Complete CMA Study Guide: Medical Assisting Certification- Success Guaranteed |6-12 Month Course Guide| 2025/2026 |VERIFIED|

Complete CMA Study Guide: Medical Assisting Certification- Success Guaranteed |6-12 Month Course Guide| 2025/2026 |VERIFIED| What does the acronym AMT represent? American Medical Technologists What is the role of the American Medical Technologists? It is an organization founded in 1939 that serves as a nationally recognized certification agency for various allied health professionals, offering the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential. What does NHA stand for? National Healthcareer Association What is the function of the National Healthcareer Association? Established in 1990, it offers certification exams for several allied health programs, including the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). What are CAAHEP and ABHES? CAAHEP is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, while ABHES stands for Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. What does CAAHEP do? It is an accrediting agency responsible for approving programs that allow graduates to sit for the National Certification Examination for Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). How did the creation of the American Association of Medical Assistants come about? 1 In 1956, the Kansas Medical Assistants Society initiated a meeting that led to the formation of the American Association of Medical Assistants. What makes medical assistants multiskilled healthcare professionals? Because they perform a combination of clinical, administrative, and various other duties. What sets the AAMA apart from the AMT? The AAMA focuses solely on medical assisting, while AMT encompasses various health professions. Name five clinical skills expected of an entry-level medical assistant. Assisting during exams, performing patient screenings, assisting with minor surgical procedures, collecting lab specimens, and performing first aid when necessary. Name five administrative skills expected of an entry-level medical assistant. Answering phones, managing appointments, creating health records, performing diagnostic coding, and providing patient education. What is the role of a chiropractor? Chiropractors are trained to detect and correct spinal subluxations using x-rays and spinal adjustments. What qualifications do Osteopathic physicians (DOs) have? DOs complete education similar to MDs and practice medicine with a focus on holistic health. What does a podiatrist specialize in? A podiatrist specializes in the care of the feet, including surgical treatment. What is the role of a medical technologist? 2 They perform diagnostic tests on blood, body fluids, and other specimens to assist physicians in making diagnoses. What are nurse practitioners (NPs) responsible for? NPs provide basic patient care, diagnose illnesses, and may prescribe medications, sometimes specializing in specific areas of medicine. What is the job of a nurse anesthetist? A nurse anesthetist is a registered nurse who administers anesthetics during surgeries or diagnostic procedures. What does a physician assistant do? A physician assistant provides direct patient care under the supervision of a physician and is trained to diagnose and treat patients as directed by the physician. What is the focus of physical therapists? Physical therapists help patients regain mobility, strength, and range of motion, especially after accidents or injuries. Which doctor specializes in treating kidney diseases? Nephrologist Which specialist is responsible for treating heart diseases? Cardiologist Who treats hypersensitivity reactions? Allergist What does a neurosurgeon do? A neurosurgeon specializes in surgeries involving the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. 3 What is the specialty of a colorectal surgeon? A colorectal surgeon performs surgeries on the large intestine, including the colon and rectum. What does a dermatologist treat? A dermatologist treats disorders related to the skin. Who treats blood disorders? Hematologist Which specialist focuses on diagnosing and treating nerve disorders? Neurologist What does an endocrinologist specialize in? An endocrinologist treats disorders related to the endocrine glands. What is the specialty of a gynecologist? A gynecologist performs surgeries and provides treatments related to the female reproductive system. What does a geriatrician specialize in? A geriatrician focuses on treating diseases associated with old age. Accreditation The process by which an organization is recognized for adherence to a group of standards that meet or exceed the expectations of the accrediting agency. Allopathic A system of medical practice that treats disease by the use of remedies, such as medications and surgery, to produce effects different from those caused by the disease under treatment; medical doctors(MDs) and osteopaths(DOs) practice allopathic medicine; also called conventional medicine. 4 Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) A group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used in combination with conventional medicine (allopathic or osteopathic); alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine. Contamination The process by which something becomes more harmful or unusable through contact with something unclean. Holistic A form of healing that considers the whole person (i.e, body, mind, spirit, and emotions) in individual treatment plans. Hospice A concept of care that involves health professionals and volunteers who provide medical, psychological, and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their loved ones. Indicator An important point or group of statistical values that, when evaluated, indicates the quality of care provided in a healthcare facility. Negligence Conduct that falls below the standards of behavior established by law; a negligent act is one that does not meet the standard of what is expected of a reasonably prudent person acting under similar circumstances. Subluxations Triage HHS Slight misalignments of the vertebrae or a partial dislocation. The process of sorting patients to determine medical need and priority of care. Stands for Department of Health and Human Services What is the Department of Health and Human Services? The principal U.S department for providing essential human services and protecting the health of all Americans, especially those unable to help themselves. 5 The HHS is made up of more than 300 programs covering research; child services, including immunizations; financial assistance for low-income families; programs for the elderly; and oversight of Medicare and Medic-aid programs. CDC Stands for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention What is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? The principal U.S Federal agency concerned with health. It conducts research on health-related issues and serves as a clearinghouse for information and statistics associated with healthcare. The divisions of the CDC focus on specific health issues; some of these divisions are the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention; the Public Health Practice Program Office; the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities; and the National Center for Health Statistics. The CDC establishes regulations that affect all healthcare facilities. NIH Stands for National Institutes of Health What is the National Institutes of Health? The NIH is part of the HHS and seeks to imrpove the health of American people. It supports and conducts biomedical research into the causes and prevention of diseases and uses a modern communications system to furnish biomedical information to the healthcare professions. It consists of 27 different institutes and centers, in addition to the National Library of Medicine. Thousands of research projects are under way in NIH laboratories and clinics at any given time. The NIH also provides funding for research projects conducted at universities, medical schools, and hospitals. OSHA Stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration What is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration? An agency of the Department of Labor responsible for establishing and enforcing regulations to protect individuals in the workplace. AAMA Stands for the American Association of Medical Assistants 6 What is the American Association of Medical Assistants? An organization that started the accreditation for medical assisting with standard training. They laso provide Legal counsel for medical assistants for their members. They also offer the CMA(AAMA) Exam, which is one of the credentialing exams offered to medical asistants; members can take the exam at a reduced rate. Cardiovascular surgeon Infectious disease specialist Gastreonterologist Surgery on the heart and blood vessels Treatment of disease caused by microorganisms Treatment of stomach and intestinal disorders Anesthesiologist Urologist Administration of agents for loss of sensation Surgery on the urinary tract Obstetrician Rheumatorogist Thoracic surgeon Oncologist Psychiatrist Treatment of pregnant women; delivery of babies Treatment of join and muscle disorders Surgery on chest organs Drug treatment of malignant tumors Treatment of mental disorders Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Treatment to restore function after illness 7 Radiation Oncologist Treatment of disease with high-energy radiation Otolaryngologist Orthopedist Pulmonary specialist Pathologist Radiologist Pediatrician Ophthalmologist Hospitalists Treatment of the ear, nose, and throat Surgical treatment of bones, muscles, and joints Treatment of lung disorders Diagnosis of disease by analysis of cells and tissues Examination of radiographs to determine a diagnosis Treatment of diseases of children Surgical and medical treatment of eye disorders Physicians whose primary professional focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients Most hospitalists are employed by the healthcare facility instead of having individual freestanding offices in which patients are seen and treated. Medical care of hospitalized patients Employed by healthcare facilities Good quality of life Set number of weekly hours, salaried Three different types of hospitalized care * Smaller city or community hospitals Primary care: * Usually serve as the first level of contact between the community members and hospital setting 8 Secondary care: * Both PCPs and specialists provide care * Larger municipal or district hospitals that provide a wider variety of specialty care and departments Tertiary care: * Referral System for primary or secondary care facilities * Provide care of complicated cases and trauma. * Medical centers, regional and specialty hospitals Private hospitals Run bay corporation or other organization and are usually designed to produce a profit for the owner or stockholders. Nonprofit hospitals Exist to serve the community in which they are located and are normally run by a board of directors. A nonprofit hospital or organization may make money in a campaign or fundraiser, but all money is returned to the organization. Hospital System A group of facilities that are affiliated and work toward a common goal. A hospital system may include a hospital and a cancer center in a small community, or may consist of a group of separate hospitals in a specific geography region. Integrated delivery System IDS. It is a network of healthcare providers and organizations that provide or arrange to provide a coordinated continuum of services to a defined population and is willing to be held clinically and fiscally accountable for clinical outcomes and health status of the population served. Some categories of compliance for accrediation * Use of medication * Plant, technology, and safety management * Orientation, education, and training of staff * Medical staff qualifications * Patients' Rights * Assessment and care of patients 9 Scope of practice Defined as the range of responsibilities and practice guidelines that determine the boundaries within which a healthcare worker practices. Standards of care A legal term that refers to whether the level and quality of patient service provide is the same as what another healthcare worker with similar training and experience in a similar situation would provide. What is the difference between scope of practice and standars of care Scope of practice is established by law in some states or norms in other stats that are guidelines that workers follow. This is different than standard of care, which is a legal term for quality of care that is given to a person. Identify five practices that are beyond the scope of practice of medical assistants telephone or in-person triage * Prescribing medication * Giving out drug samples without provider permission * Operating laser equipment * Interpreting test results PCMH Patient Centered Medical Home What is Patient Centered Medical Home? * Performing PCMH, also sometimes called primary care medical home is, according the the AHRQ, " a way of organizing primary care that emphasizes care coordination and communication to transform primary care into what patients want it to be." One of the most exciting healthcare delivery reforms occurring today Saving money by reducing hospital and ED visits What are the five core functions of PCMH? 1. Comprehensive care 10 Provides comprehensive care through a team of care providers. 2. Patient-centered care Provides primary healthcare that is holistic and relationship-based, always considering the individual patient and all facets of his or her life 3. Coordinated care Coordinates care across all parts of the healthcare system. 4. Accessible services Designed to deliver accessible care. 5. Quality and Safety Deliverign quality healthcare by providing evidence-based medicine and shared decision making with patients and families. What type of patients are seen in primary care practice? Whole families, young to old What educational background is required to become a primary care physician? Depends on the PCP, but Medical doctors require 4 years of undergraduate university training(premed) and 4 years of medical school, as well as 3 to 8 years of residency program. What are some common illnesses that are present in primary care facilities? disorders, and sieases Why are primary care physicians considered "gatekeepers"? Doctors of Medicine Most widely recognized Write prescriptions and perform surgery Diagnose illness and disease Physicians Flu, general 11 Specialize in certain fields (3 to 6 years) Must be licensed Doctors of Osteopathy DO Use medicine, surgery, Osteopathic manipulative therapy OMT Preventive medicine, holistic care Musculoskeletal system, Conservative medication use Doctors of Chiropractic Focus on nervous system Controls and coordinates all body systems Remove distortions/disruptions in energy flow Specialty or general practice Dentists Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Treat and prevent teeth/gum issues Perform oral surgery and write prescriptions Ambulatory Care Wide range of services to walking patients Physician's offices, group practices, multispecialty practices Refer patients to each other as indicated Convenient, more profitable Types of Ambulatory Centers Occupational health centers 12 Return patients to work and normal activity level Freestanding rehabilitation; pain management; sleep Freestanding surgical centers Rehabilitation services Ambulatory centers services Services to patients with severe kidney disorders Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Student health clinics Women's health centers Assisted living facilities Patient Education Understanding and explaining details of healthcare plans to patients Understand hospital systems to explain to patients In general educating the patient. Characteristics Demeanor Detrimental Distinguishing traits, qualities, or propeties Behavior towards others; outward manner Obviously harmful or damaging 13 Disseminate To disburse; to spread around Reflection A therapeutic communication technique in which a person responds with a feeling term that indicates how the individual feels about a problem. For example, "You sound angry about being scheduled for this diagnostic test." Perfessionalism Having a courteous, conscientious, and respectful approach to all interactions and situations in the workplace. It is characterized by or conforms to the recognized standard of care for the profession. Work Ethics Are sets of values based on the moral virtues of hard work a diligence. Six attributes of the professional medical assistant * Respectful * Diplomatic * Tactful * Responsible * Honest 3. Obstructions to professionalism * Courteous * Personal problems and "Baggage" * Rumors and the "Grapevine" * Personal phone calls What methods can the medical assistant use to treat others with courtesy and respect? Explain things, demonstrate to patient, and recognize personal biases. Sensitivity to patient and maintain confidential information. Use Therapeutic communication skills. Dependability and honesty are critical Components to earning the trust and respect of others. How can an entry-level medical assistant perform his or her duties with responsibility, integrity, and honesty? *Never misrepresent yourself * Be thorough 14 * Pay close attention to detail * Interact with patients in a straightforward, honest manner * Accept responsibility for failure and errors. Describe the important factors that should be considered when you visualize the image of medical assistant. Important assumptions are made within seconds of meeting. Why is it important for a professional medical assistant to respond to constructive criticism? reliable way to improve Define the principles of self-boundaries. How do they relate to the field of medical assisting? help identify us as unique individual and helps you determine what you find acceptable and unacceptable. Gives you self confidence. A They Describe four time management strategies medical assistants can use in the healthcare environment to meet the demands of a busy practice. * Organize and review your daily "to do" list. * Prioritize from most important to least important * Make a master list of important tasks so nothing is forgotten * Multitask as much as possible to accomplish a variety of responsibilities throughout the day. Teamwork Working collectively, cooperatively, to perform the duties required. No insubordination. What are the benefits of becoming a member of the AAMA? counsel, and a magazine, discount on on the CMA(AAMA) exam) Hippocrates Hippocratic Oath Father of Medicine Provides continuing education, legal An oath taken by doctors and other medical professionals to promise to do their best to take care of patients. Royal Society of London One of the earliest academies, was formed in 1662 15 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine education in the United States. Moses Founded in 1890s, was greatly influential to medical Presented rules of health to the Hebrews in approximately 1205 bc How early medicine was estimated to be used Athletic Trainer 5000 BC Is qualified to implement exercise programs designed to reverse or minimize debilitation and enhance the functional capacity of medically stable patients AA ATR ATC SNN CCC-A MT, MLT Anesthesiology assistant Art Therapist Athletic Trainer RDCS, RVT Audiologist Clinical laboratory science/ medical technologist LPC, LMHC CT Counseling-related professional Cytotechnologist DTR, ADTR Dance therapist 16 CDA, RDH, CDT Dental assistant, dental hygenist, dental laboratory technician RDMS REEG-T DTR IGC RHIA, RHIT RKT MT Diagnostic medical sonographer Electroneurodiagnostic technologist Dietitan, dietetic technician Genetics counselor Health information management professional Kinesiotherapist Message theropist CMA, RMA, CCMA, CMAA MI MT-BC RT Medical Illustrator Music therapist Medical assistant Nuclear medicine technologist COT, COMT CO Ophthalmic laboratory technician, medical technician/technologist Orthoptist 17 RTO, RTP, RTPO Orthotist/prosthetist CCP CPhT CRC RRTD CTRS Perfuionist Pharmacy technician Rehabilitation counselor Radiation Therapist, radiographer Therapeutic recreation specialist RRT, CRT, RPFT, CPFT CSA Respiratory therapist, respiratory therapy technician Surgical assistant ST, CST CNM LPN or LVN DCS or DVT EMT MT Surgical technologist Certified nurse midwife Licenses practical or vocational nurse Diagnostic cardiac sonographer or vascular technologist Emergency medical technician Medical technologist 18 NA Nurse anesthetist OT Occupational therapist Paramedic situations PT Specially trained in advanced emergency skills to aid patients in life threatening Physical therapist PA RD RT RN Physician assistant Registered dietitian Radiology technician or Respiratory therapist depending on context. Registered nurse 19