Which of the following office procedures is outside the scope of a medical administrative assistant

Medical assistants work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics.

In Demand  |  Medical assisting is one of the nation's careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, attributing job growth to the following:

• Predicted surge in the number of physicians' offices and outpatient care facilities
• Technological advancements
• Growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment

Job Responsibilities  |  Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties, as evidenced by the Occupational Analysis of Medical Assistants.

Here is a quick overview (duties vary from ​medical practice to medical practice depending on location, size, specialty, and state law):

Clinical Duties (may include, but not limited to):

• Taking medical histories
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Preparing patients for examinations
• Assisting the physician during examinations
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Instructing patients about medication and special diets
• Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
• Transmitting prescription refills as directed
• Phlebotomy
• Taking electrocardiograms
• Wound care and changing dressings

Administrative Duties (may include, but not limited to):

• Using computer applications
• Answering telephones
• Welcoming patients
• Updating and filing patient medical records
• Coding and filling out insurance forms
• Scheduling appointments
• Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping

Patient Liaison  |  Medical assistants are instrumental in helping patients feel at ease in the physician’s office and often explain the physician's instructions.

PCMH Team Member  |  Medical assistants are essential members of the ​patient-​centered ​medical ​home team. According to a survey by the Healthcare Intelligence Network, medical assistants ranked as one of the top five professionals necessary to the PCMH team.

CMA (AAMA)® Certification  |  Many employers of allied health personnel prefer, or even insist, that their medical assistants are CMA (AAMA) certified.

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers certification to graduates of medical assisting programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

(1) DEFINITION.—As used in this section, “medical assistant” means a professional multiskilled person dedicated to assisting in all aspects of medical practice under the direct supervision and responsibility of a physician. This practitioner assists with patient care management, executes administrative and clinical procedures, and often performs managerial and supervisory functions. Competence in the field also requires that a medical assistant adhere to ethical and legal standards of professional practice, recognize and respond to emergencies, and demonstrate professional characteristics.

(2) DUTIES.—Under the direct supervision and responsibility of a licensed physician, a medical assistant may undertake the following duties:

(a) Performing clinical procedures, to include:

1. Performing aseptic procedures.

2. Taking vital signs.

3. Preparing patients for the physician’s care.

4. Performing venipunctures and nonintravenous injections.

5. Observing and reporting patients’ signs or symptoms.

(b) Administering basic first aid.

(c) Assisting with patient examinations or treatments.

(d) Operating office medical equipment.

(e) Collecting routine laboratory specimens as directed by the physician.

(f) Administering medication as directed by the physician.

(g) Performing basic laboratory procedures.

(h) Performing office procedures including all general administrative duties required by the physician.

(i) Performing dialysis procedures, including home dialysis.

(3) CERTIFICATION.—To obtain the designation of a certified medical assistant, the medical assistant must receive certification from a certification program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, a national or state medical association, or an entity approved by the board.

Which of the following office procedures is outside the scope of practice?

Which of the following actions is appropriate for a medical administrative assistant?

Which of the following is appropriate for a medical administrative assistant to take before scheduling a patient for surgery?

Which of the following must a medical assistant do as part of the office closing procedure?