A medical school or faculty of medicine is a tertiary educational institution or part of such an institution that teaches medicine. In addition to fulfilling a major requirement to become a medical doctor, some medical schools offer Master's Degree programs, PhD Programs, and other educational programs. Medical schools can also employ medical researchers, and operate hospitals or other programs.
Medical schools teach subjects such as human anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, neurobiology, genetics, and human biology.
The entry criteria, structure, teaching methodology and nature of medical programs offered at medical schools vary considerably around the world. Medical schools are often highly competitive, using standardized entrance examinations to narrow the selection criteria for candidates (e.g. MCAT and BMAT). Students wanting to enter medical school often benefit from an undergraduate pre-medical curriculum including physics, inorganic chemistry, human biology and organic chemistry.
Although a medical school may confer upon a graduate the title of Doctor of Medicine, a doctor typically may not legally practice medicine until licensed by a government authority. Licensing may also require passing a test, undergoing a criminal background check, checking references, and paying a fee.
Friday, October 03, 2003
Friday, July 04, 2003
Medical Billing Jobs
Medical Billing for Medical Assistant and Medical Assistants
Healthcare has become one of the fastest growing industries in the United States! Hospitals, private practices and clinics could not survive without someone who efficiently handles their day-to-day Medical Billing procedures. Medical Billing Specialists are responsible for accurately completing claim forms, promptly billing insurance companies, and adhering to each insurance carrier's policies and procedures. Often done by a medical assistant in the medical office. Medical billing is the process of submitting and following up on claims to insurance companies in order to receive payment for services rendered by a healthcare provider. The same process is used for most insurance companies, whether they are private companies or government-owned.
Medical Assistant :: Billing and Coding for the Medical Assistant :
The billing process is an interaction between the provider and the insurance company (payer). It begins with the office visit. After the provider sees the patient, depending on the service provided and the examination, the doctor creates or updates the patient's medical record. This record contains a summary of treatment and demographic information related to In order to be clear on the payment of a medical billing claim, the physician must have complete knowledge of different insurance plans that insurance companies are offering, and the laws & regulations that preside over them. Large insurance companies can have up to 15 different plans contracted with one physician. That is why the amount is settled between the physician and the company before he provides his services and is paid according to the each contract that has its own fee schedule, billing rules and billing address.
Based on the amount negotiated by the doctor and the insurance company, the original charge is reduced. The amount that is paid by the insurance is known as an allowable. For example, although a psychiatrist may charge $80.00 for a medication management session, the insurance may only allow $50.00, so a $30 reduction would be assessed or otherwise called provider write off. After payment has been made a patient will typically receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that outlines these transactions.the patient. Upon the first visit, the provider will usually give the patient a diagnosis (or possibly several diagnoses), in order to better coordinate and streamline his/her care. The patient record contains personal information, nature of illness, diagnosis and suggested treatment as well. This whole process - the first visit - is called an ‘encounter’.
The treatment, diagnosis, and duration of service combine to determine the procedure code that will be used to bill the insurance. The doctor then either provides this information to a medical coder or other billing specialist. From this, a billing record, either paper (usually on a standardized form called an HCFA, named for the previous name for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) or electronic, is generated. This form includes the various diagnoses identified by numbers from the current ICD-10 manual.
This billing record or claim is then submitted either to a clearinghouse that acts as an intermediary for the information (this is typical for electronic billing) or directly to the insurance company. Some of the electronic transactions are sent via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
Choosing a clearinghouse is very cost effective for medical billing because they edit the claim based on the rules stated by the payer. If the claim does not meet necessary criteria, the claim is sent back to the user, so they can make corrections and quickly retransmit it. This saves time as well as later complications.
The insurance company (payer) processes the claim. The insurance side of the process begins with testing the validity of the claim for payment. The tests cover patient eligibility for payment, provider credentials, and medical necessity. Upon passing successfully the tests, the payer pays the claim. If a claim fails the tests, the payer rejects the claim and communicates the rejection message to the claim submission source.
Upon receiving the rejection message, the provider must decipher the message, reconcile it with the original claim, make required corrections, and resubmit the claim again. This exchange of claims and messages may repeat multiple times until the claim is paid in full.HIPAA is a set of rules and regulations which hospitals, doctors, healthcare providers and health plans must follow in order to provide their services aptly and that there is no breach of confidence while maintaining patient records.
Since 2005 medical providers have been urged to electronically send their claims in compliance with HIPAA to receive their payment.
Title I of this Act protects health insurance of workers and their families when they change or lose a job. While Title II calls for the electronic transmission of major financial and administrative dealings, including billing, electronic claims processing, as well as imbursement advice.
Medical billing service providers and insurance companies were not the only ones affected by HIPAA regulations - many patients found that their insurance companies and health care providers required additional waivers and paperwork related to HIPAA.
Healthcare has become one of the fastest growing industries in the United States! Hospitals, private practices and clinics could not survive without someone who efficiently handles their day-to-day Medical Billing procedures. Medical Billing Specialists are responsible for accurately completing claim forms, promptly billing insurance companies, and adhering to each insurance carrier's policies and procedures. Often done by a medical assistant in the medical office. Medical billing is the process of submitting and following up on claims to insurance companies in order to receive payment for services rendered by a healthcare provider. The same process is used for most insurance companies, whether they are private companies or government-owned.
Medical Assistant :: Billing and Coding for the Medical Assistant :
The billing process is an interaction between the provider and the insurance company (payer). It begins with the office visit. After the provider sees the patient, depending on the service provided and the examination, the doctor creates or updates the patient's medical record. This record contains a summary of treatment and demographic information related to In order to be clear on the payment of a medical billing claim, the physician must have complete knowledge of different insurance plans that insurance companies are offering, and the laws & regulations that preside over them. Large insurance companies can have up to 15 different plans contracted with one physician. That is why the amount is settled between the physician and the company before he provides his services and is paid according to the each contract that has its own fee schedule, billing rules and billing address.
Based on the amount negotiated by the doctor and the insurance company, the original charge is reduced. The amount that is paid by the insurance is known as an allowable. For example, although a psychiatrist may charge $80.00 for a medication management session, the insurance may only allow $50.00, so a $30 reduction would be assessed or otherwise called provider write off. After payment has been made a patient will typically receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that outlines these transactions.the patient. Upon the first visit, the provider will usually give the patient a diagnosis (or possibly several diagnoses), in order to better coordinate and streamline his/her care. The patient record contains personal information, nature of illness, diagnosis and suggested treatment as well. This whole process - the first visit - is called an ‘encounter’.
The treatment, diagnosis, and duration of service combine to determine the procedure code that will be used to bill the insurance. The doctor then either provides this information to a medical coder or other billing specialist. From this, a billing record, either paper (usually on a standardized form called an HCFA, named for the previous name for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) or electronic, is generated. This form includes the various diagnoses identified by numbers from the current ICD-10 manual.
This billing record or claim is then submitted either to a clearinghouse that acts as an intermediary for the information (this is typical for electronic billing) or directly to the insurance company. Some of the electronic transactions are sent via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
Choosing a clearinghouse is very cost effective for medical billing because they edit the claim based on the rules stated by the payer. If the claim does not meet necessary criteria, the claim is sent back to the user, so they can make corrections and quickly retransmit it. This saves time as well as later complications.
The insurance company (payer) processes the claim. The insurance side of the process begins with testing the validity of the claim for payment. The tests cover patient eligibility for payment, provider credentials, and medical necessity. Upon passing successfully the tests, the payer pays the claim. If a claim fails the tests, the payer rejects the claim and communicates the rejection message to the claim submission source.
Upon receiving the rejection message, the provider must decipher the message, reconcile it with the original claim, make required corrections, and resubmit the claim again. This exchange of claims and messages may repeat multiple times until the claim is paid in full.HIPAA is a set of rules and regulations which hospitals, doctors, healthcare providers and health plans must follow in order to provide their services aptly and that there is no breach of confidence while maintaining patient records.
Since 2005 medical providers have been urged to electronically send their claims in compliance with HIPAA to receive their payment.
Title I of this Act protects health insurance of workers and their families when they change or lose a job. While Title II calls for the electronic transmission of major financial and administrative dealings, including billing, electronic claims processing, as well as imbursement advice.
Medical billing service providers and insurance companies were not the only ones affected by HIPAA regulations - many patients found that their insurance companies and health care providers required additional waivers and paperwork related to HIPAA.
Thursday, April 03, 2003
Medical Assistant Certification
Certification is a mark of the individual having been trained and qualified in the profession.
A Medical Assistant certificate stands as a certainity of successful training. Also, securing a Medical Assistant certificate assures higher professional satisfaction and recognition. Compared to uncertified individuals, the formal education and the Medical Assistant certificate help them in advance faster in their profession.
The Medical Assistant certification can be secured by both experienced and inexperienced individuals. Experienced professionals may not have to take a certification exam. Inexperienced candidates though will have to undergo rigorous training from an accredited vocational training institution.
Medical Assistant certification or registration will put the individual a step ahead from counterparts. What is a Medical Assistant?
Medical Assistant registration and certification are the same. It's just that different certifying bodies have different terms for referring to a Medical Assistant cerificate.
With many Medical Assistant schools mushrooming in the market, it is important that one acquires education and secures Medical Assistant registration from a reputed and reliable source.
Medical Assistant Education:
Medical Assistant education obtained from a high grade vocational training institution is a sure way to a successful Medical Assistant career.
Schools offering Medical Assistant education abound in the market. Making the right choice of schools makes the difference in education in medical assistance.
St.Augustine's School of Medical Assistants offers accredited and affordable distance Medical Assistant education online.
Medical Assistant education at St.Augustine's is comprehensive and does not leave out any element crucial to training. The 24/7 online training facility provides classes, knowledge resources and virtual laboratory training online.
Distance Medical Assistant education:
St. Augustine's Medical Assistants school offers distance education through online courses. Distance education is favoured by Medical Assistant aspirants who are already working and studying part time. Distance Medical Assistant education gives such candidates the flexibility of scheduling their study time around their working hours.
The Medical Assistant Program at St.Augustine's:
Medical Assistant program at St. Augustine's is an online training course that is available anytime and anywhere. With this program, accomplishing certifications is a matter of just 6-8 weeks from commencement.
The program includes complete online courses along with training on laboratory skills and facilities to perform laboratory tasks.
The advantage with St. Augustine's Medical Assistant program is that, the student can take up the course at his own pace and convenience. Since it is online, the course can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Whether it is a full time student or a working person wanting to study part time, the online Medical Assistant program is a convenient way to Medical Assistant registration.
The course ware for the Medical Assistant program is developed and regularly updated by experts from diverse disciplines, health care professionals and practitioners making it one of the best available programs for Medical Assistants.
Medical Assistant classes online:
On signing up for the Medical Assistant program, students have the convenience of accessing classes online. According to individual schedules, Medical Assistant students can access these classes at their own convenience.
Medical Assistant classes at St. Augustine's deal with the following subjects:
Medical Terminology, Human Body Planes, Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Office Professionalism, Patient Communication, Medical Records, Basic Medical Law, Scheduling Appointments, Medical Billing and Insurance Claims, Infection Control, Surgical Instruments, Emergency Care, Clinical Equipment, Patient History and Physicals, EKG and Lab Testing, Specimen Collection and Lab Safety, Introduction to Patient Medications.
The classes also cover Clinical Laboratory training online. These include: Virtual Phlebotomy Lab (Collecting a Blood Sample), Virtual Injection Lab, Medication injections, Measuring A Pulse, Introduction to CPR and Basic Ultrasound.
At St. Augustine's School of Medical Assistants, enrolling gives students the advantage of well designed Medical Assistant programs, curricula, online classes, an accredited Medical Assistant certificate within 6-8 weeks!
St. Augustine's educational services:
Educational services offered by St. Augustine's Medical Assistant school aim at providing vocational training for Medical Assistant aspirants.
St. Augustine's educational services are unique in their approach to training, course design, teaching techniques etc. The ultimate goal is to give students the best value for the money they have invested in Medical Assistant registration training.
The distance education program offered under St. Augustine educational services online is a high turnaaround, quality program that is accredited, affordable and convenient.
St. Augustine's online educational services are affordable as they cut down travelling, instructional material and other costs. It can be accessed by students wherever they are, whenever they want and brings the convenience factor into education. Online educational services at St. Augustine's are accredited and hence give best value for money spent on educating oneself.
St. Augustine's educational services online are a passport to a shining career as a Medical Assistant.
Health care careers are fruitful for certified Medical Assistants:
Health care careers are being sought after nowadays as high return professions both on the monetary front and on the satisfaction front. The booming health care industry is demanding technically qualified personnel and the market is ripe for professions like Medical Assistants, Hospital Assistants and others.
Thanks to the boom, health care careers are highly in need of well trained staff. Vocational education in professions like Medical Assistants provides an effective solution for the demand. By training students for the specific job and also focusing on overall life skills, educational services like that offered by St.Augustine's are enhancing employability of individuals.
Health care professionals - upgrade skills for advancing careers:
Employment opportunities in flexible health care careers like that of Medical Assistants are predicted to increase mutifold. Infact Medical Assistant health care careers are expected to grow much faster than the average for all other occupations.
Certified Medical Assistants with experience will definitely be highly sought after as a result. Health care professionals like registered Medical Assistants with experience stand to gain in a big way.
Experienced and trained Medical Assistants may be able to advance faster than other health care professionals. By adding on to their existing skill sets and certifications, they can gain over health care professionals.
Moreover pliable health care professionals like Medical Assistants have open occupational choices and opportunities form a variety of health care setups.
The future certainly seems to be beckoning Medical Assistant careers. All one needs to do is to gear up with an accredited Medical Assistant certificate.
A Medical Assistant certificate stands as a certainity of successful training. Also, securing a Medical Assistant certificate assures higher professional satisfaction and recognition. Compared to uncertified individuals, the formal education and the Medical Assistant certificate help them in advance faster in their profession.
The Medical Assistant certification can be secured by both experienced and inexperienced individuals. Experienced professionals may not have to take a certification exam. Inexperienced candidates though will have to undergo rigorous training from an accredited vocational training institution.
Medical Assistant certification or registration will put the individual a step ahead from counterparts. What is a Medical Assistant?
Medical Assistant registration and certification are the same. It's just that different certifying bodies have different terms for referring to a Medical Assistant cerificate.
With many Medical Assistant schools mushrooming in the market, it is important that one acquires education and secures Medical Assistant registration from a reputed and reliable source.
Medical Assistant Education:
Medical Assistant education obtained from a high grade vocational training institution is a sure way to a successful Medical Assistant career.
Schools offering Medical Assistant education abound in the market. Making the right choice of schools makes the difference in education in medical assistance.
St.Augustine's School of Medical Assistants offers accredited and affordable distance Medical Assistant education online.
Medical Assistant education at St.Augustine's is comprehensive and does not leave out any element crucial to training. The 24/7 online training facility provides classes, knowledge resources and virtual laboratory training online.
Distance Medical Assistant education:
St. Augustine's Medical Assistants school offers distance education through online courses. Distance education is favoured by Medical Assistant aspirants who are already working and studying part time. Distance Medical Assistant education gives such candidates the flexibility of scheduling their study time around their working hours.
The Medical Assistant Program at St.Augustine's:
Medical Assistant program at St. Augustine's is an online training course that is available anytime and anywhere. With this program, accomplishing certifications is a matter of just 6-8 weeks from commencement.
The program includes complete online courses along with training on laboratory skills and facilities to perform laboratory tasks.
The advantage with St. Augustine's Medical Assistant program is that, the student can take up the course at his own pace and convenience. Since it is online, the course can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Whether it is a full time student or a working person wanting to study part time, the online Medical Assistant program is a convenient way to Medical Assistant registration.
The course ware for the Medical Assistant program is developed and regularly updated by experts from diverse disciplines, health care professionals and practitioners making it one of the best available programs for Medical Assistants.
Medical Assistant classes online:
On signing up for the Medical Assistant program, students have the convenience of accessing classes online. According to individual schedules, Medical Assistant students can access these classes at their own convenience.
Medical Assistant classes at St. Augustine's deal with the following subjects:
Medical Terminology, Human Body Planes, Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Office Professionalism, Patient Communication, Medical Records, Basic Medical Law, Scheduling Appointments, Medical Billing and Insurance Claims, Infection Control, Surgical Instruments, Emergency Care, Clinical Equipment, Patient History and Physicals, EKG and Lab Testing, Specimen Collection and Lab Safety, Introduction to Patient Medications.
The classes also cover Clinical Laboratory training online. These include: Virtual Phlebotomy Lab (Collecting a Blood Sample), Virtual Injection Lab, Medication injections, Measuring A Pulse, Introduction to CPR and Basic Ultrasound.
At St. Augustine's School of Medical Assistants, enrolling gives students the advantage of well designed Medical Assistant programs, curricula, online classes, an accredited Medical Assistant certificate within 6-8 weeks!
St. Augustine's educational services:
Educational services offered by St. Augustine's Medical Assistant school aim at providing vocational training for Medical Assistant aspirants.
St. Augustine's educational services are unique in their approach to training, course design, teaching techniques etc. The ultimate goal is to give students the best value for the money they have invested in Medical Assistant registration training.
The distance education program offered under St. Augustine educational services online is a high turnaaround, quality program that is accredited, affordable and convenient.
St. Augustine's online educational services are affordable as they cut down travelling, instructional material and other costs. It can be accessed by students wherever they are, whenever they want and brings the convenience factor into education. Online educational services at St. Augustine's are accredited and hence give best value for money spent on educating oneself.
St. Augustine's educational services online are a passport to a shining career as a Medical Assistant.
Health care careers are fruitful for certified Medical Assistants:
Health care careers are being sought after nowadays as high return professions both on the monetary front and on the satisfaction front. The booming health care industry is demanding technically qualified personnel and the market is ripe for professions like Medical Assistants, Hospital Assistants and others.
Thanks to the boom, health care careers are highly in need of well trained staff. Vocational education in professions like Medical Assistants provides an effective solution for the demand. By training students for the specific job and also focusing on overall life skills, educational services like that offered by St.Augustine's are enhancing employability of individuals.
Health care professionals - upgrade skills for advancing careers:
Employment opportunities in flexible health care careers like that of Medical Assistants are predicted to increase mutifold. Infact Medical Assistant health care careers are expected to grow much faster than the average for all other occupations.
Certified Medical Assistants with experience will definitely be highly sought after as a result. Health care professionals like registered Medical Assistants with experience stand to gain in a big way.
Experienced and trained Medical Assistants may be able to advance faster than other health care professionals. By adding on to their existing skill sets and certifications, they can gain over health care professionals.
Moreover pliable health care professionals like Medical Assistants have open occupational choices and opportunities form a variety of health care setups.
The future certainly seems to be beckoning Medical Assistant careers. All one needs to do is to gear up with an accredited Medical Assistant certificate.
Monday, January 20, 2003
Medical Assistant California
Define acceptable and appropriate training to practice as a medical assistant.
Prior to performing technical supportive services, a medical assistant shall receive training, as necessary, in the judgment of the supervising physician, podiatrist or instructor to assure the medical assistant's competence in performing that service at the appropriate standard of care.
Such training shall be administered in either of the following settings: 1) Under a licensed physician or podiatrist, or under a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, a physician assistant or a qualified medical assistant, or 2) in a secondary, post secondary, or adult education program in a public school authorized by the Department of Education, in a community college program provided for in the Education Code, or a post secondary institution accredited or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education in the Department of Consumer Affairs.Are medical assistants required to be licensed or certified by the State of California to perform procedures within their "scope of practice"?
No. Medical assistants are not licensed, certified, or registered by the State of California. However, the medical assistant'Are medical assistants allowed to administer injections of scheduled drugs?
Yes. After receiving the appropriate training as indicated in Item 1, medical assistants are allowed to administer injections of scheduled drugs only if the dosage is verified and the injection is intramuscular, intradermal or subcutaneous. The supervising physician or podiatrist must be on the premises as required in section 2069 of the Business and Professions Code, except as provided in subdivision (a) of that sections employer and/or supervising physician's or podiatrist's malpractice insurance carrier may require that the medical assistant be certified by a national or private association. A medical assistant must be certified by one of the approved certifying organizations in order to train other medical assistants. (Title 16 CCR 1366.3)How may medical assistants legally "administer medications"?
The phrase intends to mean the direct application of medication in several ways including simple injections, ingestion and inhalation or pre-measured medications. For our purposes, the phrase "administer medications" when used regarding medical assistants, means to inject, handle, or provide medications to a patient after verification by a physician, podiatrist or another appropriate licensed person.Are medical assistants allowed to start or disconnect IV's or administer injections or medication into IV's?
No. Medical assistants may not place the needle or start and disconnect the infusion tube of an IV. These procedures are considered invasive, and therefore, not within the medical assistant's scope of practice. Medical assistants are not allowed to administer medications or injections into the IV line. (Title 16 CCR 1366(b)(1))Are medical assistants permitted to perform "finger sticks"?
Yes. Medical assistants are trained and allowed to draw blood as long as they have received the proper training. The procedure of finger stick is the pricking of the finger in order to collect a sample of blood. This procedure is within the "scope of practice" of a medical assistant.Are medical assistants allowed to swab the throat in order to preserve the specimen in a throat culture?
Yes. Medical assistants are allowed to swab throats as long as the medical assistant has received the proper training and a physician or podiatrist is on the premises.Are medical assistants allowed to give narcotic injections?
Yes. At this time there are no restrictions as to what type of medications a medical assistant may inject, as long as the medication has been pre-verified and the injection is either intradermal, intramuscular, or subcutaneous. (16 CCR 1366 (b)(1))Are medical assistants allowed to have access to the keys of the narcotic medication cabinet?
This question should be directed to the supervising physician or podiatrist as it is an "in-house" procedure and the decision must be made by the supervising physician or podiatrist.Are medical assistants allowed to chart pupillary responses?
No. The charting of pupillary responses is considered an assessment, which is a form of interpretation. Medical assistants are not allowed to read, interpret or diagnose symptoms or test results.
Are medical assistants allowed to insert urine catheters?
No. Insertion of a urine catheter is considered an invasive procedure and therefore, not within the medical assistant's scope of practice.
Are medical assistants allowed to perform telephone triage?
No. Medical assistants are not allowed to independently perform telephone triage as they are not legally authorized to interpret data or diagnose symptoms.
Are medical assistants allowed to inject collagen?
No. The injection of collagen does not fall within the medical assistant's scope of practice. 16 CCR section 1366.4 states that medical assistants may inject "medications".
Are medical assistants allowed to use lasers to remove hair, wrinkles, scars, moles or other blemishes?
No. Medical assistants are not legally authorized to use lasers to remove hair, wrinkles, scars, moles, or other blemishes. Online Training at: Medical Assistant
Are medical assistants allowed to administer chemotherapy and/or monitor patients?
No. Medical assistants are not legally authorized to administer chemotherapy or make an assessment of the patient as the procedure does not fall within the medical assistant's scope of practice.
Are medical assistants allowed to apply orthopedic splints in emergency situations, such as splints in a physician's office?
No. Medical assistants are legally authorized only to remove casts, splints and other external devices. Placement of these devices does not fall within the medical assistant's scope of practice. Please reference CCR Section 1366(b)(3).
Are medical assistants allowed to interpret the results of skin tests?
No. Medical assistants may measure and describe the test reaction and make a record in the patient's chart. For every questionable test result, the result should be immediately brought to the physician's attention. In addition, all results need to be reported to the appropriate provider. Please reference 16 CCR 1366(b)(2).
Can medical assistants be supervised by a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physicians assistant in the absence of a physician and surgeon?
Per Business and Professions Code section 2069 (a)(1), a supervising physician and surgeon at a "community clinic" licensed under Health and Safety Code section 1204(a) may, at his or her discretion, in consultation with the nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant provide written instructions to be followed by a medical assistant in the performance of tasks or supportive services. The written instructions may provide that the supervisory function for the medical assistant in performing these tasks or supportive services may be delegated to the nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant and that those tasks may be performed when the supervising physician and surgeon is not on site.
Can medical assistants call in refills to a pharmacy?
Yes. Under the direct supervision of the physician or podiatrist, a medical assistant may call in routine refills that are exact and have no changes in the dosage levels. The refill must be documented in the patient's chart as a standing order, patient specific. Medical assistants may not call in new prescriptions or any prescriptions that have changes. The physician should view carefully his or her decision to allow medical assistants to perform this task, as the authority to prescribe or refill prescriptions is only granted to licensed physicians and surgeons, podiatrists, or those individuals authorized by law to do so.
Can medical assistants perform hearing tests?
Yes. Medical assistants may perform hearing tests under the direct supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon or podiatrist. This procedure is within the scope of practice of a medical assistant. Per Business and Professions Code section 2530.5(a), "Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as restricting hearing testing conducted by licensed physicians and surgeons or by persons conducting hearing tests under the direct supervision of a physician and surgeon."
Are medical assistants allowed to administer flu shots?
Yes. After receiving the appropriate training as indicated in the first question, medical assistants are allowed to administer influenza vaccinations in a clinic or physician's office settings. The dosage must be verified and the supervising practitioner must be on the premises as required in section 2069 of the Business and Professions Code, except as provided in subdivision (a) of that section.However, if the shot is being provided at a local governmental or private, nonprofit agency the vaccine shall be administered only by a physician, a registered nurse, or a licensed vocational nurse acting within the scope of their professional practice acts. The physician under whose direction the registered nurse or a licensed vocational nurse is acting shall require the nurse to satisfactorily demonstrate familiarity with (1) contraindication for the administration of such immunizing agents, (2) treatment of possible anaphylactic reactions, and (3) the administration of treatment, and reactions to such immunizing agents. (Health & Safety section 104900(e)) California Medical Assistant -Can medical assistants be supervised by a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physicians assistant in the absence of a physician and surgeon?
Per Business and Professions Code section 2069 (a)(1), a supervising physician and surgeon at a "community clinic" licensed under Health and Safety Code section 1204(a) may, at his or her discretion, in consultation with the nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant provide written instructions to be followed by a medical assistant in the performance of tasks or supportive services. The written instructions may provide that the supervisory function for the medical assistant in performing these tasks or supportive services may be delegated to the nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant and that those tasks may be performed when the supervising physician and surgeon is not on site.
Prior to performing technical supportive services, a medical assistant shall receive training, as necessary, in the judgment of the supervising physician, podiatrist or instructor to assure the medical assistant's competence in performing that service at the appropriate standard of care.
Such training shall be administered in either of the following settings: 1) Under a licensed physician or podiatrist, or under a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, a physician assistant or a qualified medical assistant, or 2) in a secondary, post secondary, or adult education program in a public school authorized by the Department of Education, in a community college program provided for in the Education Code, or a post secondary institution accredited or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education in the Department of Consumer Affairs.Are medical assistants required to be licensed or certified by the State of California to perform procedures within their "scope of practice"?
No. Medical assistants are not licensed, certified, or registered by the State of California. However, the medical assistant'Are medical assistants allowed to administer injections of scheduled drugs?
Yes. After receiving the appropriate training as indicated in Item 1, medical assistants are allowed to administer injections of scheduled drugs only if the dosage is verified and the injection is intramuscular, intradermal or subcutaneous. The supervising physician or podiatrist must be on the premises as required in section 2069 of the Business and Professions Code, except as provided in subdivision (a) of that sections employer and/or supervising physician's or podiatrist's malpractice insurance carrier may require that the medical assistant be certified by a national or private association. A medical assistant must be certified by one of the approved certifying organizations in order to train other medical assistants. (Title 16 CCR 1366.3)How may medical assistants legally "administer medications"?
The phrase intends to mean the direct application of medication in several ways including simple injections, ingestion and inhalation or pre-measured medications. For our purposes, the phrase "administer medications" when used regarding medical assistants, means to inject, handle, or provide medications to a patient after verification by a physician, podiatrist or another appropriate licensed person.Are medical assistants allowed to start or disconnect IV's or administer injections or medication into IV's?
No. Medical assistants may not place the needle or start and disconnect the infusion tube of an IV. These procedures are considered invasive, and therefore, not within the medical assistant's scope of practice. Medical assistants are not allowed to administer medications or injections into the IV line. (Title 16 CCR 1366(b)(1))Are medical assistants permitted to perform "finger sticks"?
Yes. Medical assistants are trained and allowed to draw blood as long as they have received the proper training. The procedure of finger stick is the pricking of the finger in order to collect a sample of blood. This procedure is within the "scope of practice" of a medical assistant.Are medical assistants allowed to swab the throat in order to preserve the specimen in a throat culture?
Yes. Medical assistants are allowed to swab throats as long as the medical assistant has received the proper training and a physician or podiatrist is on the premises.Are medical assistants allowed to give narcotic injections?
Yes. At this time there are no restrictions as to what type of medications a medical assistant may inject, as long as the medication has been pre-verified and the injection is either intradermal, intramuscular, or subcutaneous. (16 CCR 1366 (b)(1))Are medical assistants allowed to have access to the keys of the narcotic medication cabinet?
This question should be directed to the supervising physician or podiatrist as it is an "in-house" procedure and the decision must be made by the supervising physician or podiatrist.Are medical assistants allowed to chart pupillary responses?
No. The charting of pupillary responses is considered an assessment, which is a form of interpretation. Medical assistants are not allowed to read, interpret or diagnose symptoms or test results.
Are medical assistants allowed to insert urine catheters?
No. Insertion of a urine catheter is considered an invasive procedure and therefore, not within the medical assistant's scope of practice.
Are medical assistants allowed to perform telephone triage?
No. Medical assistants are not allowed to independently perform telephone triage as they are not legally authorized to interpret data or diagnose symptoms.
Are medical assistants allowed to inject collagen?
No. The injection of collagen does not fall within the medical assistant's scope of practice. 16 CCR section 1366.4 states that medical assistants may inject "medications".
Are medical assistants allowed to use lasers to remove hair, wrinkles, scars, moles or other blemishes?
No. Medical assistants are not legally authorized to use lasers to remove hair, wrinkles, scars, moles, or other blemishes. Online Training at: Medical Assistant
Are medical assistants allowed to administer chemotherapy and/or monitor patients?
No. Medical assistants are not legally authorized to administer chemotherapy or make an assessment of the patient as the procedure does not fall within the medical assistant's scope of practice.
Are medical assistants allowed to apply orthopedic splints in emergency situations, such as splints in a physician's office?
No. Medical assistants are legally authorized only to remove casts, splints and other external devices. Placement of these devices does not fall within the medical assistant's scope of practice. Please reference CCR Section 1366(b)(3).
Are medical assistants allowed to interpret the results of skin tests?
No. Medical assistants may measure and describe the test reaction and make a record in the patient's chart. For every questionable test result, the result should be immediately brought to the physician's attention. In addition, all results need to be reported to the appropriate provider. Please reference 16 CCR 1366(b)(2).
Can medical assistants be supervised by a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physicians assistant in the absence of a physician and surgeon?
Per Business and Professions Code section 2069 (a)(1), a supervising physician and surgeon at a "community clinic" licensed under Health and Safety Code section 1204(a) may, at his or her discretion, in consultation with the nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant provide written instructions to be followed by a medical assistant in the performance of tasks or supportive services. The written instructions may provide that the supervisory function for the medical assistant in performing these tasks or supportive services may be delegated to the nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant and that those tasks may be performed when the supervising physician and surgeon is not on site.
Can medical assistants call in refills to a pharmacy?
Yes. Under the direct supervision of the physician or podiatrist, a medical assistant may call in routine refills that are exact and have no changes in the dosage levels. The refill must be documented in the patient's chart as a standing order, patient specific. Medical assistants may not call in new prescriptions or any prescriptions that have changes. The physician should view carefully his or her decision to allow medical assistants to perform this task, as the authority to prescribe or refill prescriptions is only granted to licensed physicians and surgeons, podiatrists, or those individuals authorized by law to do so.
Can medical assistants perform hearing tests?
Yes. Medical assistants may perform hearing tests under the direct supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon or podiatrist. This procedure is within the scope of practice of a medical assistant. Per Business and Professions Code section 2530.5(a), "Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as restricting hearing testing conducted by licensed physicians and surgeons or by persons conducting hearing tests under the direct supervision of a physician and surgeon."
Are medical assistants allowed to administer flu shots?
Yes. After receiving the appropriate training as indicated in the first question, medical assistants are allowed to administer influenza vaccinations in a clinic or physician's office settings. The dosage must be verified and the supervising practitioner must be on the premises as required in section 2069 of the Business and Professions Code, except as provided in subdivision (a) of that section.However, if the shot is being provided at a local governmental or private, nonprofit agency the vaccine shall be administered only by a physician, a registered nurse, or a licensed vocational nurse acting within the scope of their professional practice acts. The physician under whose direction the registered nurse or a licensed vocational nurse is acting shall require the nurse to satisfactorily demonstrate familiarity with (1) contraindication for the administration of such immunizing agents, (2) treatment of possible anaphylactic reactions, and (3) the administration of treatment, and reactions to such immunizing agents. (Health & Safety section 104900(e)) California Medical Assistant -Can medical assistants be supervised by a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physicians assistant in the absence of a physician and surgeon?
Per Business and Professions Code section 2069 (a)(1), a supervising physician and surgeon at a "community clinic" licensed under Health and Safety Code section 1204(a) may, at his or her discretion, in consultation with the nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant provide written instructions to be followed by a medical assistant in the performance of tasks or supportive services. The written instructions may provide that the supervisory function for the medical assistant in performing these tasks or supportive services may be delegated to the nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant and that those tasks may be performed when the supervising physician and surgeon is not on site.
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