Medical assisting Administrative and clinical procedures (5e) Chapter 2 Healthcare and the healthcare team

After completing this chapter, students will be able to: Discuss healthcare and healthcare trends and their relationship to medical assistant practice, identify medical specialties and specialists certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), recognize the duties of various allied health professionals with whom medical assistants may work,...

Healthcare and the Healthcare Team

their relationship to medical assistant practice.

2.2 Identify medical specialties and specialists

certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

2.3 Recognize the duties of various allied health

professionals with whom medical assistants may work.

assistant may choose for advancement.

2.5 Differentiate professional associations that

relate to healthcare and their relationship to the medical assisting profession.

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

they affect your practice as a medical assistant?

ANSWER: (any two of the following)

Technology – MA must have a working knowledge of computers

and electronic equipment

Preventive care & wellness – must be able to guide patients to

medical specialties exist

Adult Cardiology

Cardiology = specialty Pediatrics and Adult = subspecialties

Family

Practice

 Family practitioner, general practitioner,

primary care physician (PCP)

 Diagnosis and treatment of all conditions and age groups

 Management of patients’ long-term healthcare

Allergy  Allergist

 Diagnosis and treatment of people with hypersensitivity to substances such as drugs, chemicals, and elements in nature

Anesthesiology  Anesthesiologist; certified registered

nurse anesthetist (CRNA)

 Use of medications that alter sensation and feelings before, during, and after surgery

Bariatrics  Medical and surgical treatment of

obesity Cardiology  Cardiologist

 Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Dermatology  Dermatologist

 Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair, and nails

Osteopathy  Doctor of osteopathy

 Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM)

 Whole-person approach to healthcare Emergency

Medicine

 Physicians work in hospital emergency rooms and outpatient emergency care centers

 Diagnosis and treatment of conditions resulting from unexpected medical crises and accidents

Endocrinology  Endocrinologist

 Diagnoses and treats disorders of the endocrine system, which regulates many body functions

Gastroenterology  Gastroenterologist

 Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the stomach, intestines, and other

organs Gerontology  Gerentologist / geriatrician

 Diagnosis and treatment of problems and diseases affecting older adults

 Internist / doctor of internal medicine

 Diagnoses and treats problems related to internal organs

Nephrology  Nephrologist

 Study, management, and diagnosis of diseases of the kidney

Otorhinolaryngology  Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT)

 Diagnoses and treats ear, nose, and throat disorders

Pathology  Pathologist

 Study of disease Pediatrics/

Physical Medicine Physical medicine specialists

Plastic Surgery  Plastic surgeon

 Surgical reconstruction, correction, and improvement of body structures

Sports Medicine  Interdisciplinary subspecialty of

medicine dealing with treatment and preventative care of athletes

Surgery  Surgeon

 Use of hands and instruments to diagnose, correct, and treat injuries and diseases

Urology  Urologist

 Diagnoses and treats diseases of the kidneys, bladder, and urinary system

the care of a 6-month-old infant with massive burns

over 30% of the body and indicate how each specialist

would contribute to the care for this situation.

ANSWER: The following specialists could 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

Medical Assistants

Doctors

Specialists Nurses

Knowing the duties of other health-care team members will

help you be a more effective team member.

Acupuncturist  Treats pain or discomfort by

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

 Based on Chinese beliefs

Chiropractor  Treats disorders without drugs or

surgery by making adjustments to realign the vertebrae and restore function of spinal nerves

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

Medical Technology – includes:

 4-year degree

 May specialize in blood banking, microbiology, or chemistry

Nuclear

Medicine

Technologist

 Duties include:

 Overseeing quality control

 Preparing and administering radioactive drugs

 Operating radiation detection instruments

 Positioning patients

 Performing imaging procedures

 Prepare information for the physician

Occupational

Therapist

 Helps patients attain maximum physical and mental health

 Works with patients who have

- physical injuries or illnesses

- psychological or developmental problems

- problems associated with the aging process

Pharmacist  Dispenses medications and health supplies

 Know the chemical and physical qualities of drugs and is knowledgeable about the

companies that manufacture drugs.

 Informs the public about the effects of prescription and nonprescription (over-the- counter) medications.

 Uses a variety of methods including

 Electricity, heat, and cold

 Ultrasound and massage

 Exercise

Radiologic technology - includes:

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

Radiation

Therapy

 Assist the radiologist in administering radiation treatments

 Assists ill patients with nutritional needs

 Assists food-service directors at healthcare facilities prepare and serve food

 Participates in research

 Teaches nutrition classes

Respiratory Therapy – includes:

Registered Nurse  Responsible for planning, giving,

and supervising bedside care

 Associate Degree Nurse (ADN)

 Treats communication disorders

 Evaluates, diagnoses, and counsel patients

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 healthcare 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!

• Administrative or clinical

• Certified Medical Reimbursement

Specialist (CMRS)

• Compliance Officer

• Electronic Claims Professional

Information Coder, or Medical Coder

• Medical Transcriptionist

• Registered Health Information Technician

(RHIT) also

– Medical Record Technician

– Medical Chart Specialist

• Anesthesiologist Assistant

• Cardiovascular Technologist

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• Mental Health Technician

• Physical Therapy Assistant

• Surgical Technician

and three clinical specialty careers.

ANSWER:

Billing & Insurance Specialist Anesthesiologist Assistant

CMRS Cardiovascular Technologist

Compliance Officer Dental Assistant

Electronic Claims Professional EMT

Medical Coder Mental Health Technician

Medical Transcriptionist PT or OT Assistant

Pharmacy Technician Phlebotomist

Surgical Technician

Correct!

relevant to your profession

• Opportunities for

continuing

education

Assistants (AAMA)

• American Association of Professional

Coders (AAPC)

• The Association for Healthcare

Documentation Integrity (AHDI)

• American Health Information Management

Association (AHIMA)

• American Hospital Association (AHA)

• American Medical Association (AMA)

– Dedicated to providing education and information

resources to the field of internal medicine and its subspecialties

• American Hospital Association (AHA)

– Largest network of institutional healthcare providers

– Supports and promotes the interest of hospitals and

healthcare organizations

• Non-profit organization

• Goal is to maintain and elevate the

standards of healthcare delivery

• Accreditation

• Establishes National Patient Safety Goals

• Addresses timely ethical issues

• Maintains and updates the AMA Code of

Ethics

Right Answer!

of hospitals and healthcare organizations

settings using EHR They can expect to work with many

older patients and should practice and assist patients

with preventive care

2.2 The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)

certifies 24 major medical specialties Within these

specialties are several subspecialties As new medical

advances occur, the demand for more specialty areas will

emerge.

Understanding the duties of other healthcare professionals will assist you as a professional medical assistant

2.4 A variety of medical specialty careers are available for

the practicing administrative or clinical medical assistant These careers require additional training

or education and/or other certifications.

essential to medical assisting practice Knowledge of

other healthcare and medical organizations allows the

practicing medical assistant to function successfully

within his profession.

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