Module 1A: Foundational Knowledge Flashcards
Scope of Practice
A specific set of standards that a medical professional may perform within the limits of the medical license, registration, and/or certification
MA Scope of Practice
The MA works under the supervision of a provider and performs tasks allowed by states and provider approval
does not include the practice of medicine
Certification
Verification by an outside agency that an employer is following established guidelines and standard of care providing the highest quality of care for their patients
MA Responsibilities
Administrative Duties:
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Patient registration (demographics, payer information, compliance forms)
- Updating and working in patient records
- Sending claims to insurance
- Collecting patient responsibility amounts (copays, coinsurance, deductible)
Clinical Duties:
- Collecting and processing lab specimens
- Performing diagnostic testing (EKG, spirometry)
- Preparing and cleaning examination rooms
- Preparing the patient for evaluation and procedure
- Measuring vital signs
- Preparing medications and administering immunizations
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Scientific focus on diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Holistic approach to medicine
- Training on osteopathic manipulative treatment
Physician Assistants (PA)
Practices medicine under the direction and supervision of a licensed MD or DO, but they can make clinical decisions.
Nurse Practitioners (NP)
Provide basic patient care services, including diagnosing and prescribing medications for common illnesses. NPs must work under the supervision of a physician, but in some states, they can practice independently.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Must complete more schooling in the form of an associate degree, diploma graduate, or baccalaureate degree. They, too, must pass a state board examination to be licensed. Due to the more intensive training, RNs have a much broader scope of practice than LPNs. RNs can work in clinical settings, public health agencies, administrative capacities, and educational settings.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Must be licensed in their state. Typically, one year of schooling through an accredited program, along with passing a state board examination, is required to obtain an LPN license. LPNs are somewhat limited in their scope of practice, as the role is designed to be assistive. They can measure vital signs, administer some medications, and perform clinical care such as wound care. Often, the role of an LPN is to observe patients, recording and reporting on status changes.
Medical Laboratory Technicians
Perform diagnostic testing on blood, bodily fluids, and other specimens under the supervision of a medical technologist
Medical Receptionists
Check patients in and out, answer phones, schedule appointments, and perform other administrative tasks
Occupational Therapists
Assist patients who have conditions that disable them developmentally, emotionally, mentally, or physically.
OT helps the patient compensate for the loss of functions and rebuild to a functional level.
Pharmacy Technicians
May perform routine medication dispensing functions that do not require the expertise or judgment of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians must work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist
Physical Therapists
Assist patients in improving mobility, strength, and range of motion often impaired by an accident, injury, or disease.
Radiology Technicians
Use various imaging equipment to assist the provider in diagnosing and treating certain diseases
Endorsement
The process of a state/territory granting a license to an applicant who is licensed in good standing at the equivalent designation in another jurisdiction.
Reciprocity
Agreement or arrangement that allows resident licensees of one reciprocal state to obtain a license in another reciprocal state.
Licensure
Regulated by state statutes through the medical practice acts.
- accomplished by examination, reciprocity, or endorsement
Certification
Generally optional, but some states require official education and training for a medical assistant to administer medication or perform phlebotomy procedures.
- Must be maintained to stay current. This ensures that medical assistants have the most up-to-date information about the medical field and provides validity to the overall profession.
NHA Certification Validity
Those certified through NHA have a valid certification for two years and must either retake the certification exam or complete 10 hours of continuing education to renew.
Inpatient Care
Occurs while the patient is admitted to a hospital or facility
Ambulatory Care
Any care received in an outpatient facility
- primary care clinics
- specialty care clinics
- home health
- mobile health units
- hospice
Primary Care Clinics
Outpatient care settings where patients are seen for routine type visits, including wellness checks, prevention counseling, chronic conditions, medication management, and minor acute needs
Specialty Care Clinics
Outpatient facilities where patients who have complex or severe diseases and conditions are seen for routine visits by doctors who specialize in a specific disease or condition
Home Health
Types of care provided to those who cannot leave their home easily.
It must be prescribed and overseen by a provider, typically a primary care provider (PCP).
Home health is not used on an ongoing basis for a patient but is ordered for a set period based on an acute event, usually hospitalization. The service is complete when the goals are reached.
Types:
- PT
- OT
- SLP
- Skilled Nursing
Mobile Health Units
These units bring health care to the communities that most need it and may otherwise lack access to the services provided. Teams working in a mobile health unit are equipped with means of transportation that allow for the setup and use of specialized medical equipment.
Hospice
End-of-life care focused on comfort rather than curative efforts. Patients can qualify for hospice care if they have a terminal illness at the end stage.
It can be delivered as outpatient or inpatient care.
Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)
A care delivery model in which a PCP coordinates treatment to ensure patients receive the required care when and where they need it and in a way they can understand.
The PCMH is a team-based approach to health care in which a provider leads an interprofessional team to work collaboratively and effectively for their patients.
Encompasses all aspects of care, from prevention and wellness education to acute illness and chronic disease management to end-of-life care.
Telehealth
Health care delivered virtually, most commonly via video call
Prevents patients from coming in contact with communicable diseases, provides convenience, and allows patients in rural areas to obtain specialty care where it may not have been offered before.
