Lecture Medical assisting: Administrative and clinical procedures with anatomy and physiology (4e) – Chapter 2

• Medical assistants are an integral part of the health-care team • A working knowledge of specialties and allied health professionals enables the MA to function better as a member

Types of Medical

Practice

2.1 Describe medical specialties and specialists.

2.2 Explain the purpose of the American Board of

Medical Specialties.

2.3 Describe the duties of several types of allied

health professionals with whom medical assistants may work.

2.4 Name professional associations that may help

advance a medical assistant’s career.

Learning Outcomes

• Medical assistants are an

integral part of the health-care

team

• A working knowledge of

specialties and allied health

professionals enables the MA

to function better as a member

of the health-care team

Medical Specialties

• Approximately 22 major

medical specialties exist

• Specialized medical care

Note: Cardiology = specialty

Pediatrics and Adult = subspecialty

Physician Education and Licensure

Bachelor’s Degree Graduate from an Accredited Medical School

Pass the U.S Medical Licensing Exam

Complete 2–6 Years of Residency

Allergist  Diagnoses and treats people with

hypersensitivity to substances such as drugs, chemicals, and elements in nature

Medical Specialists (cont.)

Anesthesiologist  Administers medications that alter sensation and

feelings during surgery

Bariatrics  Medical and surgical treatment of obesity

Cardiologist  Diagnoses and treats diseases of the heart and

blood vessels

Dermatologist  Diagnoses and treats diseases of the skin, hair,

and nails

Medical Specialists (cont.)

 Works in hospital emergency rooms

 Diagnoses and treats medical crises and accidents

Endocrinologist  Diagnoses and treats disorders of the endocrine

system, which regulates many body functions

Medical Specialists (cont.)

Gastroenterologist  Diagnoses and treats disorders related

to the stomach, intestines, and other organs

Gerontologist  Diagnoses and treats problems and

diseases affecting older adults

Gynecologist  Diagnoses and treats diseases of the

female reproductive system

Internist  Diagnoses and treats problems related

to internal organs

Medical Specialists (cont.)

Nephrologist  Studies, manages, and diagnoses

diseases of the kidney

Neurologist  Diagnoses and treats disorders and

diseases of the nervous system

Obstetrician  Studies pregnancy, labor and delivery,

and postpartum

Oncologist  Identifies and treats patients with

cancer

Medical Specialists (cont.)

Ophthalmologist  Diagnoses and treats diseases and

disorders of the eye

Orthopedist  Diagnoses and treats diseases and

disorders of muscles and bones

Otorhinolaryngologist  Diagnoses and treats ear, nose,

and throat disorders

Pathologist  Studies bodily changes produced

Medical Specialists (cont.)

Physiatrist  Diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders

with physical therapy

Podiatrist  Treats disorders of the foot

Plastic Surgeon  Performs reconstruction, correction, and

improvement of body structures

Proctologist  Treats disorders of the anus, rectum, and

intestines

Radiologist/  Uses x-rays and radioactive substances to

Medical Specialists (cont.)

Sports Medicine  Subspecialty of medicine dealing with

treatment and preventative care of athletes

Surgeon  Uses hands and instruments to

diagnose, correct, and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities

Urologist  Diagnoses and treats diseases of the

kidneys, bladder, and urinary system

Apply Your Knowledge

Name the medical specialists who would be

involved in the care of a 6-month-old infant with

massive burns over 90% of the body and

indicate how each specialist would contribute to

the care for this situation.

ANSWER: The following specialists would be involved in the care of this

patient:

• Pediatrician because of the age of the infant

• Plastic surgeon to perform skin grafting

• Dermatologist for skin, hair, and nail repair

• Emergency medicine for treatment during medical crisis

Correct!

Knowing the duties of other health-care team members will

help you be a more effective team member.

Allied Health Professionals

inserting thin, hollow needles under the skin to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang

 Based on Chinese beliefs

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

Chiropractor  Treats disorders without drugs or

surgery by making adjustments to realign the vertebrae in the spine

 EEG technicians work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and clinics

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

impulses

 ECG technicians work in hospitals

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

 One of the oldest methods to promote healing

 Transcribing dictation

 Composing correspondence

 Works in hospitals, clinics, etc.

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

 Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Accredited Health Information Technician

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

 Coordinates records and filing

 Oversees office staff

 May also greet patients, make appointments, and perform general secretarial tasks

 Requires knowledge of

 Computer application software

 Advanced document processing skills

 Accounting

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

 Has a 4-year degree

 Works in clinics, industry, hospitals, research, etc

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

 Overseeing quality control

 Preparing and administering radioactive drugs

 Operating radiation detection instruments

 Positioning patients

 Performing imaging procedures

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

 Has a 4-year degree plus 9- to 12-month internship at an accredited hospital

 Work settings include:

 Hospital

 Government agency

 Rehabilitation hospital

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

Pharmacist  Dispenses medications and health supplies

 Employment in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, pharmaceutical companies, or private or chain pharmacies

 Three levels of educational training for pharmacy

 Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) – 6 to 7 years

of college with residency

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

 Most states require phlebotomists to be certified by the National Phlebotomy

Association or registered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

 May work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, private practice, or sports medicine center

 Improves patient functioning by using:

 Electricity, heat, and cold

 Ultrasound and massage

 Exercise

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

 Works in a variety of settings: private practice, nursing homes, hospitals, etc.

 Some states allow PAs to write prescriptions

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

Radiographer

(X-ray

Technician)

 Assists a radiologist in taking x-ray films

 May be employed in hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics, government agencies, etc

Radiographic

Technologist

 Trained in x-ray theory and practical applications

as well as radioactive materials

 May specialize in radiation therapy, radiography, or nuclear medicine

 Works in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, and medical practices

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

Registered

Dietitian

 Also called nutritionist

 Assists patients and family with nutrition planning

 May prepare and serve food to groups

 Work settings include:

 Community health agencies

Allied Health Professionals (cont.)

Nursing Careers (cont.)

 Work settings include

 Hospitals, nursing homes, and physicians’

offices

 Public health agencies and government agencies

 Educational settings

Nursing Careers (cont.)

Nurse

Practitioner

(NP)

 An RN that functions in an expanded role

 Requires a minimum of a Master’s degree and 4 to 12 months of formal training or

an apprenticeship

 Duties include:

 Physical examinations

 Treating common illnesses and injuries

 Many states allow NPs to write prescriptions

 Patient education

Apply Your Knowledge

If you had to choose other health-care team members to

plan the care for a 68-year-old patient recently diagnosed

with a stroke, who has a history of seizure disorders, which

would you choose, and why?

ANSWER: The health-care team members that might participate in this

patient’s care are:

•Physical therapist for decreased mobility due to stroke

•Pharmacist to review medications

•Nutritionist for dietary evaluation and possible modifications

•EEG technician to perform EEG for brain electrical activity

•Nursing staff (RN, LPN, CNA)

•Other health-care professionals will also be part of the team!

Good Job!

Specialty Career Options for MAs

• Require additional education or training

• Many options available – check:

– Local and medical college libraries

– State employment agencies

– Health career opportunities in local

newspapers – Directly with companies where you might seek employment

Specialty Career Options (cont.)

 Supervised by medical technologists or hospital pathologists

 Works in labs, clinics, physicians’ offices, etc

Specialty Career Options (cont.)

Dental

Assistant

 Can practice without formal education or training

 Performs both administrative and lab functions

 Works in private practice, clinics, schools, local health agencies, and for insurance companies

Specialty Career Options (cont.)

Occupational

Therapist

Assistant

 Supervised by occupational therapists

 Teaches fine motor skills, occupations, and the arts to patients with mental and physical

Specialty Career Options (cont.)

Specialty Career Options (cont.)

 Works directly under the physical therapist

 Performs tests and treatment procedures

 Observes and documents patient responses to therapy

 Works in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, etc

Specialty Career Options (cont.)

Radiation

Therapy

Technologist

 Assists the radiologist

 Maintains radiation treatment equipment

 Completes a 2- or 4-year education program

 Works in hospitals, labs, clinics, and physicians’

Specialty Career Options (cont.)

 Usually has a Master’s degree

 Works in schools, hospitals, research settings, or private practice

Surgical

Technician

 Completes a 2- or 4-year degree

 Provides patient services under direct supervision

of a surgeon

 Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures

 Works primarily in hospitals

Professional Associations

• Involvement in issues and activities

relevant to your profession

• Opportunities for

continuing

education

Professional Associations (cont.)

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

The Association for Healthcare

Documentation

Integrity (AHDI)

American College of

Physicians (ACP) American Hospital Association (AHA)

Professional Associations (cont.)

American Medical Technologist (AMT)

American Pharmacists Association

American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPI)

American Medical Association (AMA)

• Formerly The Joint Commission on

Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

• Non-profit organization

• Goal is to maintain and elevate the

standards of care delivery by

health-care organizations

– Evaluation

– Accreditation

• Accreditation is significant factor in gaining

reimbursement from Medicare and managed

care organizations

Council of Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA)

• Develops policy for the AMA

• Addresses timely ethical issues

• Maintains and updates the

AMA Code of Ethics

– Comprehensive ethics guide for physicians

Apply Your Knowledge

Which of the professional organizations listed below are

primarily for the role(s) of medical assistants?

AMA AAMA AHA AMT

ASCP AAMT ACP

Answer!

x x

x

ANSWER:

In Summary

2.1 Today there are approximately 22 major medical

specialties As new medical advances occur, the

demand for more specialty areas will emerge.

2.2 The American Board of Medical Specialties is an

organization of many different medical specialty boards

Its primary purpose is to maintain and improve the

quality of medical care and to certify doctors in various

specialties.

In Summary (cont.)

2.3 Medical assistants are members of a health-care team

that includes doctors, nurses, physical therapists, other allied health professionals, and patients

Understanding other health-care professionals’ duties will assist the medical assistant as a professional

2.4 Membership in professional associations enables

medical assistants to become involved in activities relevant to their field The American Association of Medical Assistants is a key professional organization for medical assistants.

They go the extra mile

They give their hearts, and lead with great

minds

—Sharon Hudacek

From A Daybook for Nurses:

Making a Difference Each Day

End of Chapter 2