Introduction to Medical Assisting: Chapter 1 Review Answers

This blog will provide you with the answers to the review questions for Chapter 1 of Introduction to Medical Assisting.

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Introduction to Medical Assisting

Medical Assisting is a rapidly growing occupation in the United States Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks in physicians’ offices, hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities. They are a vital part of the health care team.

The scope of practice for Medical Assistants varies from state to state. In some states, Medical Assistants may perform certain tasks that are normally performed by licensed health care professionals, such as giving injections or taking X-rays. In other states, the scope of practice is more limited.

Most Medical Assistants have completed a postsecondary education program that typically lasts one year or less. Some programs lead to a certificate or diploma, while others award an associate degree. A few Medical Assistants are trained on the job.

Chapter 1 Review Answers

1. Discuss in your own words the importance of customer service in the medical office.

Customer service is important in any office setting, but it is especially important in a medical office. Patients may be experiencing a great deal of stress and anxiety, and it is the medical office staff’s job to make them feel as comfortable as possible. This means providing them with a warm and welcoming environment, clear and concise information, and speaking to them with respect and empathy.

2. List four types of written communication frequently used in medical offices.

There are four types of written communication that are frequently used in medical offices: letters, memos, faxes, and email. Letters are usually sent to patients or other healthcare providers to communicate important information. Memos are typically used to communicate between members of the medical office staff. Faxes are often used to send patient records or other sensitive information. Email is commonly used for general communication between staff members or for sending non-sensitive information to patients or other healthcare providers.

3. List three types of oral communication frequently used in medical offices.

There are three types of oral communication that are frequently used in medical offices: telephone calls, face-to-face conversation, and group meetings. Telephone calls are often made to schedule appointments or to speak with other healthcare providers. Face-to-face conversation is typically used when speaking with patients or their families. Group meetings may be held periodically to discuss office policies or procedures, or to train new staff members.

The Role of the Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health care professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings such as physician’s offices, group practices, and clinics. In these settings, medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks that contribute to the efficient operation of the office and quality patient care. Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate or diploma from a medical assisting program. A small number of states require medical assistants to be licensed or registered.

Medical assistants generally are classified according to the type of duties they perform: administrative, clinical, or both types. Administrative medical assistants perform tasks such as answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, transcribing physicians’ dictation, handling billing and insurance claims forms, and coding for insurance purposes. Clinical medical assistants prepare patients for examination and treatment; take medical histories; measure patients’ vital signs; record information about patients’ health in the medical record; collect specimens for laboratory tests; perform basic laboratory tests on site; prepare immunizations for administration under a physician’s supervision; remove sutures and change dressings on wounds; instruct patients about medications and special diets; prepare equipment for treatments and examinations such as X-rays and electrocardiograms (EKGs); apply casts under physicians’ supervision; schedule hospital admissions and diagnostic testing procedures as directed by physicians or their office staffs. Medical assistants who perform both administrative and clinical duties are sometimes called generalists or key personnel.

Medical Assistant Duties

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who, under the supervision of a licensed physician, performs both clinical and administrative duties. The duties of a medical assistant may include, but are not limited to, taking medical histories, performing physical exams and diagnostic tests, assisting with patient education, and providing aid in the office or clinic setting.

The medical assistant is an important member of the healthcare team. He or she must be able to work well with others and have good communication skills. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, the need for qualified medical assistants continues to grow.

Working with Patients

1. How do you think patients feel when they visit a medical office for the first time?

Patients may feel anxious or nervous when visiting a medical office for the first time. It is important to be welcoming and put them at ease.

2. What are some ways you can make a good first impression with patients?

Some ways to make a good first impression with patients include dressing professionally, maintaining good eye contact, and having a pleasant demeanor.

Clinical Procedures

In this chapter, you learned the proper procedures for taking and recording medical histories and performing physical examinations, as well as how to assist with diagnostic procedures. Review the following key points from Chapter 1.

When taking a medical history, always introduce yourself to the patient and ensure that you have their permission to ask questions about their health. Be sure to document all information accurately and completely.

When performing a physical examination, always explain the procedures to the patient beforehand and maintain a professional demeanor. Be sure to document all findings accurately.

When assisting with diagnostic procedures, always follow the physician’s orders and maintain a sterile field. Be sure to document all findings accurately.

Administrative Procedures

In a medical office, the administrative medical assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks. These can include handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, and maintaining Medical records In some cases, the administrative medical assistant may also be responsible for billing and coding.

The duties of the administrative medical assistant can vary depending on the size and type of medical practice. In a small office, the administrative medical assistant may be responsible for all aspects of the front office operations. In a larger office or clinic, there may be multiple staff members who specialize in specific tasks.

It is important for the administrative medical assistant to have strong interpersonal skills. This is because much of the job involves interacting with patients. The administrative medical assistant must be able to clearly communicate information and instructions from the physician to the patient. They must also be able to answer any questions that patients may have about their care.

Medical Billing and Coding

In medical billing and coding, there are many terms that are used to describe various diagnoses, treatments, and procedures. It is important to understand these terms in order to correctly bill and code for them.

Some of the most common medical billing and coding terms are:

-Diagnosis: A diagnosis is the determination of the nature of a patient’s illness or injury, made by a physician or other healthcare provider.
-Treatment: Treatment is the management and care of a patient’s illness or injury by a physician or other healthcare provider.
-Procedure: A procedure is a medical or surgical intervention performed on a patient.
-Insurance: Insurance is a type of financial protection that helps pay for healthcare expenses.
-Medicare: Medicare is a federally-funded insurance program for seniors and people with certain disabilities.

Career Opportunities for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants work in a variety of settings, including:
-Hospitals
-Clinics
-Physicians’ offices
-Insurance companies
-Colleges and universities
-Research laboratories

Continuing Education for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants (MAs) are critical members of the health care team. They are often the first and last point of contact with patients, and they perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. In order to ensure that MAs have the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care, it is important for them to participate in continuing education (CE) activities.

There are a number of ways for MAs to participate in CE activities. They can attend workshops, conferences, and seminars; take online courses; or read journals and other publications. CE activities can be educational, skill-building, or both.

It is important for MAs to select CE activities that are relevant to their practice and that will help them meet their goals. For example, an MA who wants to improve his or her communication skills might take a course on customer service or take a seminar on effective communication. An MA who wants to learn more about a specific medical condition might take an online course on the condition or read articles about it in a medical journal.

Selecting CE activities can be overwhelming, but there are a few resources that can help MAs find appropriate activities. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers a number of resources on its website, including a list of approved CE providers. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) also provides a list of approved CE providers on its website. In addition, many state medical boards have lists of approved CE providers.

It is important for MAs to keep track of their CE activities. Most states require MAs to complete certain numbers of hours or credits every year in order to maintain their licensure or certification. The AAMA also requires MAs who are certified by the organization to complete certain numbers of hours or credits every year in order to maintain their certification.