Why is it important for a medical assistant to explain the procedure to the patient?
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Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on June 23, 2021 Medical assistants are health care professionals who assist doctors in clinics and medical offices. They may show you to
the exam room, take your vital signs, and check your height and weight. Medical assistants will ask about your symptoms and health concerns, and pass that information on to your doctor. Even though medical assistants work directly with doctors, they can’t give medical advice to patients. Their duties are limited to collecting information and preparing the doctor and patient for the
medical visit. A medical assistant’s duties vary, depending on the office or clinic. Most of their tasks involve administrative work or clinical work. You may meet a medical assistant at the front desk of a hospital or medical office, or they may be the person who comes in after your exam to draw blood. Administrative duties A medical assistant might do administrative tasks like: Clinical
duties They also may do clinical work like: A medical assistant is a jack of all trades, streamlining important tasks to help the clinic run more efficiently. Medical assistants must be trained in the field. Programs range from 10 months to 2 years and are offered through vocational
schools, universities, and junior colleges. Students usually choose accredited (approved) programs to make sure they get the best training. Programs are divided into three segments: Administrative. This portion of the training focuses on handling day-to-day activities in a medical office. Students learn the best ways to communicate with patients, how to file medical charts, and how to code and complete insurance forms. Clinical. Clinical education focuses on what happens in the exam room with patients. In addition to checking vital signs, drawing blood, updating medical histories, and verifying prescriptions, a medical assistant is often the first point of contact for patients. This requires skills like empathy to better connect with patients and put them at ease. Externship. Medical assistants put their new skills to the test at approved
health care facilities. Medical assistants earn diplomas, certificates, or an associate’s degree after training. Certification process Medical assistants don’t need a certification to work in the health care field, although many will take an exam to expand their career options. Some states require credentials in order to perform specific tasks. A certification is a way to demonstrate advanced comprehension and expertise. Nationally
recognized certification exams include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Exam. Medical assistant roles in different states Some states, like California, require medical assistants to take special training before giving injections or medication. Other states choose to list what medical assistants cannot do in a clinical setting. For example, medical assistants in Montana can’t perform invasive procedures (surgeries) unless they have direct supervision from a doctor. Where to Find Medical AssistantsThe majority of medical assistants work in doctor’s offices, outpatient care centers, and hospitals. Facilities like dental offices, nursing homes, and physical therapy clinics also employ medical assistants to run offices and improve patient care. You’re likely to see more of them in the coming years. Baby boomers (those born between the 1940s and 1960s) make up a large portion of the aging population in the United States. They will need more preventive care from doctors and other medical specialists. Those facilities will need help to handle more patients, which means more opportunities for medical assistants. Why is it important for medical assistants to have effective communication?MA's must effectively and accurately be able to communicate any related medical information with patients, doctors, and the rest of the medical staff throughout the workday. Having 100% accurate communication is essential to avoiding confusion or costly medical errors.
How should a medical assistant communicate with a patient?Always face the patient when speaking to them, and make sure your arms aren't crossed. These small details can convey positive signals to patients and let them know that you are friendly and interested in what they have to say.
Why is it important for a medical administrative assistant to have the knowledge of anatomy and physiology?Anatomy is how the body is made, and physiology is how the body works. These two subjects focus on the study of how the eleven body systems interact and function. It is important for a medical office administrator to understand the basics of anatomy and physiology when managing insurance claims and patient files.
Why is critical thinking important for medical assistants?Skill #1: Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the ability to analyze facts and come to logical conclusions. It's how a medical assistant knows the patient having chest pain needs attention before the person with the sniffles.
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