Chapter 26 Medical Assisting Workbook Answers

Find the answers to chapter 26 in your Medical Assisting Workbook.

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1.Introduction

In this chapter, you will review some of the most important concepts you have learned in this course. You will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned to realistic medical assisting scenarios. The workbook activities are designed to reinforce your understanding of key topics and prepare you for success in your career as a medical assistant

2.The Medical Assistant Profession

2.The Medical Assistant Profession

1.What is a medical assistant?
A medical assistant is a person who is trained to perform both administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office.

2.What are some of the duties of a medical assistant?
The duties of a medical assistant may include, but are not limited to, scheduling appointments, taking patient histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the examination, performing laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures, providing patient education, and managing office finances.

3.What are the educational requirements for a medical assistant?
Most Medical assistants have completed a postsecondary education program that lasts between one and two years; however, there are some programs that offer certification in as little as eight weeks. Many community colleges, vocational schools, and private career colleges offer medical assisting programs that lead to a certificate or diploma. Some students may choose to earn an associate degree in medical assisting; however, this is not required for entry-level positions.

4.What are the employment prospects for medical assistants?
Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2014 and 2024.* Job prospects should be best for those who have graduated from an accredited program and who have earned certification from one of the various certifying organizations recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA).

3.Medical Assistant Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of a medical assistant may vary depending on the size, location, and type of healthcare facility in which he or she works. In small practices, medical assistants may be responsible for a variety of administrative and clinical tasks, while in larger facilities they may be responsible for more specialized tasks. Medical assistants typically perform the following duties:

Administrative duties may include:
Answering phones, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records filling out insurance forms, coding and billing procedures, and handling correspondence.
Clinical duties may include: Taking and recording vital signs (blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, respiratory rate), measuring patients’ heights and weights, assessing patients’ general appearance and noting any visible signs of illness or injury, preparing patients for examination by the physician or other health care provider by draping them with a cloth or asking them to remove clothing and jewelry as appropriate, collecting blood samples for laboratory testing under the supervision of a health care provider Performing basic laboratory tests such as urinalysis and pregnancy tests Assisting with minor office surgery procedures such as removing sutures (stitches) Applying bandages Maintaining sterile conditions during office surgery Stock supplies Performing electrocardiography (EKG) under the supervision of a health care provider

4.The Medical Assistant Work Environment

Work setting – may be a solo physician’s office, a group practice,
an urgent care center, a hospital, or a nursing home.
-Clinical duties – When working in the clinical setting, the medical assistant is responsible for tasks related to patient care such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examination, and collecting and processing lab specimens.
-Administrative duties – When working in the administrative setting, the medical assistant is responsible for activities such as scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, billing and coding insurance forms, and managing Medical records

Medical assistants may also be involved in marketing and public relations activities for their employer.

5.Medical Assistant Education and Training

Medical assistants can acquire their education and training in many ways. Some complete postsecondary education programs, while others learn through on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs. Postsecondary education programs typically last from 1 to 2 years and lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

Aspiring medical assistants typically complete a 1-year postsecondary educational program to earn a certificate or diploma. These programs, which are widely available at community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools, usually include courses in Medical Terminology transcription, anatomy and physiology, and medical law and ethics. Medical assistants also learn about insurance billing procedures, medical office management, computer applications, and recordkeeping. Many programs include an externship in which students work under the supervision of experienced medical assistants in a health care setting such as a doctor’s office or clinic.

6.Medical Assistant Certification and Licensure

There are several organizations that offer certification for medical assistants. Certification is not required in all states, but some employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. The two most common certification organizations are the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA).

To be eligible for certification through the AAMA, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program and have passed the Certifying Board of the AAMA exam. To be eligible for certification through the NHA, candidates must have completed a minimum of a high school education or its equivalent and have passed the National Healthcareer Association’s Exam for Medical Assistants.

7.Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook

The medical assisting profession is expected to grow much faster than other occupations from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reports that the number of jobs for medical assistants is projected to grow by 29%, while other occupations are expected to grow by an average of 7%. The aging Baby Boomer population and advances in medical technology will spur demand for medical assistants.

Medical assistants make a median annual wage of $32,480, or $15.60 per hour, as of May 2017, according to the BLS. The top 10% of earners made more than $46,360 annually, while the bottom 10% earned less than $23,840 annually.

Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, although they may also be found in outpatient care centers, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Some medical assistants may be required to work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules. Medical assistants who travel with physicians to provide on-site care may work extended hours on occasion.

8.Pros and Cons of a Career as a Medical Assistant

There are both pros and cons to having a career as a medical assistant. Some of the pros include having a stable job with good pay and benefits, working in a helping profession, and having the opportunity to work with a variety of people. Some of the cons include long hours, shift work, and exposure to sick people.

9.Medical Assistant Career Paths

Medical assistants can choose to work in a number of different medical settings, each with its own set of duties, responsibilities, and working conditions. The type of work environment you choose will likely be based on your preferences and qualifications.

Some medical assistants opt to work in traditional doctor’s offices, providing both clinical and administrative support to the medical staff. These medical assistants typically have opportunities to interact directly with patients and provide front-office support, such as scheduling appointments and handling billing and insurance paperwork. Other medical assistants may choose to work in hospitals or clinics, where they may have more direct patient contact or may be involved primarily with back-office tasks, such as stocking supplies and maintaining equipment.

Still other medical assistants find employment in specialized care facilities, such as nursing homes rehabilitation centers, or outpatient surgery centers. In these settings, medical assistants may be responsible for more focused tasks related to the delivery of care in that particular facility.

Whichever type of facility you choose to work in, you will likely find that your role as a medical assistant is both challenging and rewarding. With the proper training and experience, you will be well prepared to take on the tasks and responsibilities that come with this important job.

10.Conclusion

In conclusion, the medical assistant profession is a demanding but rewarding one. With the right training and credentials, you can pursue a career in this field and enjoy job satisfaction and monetary compensation. The role of the medical assistant is an important one, and those who choose to enter this profession can be sure that they are making a positive contribution to the healthcare system.