responding to symptoms) , palliative treatment (seeking to reduce the effects of a disease or condition without curing the underlying disease)

What is the flow of activity in ambulatory care?

Enter the office. • Approach the reception desk, identify the physician and time of appointment, provide the office staff with personal and payment information, and make a copayment (if necessary). • Be seen by a physician (or by a nurse practitioner [NP] or physician assistant [PA] if the practice uses such personnel). • Undergo diagnostic or laboratory tests in the office. • Receive a diagnosis, treatment, or a referral to another health care provider. • Receive instruction for follow-up care and any laboratory or diagnostic tests to be done elsewhere before leaving the medical office; if seriously ill, the patient may be admitted to the hospital

Define the three trends in health care

First trend is the desire of those who pay the bills Second trend is to encourage the general public to become more responsible for their own good health and management of chronic conditions. the third trend is an increased understanding, through empirical evidence (information learned from experimental research), that people feel better the less they must be confined to a hospital or go to a hospital for treatment.

Identify the items that should be in a waiting room of a physician's office.

Furniture Up-to-date, general reading material toys for children separate waiting rooms for sick kids and teens waiting room should have enough chairs for two people per patient visit, multiplied by the number of patients seen in 2 hours Colors Music should be soft

What is health insurance?

Is a system by which a person or the person's employer pays an insurance company a yearly amount of money , and the insurance company pays some or most of the person's medical expenses for that year.

What is Hep C and how do most people contract it?

Is an infection caused by HCV and it is contracted through parenteral exposure to contaminated blood as through needle sticks and other sharp injuries.

What are some ways a medical assistant can show initiative in the office?

It does mean doing things that need to be done without being asked, keeping up with current issues in practice without being told, and identifying helpful educational opportunities and asking permission to attend. It also means finding useful things to do when the office is slow, such as restocking supplies, ordering supplies, and cleaning out cabinets and cupboards

The three government insurance plans: what are they and who/what purpose do they serve?

Medicaid- began to provide health insurance for low-income children without parental support and later expanded to cover all the medically indigent. Medicare -initiated health insurance for the elderly, the disabled, and those with end-stage kidney disease. The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS; currently called TRICARE)- provided health insurance for dependents of active-duty military personnel.

What is regulated medical waste?

Medical waste is generated in the medical office through the diagnosis, treatment, and immunization of patients. Some of this waste poses a threat to health and safety

Be familiar with the differences between the types of microorganisms.

Microorganisms are tiny living plants or animals that cannot be seen with the naked eye but must be viewed with the aid of a microscope. Common types of microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and animal parasites.

Why is continuing education such an important element of professionalism?

Most health professions require a certain amount of continuing education for licensure or certification renewal. These are designed either as contact hours or continuing education units (CEUs)

What do patients do at the reception area?

Most reception areas have a counter so that the patient can fill out or sign formsforms are received here, and health insurance cards are copied or scanned. Copayments are taken from patients whose insurance is provided through HMOs. Appointments may be made by the receptionist or in a separate area of the office.

What are the details about a practicum?

Must include at least 160 hours of practical work experience in a medical office or clinic.

What are the two general types of gloves?

Non Latex and latex

In regards to OSHA and ADA, what specifications must the office meet?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (), which regulates workplace health and safety. offices also must meet the specifications of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires that doorways be at least 3 feet wide and hallways at least 5 feet wide.

What are the growth requirements for microorganisms to survive?

Proper nutrition Oxygen Temperature Darkness Moisture Ph

Know the difference between resident and transient flora

Resident flora is attached to deeper skin layers and it is difficult to remove from skin. Transient flora is attached loosely to the skin , and it can be removed easily

Know the difference between a solo and a group practice.

Solo practice Physicians are the owners of their office Vs Group practices hire Physicians as employees Solo practices pay for their employees and their own insurance VS Group practice split the cost of insurance

What is managed care?

The combination of HMO insurance plans and strict utilization review for hospitalized patients

What are the ways a medical assistant can demonstrate effective teamwork?

The more people involved, the more crucial this teamwork is. Each member of the team must be committed to problem solving, communicating, and coordinating effective care. Teamwork is enhanced when each team member helps and supports other members and avoids blaming or criticizing others.

Where do most medical assistants work?

The mostly work in Physicians offices and sometimes hospitals.

What makes an Osteopath different from a standard physician?

This branch of medical practice seeks to balance the structure and function of the body through manipulation of muscles and joints.

The HMO movement pushed what in the 1970s and what was it all about?

Traditional health insurance companies begin providing coverage for routine care.

Traditionally, what were clinics initially intended to provide?

a clinic was connected to a hospital and provided ambulatory care, often to patients with limited financial resources. Patients were either seen at no charge or billed by the clinic, and physicians were paid a salary for their services and/or saw patients as part of their residency program.

Be familiar with the common layout and three basic areas of physician's offices

a reception area and waiting room, examination and treatment rooms,

Familiarize yourself with the details about the following certifying agencies and the medical assistant certification exam they offer:

a. AAMA(American Association of Medical Assistants) - to take examination must have graduated from MA program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES Passing this examination allows a MA to use the title CMA(AAMA) on all documents. b. AMT(American Medical Technologists)- To take the RMA examination, an individual must have (1) graduated from a medical assisting program that includes at least 720 hours of training in an institution that is accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education; (2) graduated from a formal medical services program of the U.S. Armed Forces; (3) been employed full-time in the profession of medical assisting for at least 5 of the previous 7 years; or (4) been instructing in an accredited MA program for between 1 and 5 years.Passing this examination entitles the medical assistant to use the initials RMA after his or her name on all official documents. c. CCBMA (California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants)- is one of the three organizations recognized by the Medical Board of California for certification of medical assistants (with the AAMA and the AMT). The CCBMA administers the California CMA examination which is primarily taken by residents of California. d. NHA(National Healthcare Association)- may be interested in obtaining certification as a certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA), certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA), certified electrocardiogram (ECG) technician (CET), and/or certified phlebotomy technician (CPT). The NHA also certifies administrative medical assistants, billing and coding specialists, and other health professions. e. NCCT (National Center For Competency Testing) - offers testing for graduates of affiliated programs, as well as medical assistants with experience or training through the military. It is possible to become certified as a medical assistant (NCMA), a medical office assistant (NCMOA), an ECG technician (NCET), and/or a phlebotomy technician (NCPT). The NCCT also certifies insurance and coding specialists and other health professions

Know the difference between the two groups:

a. Pathogens- are harmful to the body and can cause disease. b. Nonpathogens-are harmless and do not cause disease.

What is ambulatory care?

defined as the patient coming to the care rather than the patient receiving care in a home or hospital setting (Fig. 1.1).

What are the important character traits for a medical assistant to possess?

dependability, honesty, and tolerance or a willingness to accept the beliefs and practices of others

What is "scope of practice" and why is it so important for the medical assistant?

doing only what he or she is trained to do and being comfortable in saying "I don't know" or "I don't know how to" when appropriate. State laws regulating the scope of practice for medical assistants vary greatly, so it is important always to be aware of legal restrictions

Identify the differences and similarities of:

i. Physicians - physicians want to be "board certified" in a specialty, he or she must pass another examination, administered by the certification board of the particular specialty. The physician does not need to be board certified to obtain a state license to practice medicine. ii. Physician Assistants- PA must have at least 2 years of college plus 2 years of PA school, although most PA programs award a master's degree. A PA usually specializes (e.g., in pediatrics, in adult medicine) and manages a group of patients receiving routine care. He or she must practice with a physician. All states have laws regulating PAs, and students must pass the national certification examination to obtain a state license. iii. Nurse Practitioners - NP is an RN who has completed a program in advanced practice nursing, a program that usually grants a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher degree. NPs can specialize in pediatrics, family practice, gerontology, or other specialty areas. In primary care, NPs help with all aspects of patient care, including physical examination, diagnosis, treatment, consultations, and patient education. They may serve as a patient's primary care provider. They are licensed as NPs by the state in which they practice.

What is the purpose of OSHA?

in order to help employers provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees.

What personality traits indicate a medical assistant will be successful?

include being genuinely interested in helping people; being outgoing, warm, and caring; and having a sense of humor. The ability to remain calm in challenging or difficult situations is also important.

What are examples of PPE? (Personal protective equipment )

include gloves, chin-length face shields, masks, protective eyewear, laboratory coats, and gowns.

What are the behaviors that enhance patient care and encourage teamwork in the workplace?

includes helping others, maintaining a positive attitude and not complaining, avoiding gossip, working within the established chain of command, and handling stress without losing emotional control or creating emotional scenes. Keeping perspective, accepting corrections or criticism without becoming defensive, and learning from mistakes are important

What is AIDS?

is a chronic disorder of the immune system that eventually destroys the body's ability to fight off infection.

i. What is the purpose of safer medical devices?

is a device that, based on reasonable judgment, would make an exposure incident involving a contaminated sharp less likely.

What is a PCMH?

is a model of primary care that emphasizes patient-centered health care based on a personal relationship between a patient, a physician, and the patient's care team.

What is a patient navigator and how to they assist offices and PCMHs?

is a person whose role is to remove the obstacles patients face in accessing and receiving treatment and they assist with helping a patient with complex medical needs to access and receive appropriate referrals to community services or additional health care services.

What is an opportunistic infection?

is an infection resulting from a defective immune system that cannot defend itself from pathogens normally found in the environment.

Hospital's role

is primarily to provide acute care and diagnostic services.

If a medical assistant wants to advance in his/her career, what is the most direct route?

is probably to become an office, practice, or department manager. This may require additional education, especially in business administration, but often management skills can be learned mainly on the job.

In what ways is AIDS transmitted?

is spread primarily through sexual contact with an infected person and by sharing drug injection needles with someone who is infected. Untreated HIV-infected women can also transmit the virus to their infants during pregnancy and birth and through their breast milk.

What is the primary disadvantage of using latex gloves?

is that they can cause an allergic reaction in individuals with a hypersensitivity to latex.

What is initiative?

is the ability to begin or follow through on a plan without being supervised.

What is risk management and what does it involve?

is the development of policies and procedures that minimize the chances of the practice being sued by a patient or disciplined by a regulatory agency

Know the steps a physician must take to become licensed?

must pass parts I, II, and III of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

If an employee declines, what must s/he do?

must sign a hepatitis B waiver form documenting refusal.

What were the reasons that the medical assisting profession was brought about?

nurses were often unable and unwilling to assist with the administrative aspects of the practice. As a result, many physicians found a willing candidate and trained that person to assist first with administrative duties and then with both patient care and administrative duties.

In what ways do medical assistant programs distinguish themselves and show they are a high- quality program?

programs include theoretical and practical preparation in all aspects of the medical assisting profession. To maintain quality, many of these programs seek accreditation, credit, or recognition from a regional or national organization for maintaining certain standards.

What is proper hand hygiene?

refers to the process of cleansing or sanitizing the hands.

What did HMOs do to try and reduce costs for prescription medications? What was it and what was it called?

restricting drug coverage to lists of approved drugs. Such a list, called a formulary, usually includes one or two of the less expensive drugs for each possible medical condition.

What is the Hippocratic Oath and what is the key concept?

served as a guide to good conduct for ancient physicians, and parts of it are still currently applicable. Its philosophic underpinnings are still taught in medical school and adhered to by physicians, especially the key concept: "First, do no harm."

What are the responsibilities of the medical assistant at the reception area?

should greet each patient as he or she enters the waiting room.

What type of test are medical assistants trained to perform?

to perform low-complexity tests (CLIA-waived tests) such as dipstick urinalysis, urine pregnancy tests, and rapid strep tests. They may also perform more complex texts with special training.

Professionalism for Physicians

treating patients based on the body of scientific knowledge the physicians have accumulated, and continue to accumulate, over their working lifetime.

What did HMOs do to try and reduce payments? What was it and what was it called?

tried to have physicians accept a flat monthly fee for each subscriber in their practice and agree to provide all necessary primary care for that fee. This type of payment is called capitation. This reduces the incentive to provide extra services because their cost will not be reimbursed separately.

What type of patient care does the PCMH provide?

• It is patient-centered, and health care teams are jointly responsible for patient care and safety. • It is comprehensive, including prevention, acute care, and chronic care. • Care is coordinated across the entire health care system including specialty care, hospitals, home care, and community services. • Patients receive high-quality care; both patients and families are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health.

What are the types of OPIM?

• Semen and vaginal secretions • Cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, and amniotic fluids • Any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood • Any body fluid that has not been identified • Saliva in dental procedures • Any unfixed human tissue • Any tissue culture, cells, or fluid known to be HIV-infected