Question

1. Describe medical assistant credentialing requirements, the process to obtain the credential and the importance of credentialing.

2. Define the scope of practice for the medical assistant within the state which you are looking to be employed.

3. Describe what procedures can and cannot be delegated to the medical assistant and by whom within various employment setting.

Answer 1

1) The Certified Medical Assistant credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The credential is awarded to candidates who pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification.Medical assisting is not typically a state-licensed/certified profession. This means that medical assistants do no typically need specific credentials to practice in the field. The only exception to this includes medical assistants who perform specific duties, such as phlebotomy or x-rays, as state laws may require specific training and certification in these areas.One of the most widely recognized national certification for medical assistants is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).Due to the litigious nature of the United States, many employers now seek medical assistants who possess the CMA as it provides evidence, says the AAMA, that the employer is exercising a high degree of care and diligence in its medical assisting employment procedures.To become a CMA, medical assistants must be able to meet a certain number of requirements: Candidates must have graduated from a medical assisting program (may be a one-year certificate or diploma program or a two-year associate degree program) that is accredited by either: The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Candidates must take and pass the CMA Certification Test. Prometric provides the computer-based testing services for the CMA Certification Test. The CMA must be renewed every 5 years, and recertification is dependent upon either the completion of the CMA Certification/Recertification test or the completion of continuing education. A total of 60 recertification points are necessary to renew a CMA credential. At least 30 points must be accumulated as :10 points in administrative,10 points in clinical,10 points in general.The remaining 30 points may be accumulated in any of the above content areas. Further, at least 30 of the 60 recertification points must be accumulated from AAMA-approved continuing education units. One continuing education unit, 1 contact hour, or 1 college credit hour equals one recertification point.The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential, through American Medical Technologists(AMT), is reserved for medical assistants who meet one of the following requirements and who take and pass the RMA: Education: Candidates must be recent graduates (within the last 4 years) from a medical assisting program approved by the U.S.Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or by the AMT Board of Directors. The program must include at least 720 clock hours of medical assisting, including a clinical externship of at least 160 hours. Military: Candidates must be recent graduates (in the last 4 years) from a formal medical services training program within the United States Armed Forces. Work Experience: Candidates must be a high school graduate and must have been employed as a full-time medical assistant in 5 out of the last 7 years. Work experience must include both clinical and administrative duties.

2)Medical assistants have a clearly stated scope of practice in some states; however, in other states, no laws exist regarding medical assistants. States that regulate the scope of practice for medical assistants typically limit duties to basic administrative, clerical, clinical, and technical supportive services.Scope of practice refers to the professional activities defined under state law. Standard of care, on the other hand, refers to the provision of services in a manner consistent with care, as another professional with similar training and experience faced with a similar care situation would provide.
Another common question we receive is, “Can medical assistants give vaccines?” The answer is an overwhelming, “Yes!” Employers are more interested in MAs who are comfortable (and trained) giving injections and vaccines to patients. This allows the medical team to provide more hands-on patient care.
Medical assistants aid office staff and health care practitioners in daily operations. Administrative duties include answering telephones, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records, arranging for hospital admissions, and some billing and bookkeeping tasks.

3) Medical Assisstant Can Do :-
Take and update patient medical histories
Schedule appointments, tests, and procedures
Manage patient accounts and records
Assist physicians, procedures, and minor surgeries
Collect specimens, such as blood and urine, for lab tests
Administer medications under the supervision of a physician
Prepare instruments and assessment rooms
Maintain medical and office equipment
Take inventory and order medical and office supplies
Serve as liaison between patient and doctor
Assist with patient feeding and grooming
Be a comfort to patients and families

Medical Assisstant Cannot Do :-
Treat or diagnose patients, whether in-person, online or by telephone
Perform triage or plan and evaluate patient care
Interpret test results or advise patients about their medical conditions
Prescribe or refill medications
Give out free samples of medications
Administer IV medication or anesthetics
Perform physical therapy independent of a physician or therapist
Operate laser equipment
professionals working as medical assistants formed a professional organization analogous to other organizations for physicians and nurses.The AAMA grew out of the Kansas group working in concert with other professional entities such as the American Medical Technologists.