Saturday, May 28, 2005

Medical Assistant Employment

Medical Assistant Employment Outlook is Excellent!

Medical assistants held about 365,000 jobs in 2002. Almost 60 percent worked in offices of physicians; about 14 percent worked in public and private hospitals, including inpatient and outpatient facilities; and almost 10 percent worked in offices of other health practitioners, such as chiropractors and podiatrists. The rest worked mostly in outpatient care centers, public and private educational services, other ambulatory healthcare services, state and local government agencies, medical and diagnostic laboratories, nursing care facilities, and employment services. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School is preparing the next generation of Medical Assistants using innovative technology such as distance education.

Monday, May 23, 2005

Donald Trump Lauches Distance Education University

Distance Education is now educating a new generation of Medical Assistants. Innovative schools such as St. Augustine Medical Assistant School are educating new Medical Assistants. Now Donald Trump has seen the value in distance education.

Donald Trump Lauches Distance Education University and St. Augustine Medical Assistant School now offers Distance Education for Medical Assistants

He's built buildings, written books, married models and starred in a reality TV show. On Monday 5/23/05, Donald Trump announced his latest venture: Trump University.

Don't expect ivy-covered walls or a football team. Trump University will consist of online courses, CD-ROMS, consulting services and Learning Annex-type seminars.

"In today's hyper-competitive business climate, the need for the highest quality education has become more crucial than ever," Trump said. "But people are looking beyond the traditional business education model, which involves hours in the classroom and relies primarily on book learning."

The demands of today’s competitive global economy make it imperative that you upgrade your skills constantly; learning and success are two sides of the same coin. However you define success, the need to take charge of your own education has never been more critical. Trump University’s world-class business curriculum is designed according to the principle of Learning by Doing. We continue to develop new and innovative courses and will be steadily adding to our curriculum over time.

Roger Schank, professor emeritus and founder of the Institute for Learning Sciences at Northwestern University, will act as chief learning officer.

Schank, who joined Trump and other faculty members at a Trump Tower news conference, said the school would emphasize "learning by doing."

"The problem with school is that school is a little academic, a little theoretical, not necessarily practical," Schank said. "It doesn't necessarily serve the general public, who may just want to know how to do something."

Medical Assistant Distance Education:

St. Augustine Medical Assistant School has lauched its distance education program for Medical Assistants in 2003 and is leading the world in the education of a new generation of Medical Assistants.

Medical Assistant Certification

What is Medical Assistant Certification?

National and state certification for the Medical Assistant is available, but only 15% percent of medical assistants obtain it.

What is the American Medical Assistant Association? AAMA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Association of Medical Assistants is to enable medical assisting professionals to enhance and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and professionalism required by employers and patients; protect medical assistants' right to practice; and promote effective, efficient health care delivery through optimal use of multiskilled Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs).

What is the American Medical Technologists? is a national agency
that certifies health practitioners as: Registered Medical Assistants.

What is the National Association of Healthcare Providers? This multi-speciality group offers Class B certification to Medical Assistants.

Many other certifing boards have now opened their doors and welcome Medical Assistants.

In the interests of cost-effectiveness and efficiency, family physicians are hiring more medical assistants (MAs) to help them manage the increasing complexities of patient care and practice management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects it to be the fastest growing occupation for the 2002 to 2012 period.1

Meidcal Assistant responsibilities can be tailored to the needs of a practice. They can manage front-office functions and patient flow and handle a wide range of tasks that would otherwise be performed by receptionists, practice managers, nurses and physicians. Many physicians are unsure of what tasks are appropriate to assign to an MA and do not help the Medical assistant to their full abilities and potential. This article should help you to better understand the Medical Assistant role and prepare you to make staffing decisions that will make your practice more productive.

Formal training is helpful if you plan to work as a medical assistant: Because there are no standard educational criteria for medical assisting, it is important for employers to determine each applicant's skill level and certification type. Medical Assistant programs such as that developed by St. Augustine Medical Assistant School offers employers a unique method to train their staff using newer distance education technoloty.

Medical Assistant: Online medical assistant classes are offered at St Augustine Medical Assistant School.

Medical Assistant Scope of Practice

The Scope of Medical Assistant and non-licesed Medical Office Staff:

Although legal requirements addressing the Medical Assistant scope of practice vary by state, the Medical Assistant generally works under the license of their supervising physician or the managed care organization that employs them. To learn more about medical assisting scope of practice, contact Donald A. Balasa, Executive Director and Legal Counsel of the American Association of Medical Assistants, by e-mail at dbalasa@aama-ntl.org.

Below are some of the duties that a typical medical assistant may perform (it is important to check with local and state medical boards to determine what duties a medical assistant can legally perform. It is also important to remember that a medical assistant is not a physician, nurse, physican assistant or other licensed healh care provider, they must therefore always be supervised by the appropriate licensed health care provider, after all it is the medical practioner whos license is most at risk.) Always consult with a lawyer prior to letting your medical assistant do any new duties:

Typical Medical Assistant Duties:

Administrative

Work in reception

Answer telephone

Schedule appointments

Process medical billing

Keep financial records

File medical charts

Telephone prescriptions to
a pharmacy

Transcribe dictation

Send letters

Triage patients over the telephone using a protocol to determine the acuity of the visit and the visit-length for scheduling purposes.

CLINICAL (MAY VARY GREATLY- CHECK WITH A LAWYER):


Escort patient to exam room

Carry out patient history interviews

Take and record vital signs

Prepare patient for examination

Provide patient information/instructions

Assist with medical examinations/surgical procedures

Set up/clean patient rooms

Maintain inventory

Restock supplies in patient rooms

Perform venipuncture

Administer immunizations

Collect and prepare laboratory specimens

Remove sutures

Change dressings

Notify patients of laboratory results

Schedule patient appointments

Translate during medical interviews with non-English-speaking patients

Give prevention reminders

Instruct patients about medications or special diets

Perform basic laboratory tests

Prepare/administer oral/intramuscular medications as directed

Perform ECGs

Advanced duties

Place, initiate IV and administer IV medications with appropriate training and as permitted by state law

Develop educational materials

Help patients draft a durable power of attorney

Educate patients about procedures

Negotiate managed care contracts

Manage accounts payable

Process payroll

Document and maintain accounting and banking records

Develop and maintain fees schedules

Manage renewals of business and professional insurance policies

Manage personnel benefits and maintain records

Perform marketing, financial and strategic planning

Develop and maintain personnel, policy and procedure materials

Perform personnel management functions

Negotiate leases and prices for equipment and supply contracts

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Medical Assistant Clinical Tasks

The Role of a Medical Assistant in a Modern Medical Practice
By Dr. Mark Stout,
President St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants

Many physicians are unsure of what tasks are appropriate to assign to a Medical Assistant.

Medical Assistants are not licensed to make independent medical assessments or give advice. Physicians must determine the skill level and capabilities of each Medical Assistant they supervise and take into account liability risk and quality control when assigning them their responsibilities. Physicians should provide initial direct supervision and periodically assess the quality of their work. In practices with nurse managers, medical assistants can receive additional supervision coordinated to maximize workflow in a practice. Communicating the Medical Assistant roles to other staff and clearly delineating their responsibilities is important in maximizing the productivity of the health care team.

Although legal requirements addressing Medical Assistants scope of practice vary by state, Medical Assistant generally work under the license of their supervising physician or the managed care organization that employs them.

If you have any questions about the legal role a medical assistant may play in your practice please contact your local state medical board for advise.

Saturday, May 21, 2005

American Academy of Family Physicians

A Helpful website for medical assistants is the American Academy of Family Physicians, at: http://www.aafp.org/

Thursday, May 19, 2005

American Medical Billing Association

About AMBA
Our mission as an association is to provide industry and regulatory education, networking opportunities for our members, to be able to share information and ideas and to market our member's abilities and professional services as a group.

You may have guessed by now that AMBA encourages and relies on member participation! We offer a totally unique concept and approach in networking, sharing of information and in building an association led by professional billers from across the nation.

Our ultimate goal is to provide members with the resources that enhance knowledge and skills to develop new ideas and technology, collectively increasing and realizing true industry growth and leadership among medical billers.

AMBA was formed and is targeted toward providing assistance for small and home based professional medical billers with similar needs, interests and goals. In order to become a voice in this industry, to be the best that we can, to be recognized for our efforts and to create opportunity amongst us, members must work together. We're counting on your support!

Our focus is centered on:

Networking among peers
Providing information and knowledge
Offering continuing education and ongoing research
Developing innovative ideas and new technologies
Gaining recognition for our accomplishments
Providing leadership in the industry; and
Offering fellowship and fun to members

Member participation, ideas, networking and support are encouraged and appreciated.

Here at AMBA, our members are our partners in success through support, participation, ideas and growth!

Monday, May 16, 2005

Medical Assisting as a Career

Is Medical Assisting For You?
www.medassistant.org
Are you looking for a meaningful job?
Do you like helping others?
Do you have an interest in health and medicine?
Are you a "people person"?
Are you good at multitasking - switching tasks throughout the workday?
Do you like variety in your job?
Would you like to enter a career in an expanding field?
If you answered "yes" to five or more of these questions, then medical assisting might be the right career choice for you.
Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) enjoy an exciting, challenging career that is essential to patient care in medical offices and clinics.
Medical assistants are in demand! Medical assisting is one of the nation's fastest growing careers through 2012, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be attributed to a predicted surge in the number of physicians' offices and outpatient care facilities. Technological advancements and the growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment are also factors for the increased demand for medical assistants.
So... what do Certified Medical Assistants actually do?Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) have a great amount of variety in their jobs and are cross-trained to perform many administrative and clinical duties. Of course, duties vary from office to office depending on location, size and specialty.
Administrative duties may include...
Using computer applications
Answering telephones
Greeting 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
Clinical duties vary by state and include...
Taking medical histories
Explaining treatment procedures to patients
Preparing patients for examination
Assisting the physician during the exam
Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
Performing basic laboratory tests
Instructing patients about medication and special diets
Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
Authorizing prescription refills as directed
Drawing blood
Taking electrocardiograms
Removing sutures and changing dressings

MEDICAL ASSISTANT TRAINING

Sunday, May 15, 2005

ST. AUGUSTINE MEDICAL ASSISTANT SCHOOL

St. Augustine Medical Assistant School Online:
Distance Education Program for the Medical Assistant.

St. Augustine Medical Assistant School now utilizes the latest technology to offer a convenient, affordable and accredited Medical Assistant certificate program online. This accredited online Medical Assistant distance education program allows you to study at your own pace and finish at your convenience. Most students complete the online Medical Assistant program in 6-8 weeks. This program is designed by physicians, nurses, medical assistant and other healthcare professionals to give you the best Medical Assistant education available anywhere.

St. Augustine Medical Assistant School is an internationally accredited Medical Assistant School. We are dedicated to providing affordable and accessible quality education to our students through the use of innovative web-based distance education technology. Our faculty and advisors of physicians, nurses and healthcare educators have develop the best Medical Assistant distance education program available anywhere.

Visit the Medical Assisant school online at: www.medassistant.org

Antidepressant Medications

The Medical Assistant should be fimilar with common Antidepressant Medications. They include:

Bupropion (oral)

Brand Names: Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Zyban SR

Amitriptyline

Brand Names: Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip

Citalopram (oral)

Brand Name: Celexa

Clomipramine

Brand Name: Anafranil

Desipramine

Brand Name: Norpramin

Doxepin

Brand Names: Adapin, Sinequan

Fluoxetine

Brand Names: Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem

Fluvoxamine

Brand Name: Luvox

Imipramine

Brand Names: Tofranil, Tofranil-PM

Lithium

Brand Names: Lithobid, Eskalith, Eskalith-CR, Lithonate, Lithotab

Mirtazapine

Brand Names: Remeron, Remeron SolTab

Nefazodone

Brand Name: Serzone

Nortriptyline

Brand Names: Aventyl HCl, Pamelor

Paroxetine

Brand Names: Paxil, Paxil CR

Phenelzine

Brand Name: Nardil

Sertraline

Brand Name: Zoloft

Tranylcypromine

Brand Name: Parnate

Trazodone

Brand Names: Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose

Venlafaxine (oral)

Brand Names: Effexor, Effexor XR

Medical Assistant training is online a the St. Augustine Medical Assistant School.

What is Medical Assistant Distance Education?

Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant Distance Education:


The California Distance Learning Project's definition is: "Distance Learning (DL) is an instructional delivery system which connects learners with educational resources. DL provides educational access to learners not enrolled in educational institutions and can augment the learning opportunities of current students. The implementation of DL is a process which uses available resources and will evolve to incorporate emerging technologies."

As defined by Michael Moore, then director of The American Center for the Study of Distance Education, Penn State: "Distance education is planned learning that normally occurs in a different place from teaching and as a result requires special techniques of course design, special instructional techniques, special methods of communication by electronic and other technology, as well as special organizational and administrative arrangements". From the text Distance Education: A Systems View, co-authored by Greg Kearsley [California: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1996].
The ITC definition is: "The process of extending learning, or delivering instructional resource-sharing opportunities, to locations away from a classroom, building or site, to another classroom, building or site by using video, audio, computer, multimedia communications, or some combination of these with other traditional delivery methods."

United States Distance Learning Association: Distance EducationThe USDLA definition: "The acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance."

Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT): Distance Education: Towards a Definition and Glossary of TermsThis detailed publication by Lee Ayers Schlosser and Michael Simonson was sponsored by the Definitions and Terminology Committee Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). The publication is available for sale to AECT members

Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications: What is distance education?From the Distance Education: A Consumer's Guide...What distance learners need to know, published by Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications: "Distance education is instruction that occurs when the instructor and student are separated by distance or time, or both." The Guide continues with other practical information for the potential distance education student.

Friday, May 13, 2005

Emploment for Medical Assistant is Growing...

According to the U.S. Department of LaborBureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Outlook Handbook:

Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.

The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner’s specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually are “generalists,” handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators.
Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and bookkeeping.

Medical assistants held about 365,000 jobs in 2002. Almost 60 percent worked in offices of physicians; about 14 percent worked in public and private hospitals, including inpatient and outpatient facilities; and almost 10 percent worked in offices of other health practitioners, such as chiropractors and podiatrists. The rest worked mostly in outpatient care centers, public and private educational services, other ambulatory healthcare services, State and local government agencies, medical and diagnostic laboratories, nursing care facilities, and employment services

Although medical assistants are not licensed, some States require them to take a test or a course before they can perform certain tasks, such as taking x rays. Employers prefer to hire experienced workers or certified applicants who have passed a national examination, indicating that the medical assistant meets certain standards of competence. The American Association of Medical Assistants awards the Certified Medical Assistant credential; the American Medical Technologists awards the Registered Medical Assistant credential; the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants awards the Podiatric Medical Assistant Certified credential; and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology awards credentials at three levels: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician, and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist.

Medical assistants may be able to advance to office manager. They may qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations or may teach medical assisting. With additional education, some enter other health occupations, such as nursing and medical technology.

Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012 as the health services industry expands because of technological advances in medicine, and a growing and aging population. Increasing utilization of medical assistants in the rapidly-growing healthcare industries will result in fast employment growth for the occupation. In fact, medical assistants is projected to be the fastest growing occupation over the 2002–12 period.
Employment growth will be driven by the increase in the number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that need a high proportion of support personnel, particularly the flexible medical assistant who can handle both administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants work primarily in outpatient settings, which are expected to exhibit much faster-than-average growth.
The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience, skill level, and location. Median annual earnings of medical assistants were $23,940 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $20,260 and $28,410. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $34,130. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical assistants in 2002 were as follows:
General medical and surgical hospitals
$24,460
Offices of physicians
24,260
Outpatient care centers
23,980
Other ambulatory health care services
23,440
Offices of other health practitioners
21,620
Considerations in Distance Education for the Medical Assistant Instructor
by:
Dr. Mark Stout
Dean of Education
St. Augustine Medical Assistant School

St. Augustine Medical Assistant SchoolDistance Education and Informatics Specialist St. Augustine Medical Assistant School Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands of a new generation of students in the twenty first century. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. Distance education, particularly in its most recent form, online education, is being integrated into even the most cautious and conservative of educational institutions. Yet the impact of these alternative forms of teaching and learning on students, faculty, and institutions has yet to be broadly or deeply studied. New models such as that at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School are immerging. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School is available at: www.medicalassistant.us Distance education is not new, and can be traced as far back as the first century. The Apostle Paul wrote to the early Christian churches, instructing them from a distance (even when he was under 'house arrest' in Rome). This was probably the first type of 'correspondence course', which was the only method of learning at a distance until the advent of the telephone. Today, distance education and in particular online medical assistant instruction calls upon an impressive range of technologies to enable medical assistant instructor and the medical assistant student who are separated by distance to communicate with each other either in real time (synchronous) or delayed time (asynchronous). Currently and asynchronous model used at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School to instruct medical assistant students. This has proven to be a very effective model however the medical assistant program is currently investigating the benefits of synchronous online medical assistant instruction and the benefits it may have for the medical assistant student. Medical Assistant distance learning epitomizes the move away from institute based learning to a more direct, student centered approach. As a concept, distance learning has existed for over a century, notably in the form of paper based correspondence courses including the less formal correspondence education for medical assistants. Now however, distance education is depending increasingly upon technology for its success and technological innovations ensure that distance learning for the medical assistant continues to evolve and grow as a valid and potent force in all forms of education for the medical assistant.The task of the medical assistant distance educator is therefore to obviate these problems as much as possible by mixing and matching techniques, creating and maintaining a stimulating environment, and offering opportunities for medical assistant students to communicate with each other and with the medical assistant teaching staff on a regular basis. The medical assistant educators will also need to change their traditional role as well. Many remote medical assistant students need a great deal of social support, and medical assistant distance educators may find themselves spending more time offering one-to-one tutorials and less time lecturing. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School at www.MedicalAssistant.us is leading today’s technology in medical assistant education. When designing medical assistant educational systems and materials for medical assistant distance in delivery the medical assistant teacher must consider not only learning outcomes, but also centered requirements and technical constraints for the medical assistant. Also to be considered are the needs, characteristics, and individual differences of both the students, the teachers and future medical assistants. Medical assistant distance education for the medical assistant then, should not be viewed as a means of reducing costs, but as an opportunity to raise standards. It is also about providing quality medical assistant learning opportunities for those who, for one reason or another, have previously been excluded from this basic human right. Distance education will quickly become the norm and not the exception for the twenty first century medical assistant. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. The St. Augustine Medical Assistant model can be reviewed at: www.medicalassistant.us. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School


Medical Assistant Program
National Accredited by the National Accreditation Board and the National National Assocation of Healthcare Provices
Medical Assistant students accepted from the United States: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Medical Assistant information is also available at www.MedicalAssistant.us

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Medical Assistant: What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical Assistant
Online Medical Assistant Information
St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants:

Medical Assistant classes are now availabel online using distance education technology. Do to the development of the internet and new technologies distance education is quickly becoming the norm and not the exception. This trend in distance education has lead to the development of Medical Assistant distance education programs. The St. Augustine Medical Assistant program offers a new alternative educational experience for students interested in a Medical Assistant career.

What is a Medical Assistant? A Medical Assistant is a valuable member of the healthcare team. Medical Assistants perform daily administrative tasks as well as assisting in minor clinical procedures to keep doctor's offices, hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities running smoothly.

Medical Assistant Job Information:According to the United States Department of Labor the Medical Assistant is a high demand profession and is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupation in the United States over the next ten years. Similar growth is expected in Canada, Europe, Asia, India, Australia and most developed countries.

What Distance Education Programs are available for Medical Assistant Careers? Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands of a new generation of students in the twenty first century. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. Distance education, particularly in its most recent form, online education, is being integrated into even the most cautious and conservative of educational institutions.Medical Assistant job out-look for the next ten years:Medical assistant jobs are projected to be one of the fastest growing occupation over the 2002-12 period, this according to the United States Department of Labor

The Duties of the Medical Assistant:The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner’s specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually are “generalists,” handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and bookkeeping. Clinical duties vary according to State law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. Nature of Work for Medical Assistants:Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner’s specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually are “generalists,” handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and bookkeeping. Clinical duties vary according to State law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. Medical assistants also may arrange examining-room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean. Assistants who specialize have additional duties. Podiatric medical assistants make castings of feet, expose and develop x rays, and assist podiatrists in surgery. Ophthalmic medical assistants help ophthalmologists provide eye care. They conduct diagnostic tests, measure and record vision, and test eye muscle function. They also show patients how to insert, remove, and care for contact lenses, and they apply eye dressings. Under the direction of the physician, ophthalmic medical assistants may administer eye medications. They also maintain optical and surgical instruments and may assist the ophthalmologist in surgery.

Medical Assistant Program Objectives: Program Objectives: To offer a Medical Assistant Program that is regularly assessed and updated in order to maintain technical standards and to meet the needs of students and the community. Provide a learning environment that uses innovative instructional methods, materials, and equipment. Alsom to provide the Medical Assistant student with opportunities to broaden their awareness and understanding of our diverse society and health care needs To develop and maintain educational partnerships with business, labor, and public sector agencies. Additional information about Medical Assistant careers and jobs can be obtained by contacting the offices of St. Augustine Medical Assistant School.

Medical Assistant classes now online from at: www.medassistant.org
We are dedicated to providing an accredited, affordable and accessible high quality Medical Assistant education to students through the use of innovative technology, such as our online Medical Assistant distance education program. Our innovative distance education program is an excellent way for today's busy student to earn their Medical Assistant certificate conveniently online. Our comprehensive web-based program delivers unparalleled convenience and flexibility to our students. Our commitment to educational excellence with unsurpassed student service has made as a leader in online Medical Assistant distance education. We hope you choose St. Augustine Medical Assistant School to begin a rewarding career as a Medical Assistant. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.

St. Augsustine Medical Assistant School is accredited by the National Accreditation Board and the National Association of Healthcare Providers.


What is Distance Education (e-Learning)?
You might have never dreamt of the possibility of earning a health care carrer certificate without ever stepping into a campus and meeting the professors and classmates face-to-face. Now you can dream and can realize it at St. Augustine School of Medical Assitants online distance education program. The truth with our online education programs at www.MedicalAssistant.us is that you can earn a Medcial Assistant certificate from your home or office without going to a partiluar school residing in any part of the world.How Does Distance Education Work?All you need is a computer and an Internet service provider. You'll retrieve all assignments, questions and tests from your instructor then review them offline at the times and places most convenient to you. You'll also have access to online research libraries and services, as well as other successful professionals with whom you can share ideas, debate issues and learn from each others' experience. MedAssistant.org and our online Medical Assitant progams were created to emphasize the immediate application of all learning to the workplace, adding real-world value to our education.What are the Advantages for Students?The primary advantage of online education for a student is that it cuts the physical presence for the study program or course he/she chooses. You may not be able to travel to the college or institute due to certain circumstances such as domestic problems, responsibilities that demand greater attention, job, or staying in a remote place, but you have the zeal to continue your education. So, in such circumstances you can rely on online education. Physically handicapped students can best avail online study programs without troubling themselves across a physical campus. Online classes are significant for they are quite different from the traditional classes. In one way the online classes are more facilitative with the hottest and ongoing latest discussions that take place over a short period. One best psychological boost a student can gain through online education is he/she can shed off his shyness of being slow at learning; and also can equip himself/herself with knowledge almost practical, and more often above the regular students have. Online learning helps to increase the educational experiences irrespective of age and geographical diversity. Besides, it is often cheaper when compared to the cost a student spends on traveling, time of work, etc., to attend regular classes physically. You can study form leading scholars, researchers, and professionals from across the world and improve your ability practically, which most of the traditional classroom studies lack. Online study is very less time consuming and, therefore, a student can concentrate on his studies effectively when compared to hours of classroom studies. Online education is also a supplement to traditional education. If you are a traditional student or a scholar or a researcher you can continue your education at any stage of your life and augment your knowledge with the changing world.Distance Education is free from affecting your job or professional practice. On the other hand it saves you of traveling and attending a physical class, which will affect your earning. Wonderfully, you can apply the latest knowledge and skill you acquire through online education in your work environment and get most out of it unbelievably. Importantly, as online education requires a considerable knowledge of computers and Internet, this requirement helps you to expand and further your computer Internet skills, and eventually you can train yourself with extensive computer expertise. Moreover, traditional education is tied with old rules and old concepts for a long time. But online education relies on new hypothesis and new concepts and standardizes itself quickly with the speed of the changing and escalating system of education. In this manner, an online student dramatically is far above and advanced than a traditional student. Last but not the least, across the globe, lots of colleges, universities and institutes are offering the facility of online study. You can study the course residing anywhere in the world without loosing your earnings. Learn more about the St. Augustine School of Medical Assitants online program today and make your dream of obtaining a medical assistant certificate come true!

Monday, May 09, 2005

World Association for Online Education

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Job Bank for Medical Assistants

This job bank is a participating member of HEALTHeCAREERS, an integrated network of the most prestigious healthcare association job banks.

To get started, simply choose a discipline from the list of "Find a Job In Your Field". You will see a results list that includes the job position, location and the name of the hiring company (unless they have posted the job confidentially). You can reply to the job online.

HEALTHeCAREERS
Network offers many more features to the candidate who chooses to register. You can:

Accurately track your current and past activity

Post a résumé confidentially

Send a cover letter with résumé

Receive e-mail notification of new job postings

Access personal assistance, toll-free, five days a week

Friday, May 06, 2005

What is Medical Assistant Distance Education?
Some people are calling it distance-free learning for the Medical Assistant.
Distance Learning happens wherever the learner is most available, free from the traditional boundaries of geography. It could be in the next room, or in the next state. It uses whatever technology is most available and appropriate to allow effective learning wherever needed.
It changes the rules. Now, you and your colleagues, the learners, are more able to adapt and use your newly-gained knowledge for your real world challenges immediately. Laboratory work is done at your own location.
Typical Methods of Distance Learning for Medical Assistant programs and other schools include:
One-way video/two-way audio via satellite
Two way video and audio conferencing
Multiple user audio-only conferencing
World Wide Web-based access to educational programs
Internet and e-mail-based distributed educational programs

Online labs using innovative distance education technology (excellent for the Medical Assistant student)
A critical element of effective distance learning today is the learning environment. Interaction within that environment can occur by many technical means: e-mail, fax, telephone, two-way video. Interestingly, this interaction is becoming more asynchronous Qmeaning it doesn't have to happen at the same time for all participants. Medical Assistant distance edcuation is quickly becoming the norma and not the acception for the future generation of new Medical Assistants. The Medical Assistant that can integrate technology with their profession and on-going education is at a GREAT ADVANTAGE to the students studing in older classroom modules and settings. The next generation of Medical Assistants will be educated by distance education technology and will replace the older traditional classroom trained medical assistants.

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

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New times for the Medical Assistant and their training

Many of the older medical assistants are resisting the new innovative training of the new generation of medical assistants. The medical assistant now trained online by distance education programs are much better prepared for the new healthcare job market then the older traditional “chalk board” classroom trained medical assistant. Many older medical assistants are now resisting As Bob Dylan said "the times they are a changin' and if you you can't lend a hand get out of the way." Within the next 3-5 years over 70% of all trained medical assistants will have earned their medical assistant certificates online through the use of distance education technology. For the medical assistant distance education is more effective, affordable and practical.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Medical Association of Billers

Medical Association of BillersMembership In The
Medical Association of Billers
Complete Allied's Medical Billing Training Program And Receive A
One-Year Membership To A Professional Association!

There's never been a better time to enroll in Allied Schools' Medical Billing Specialist Program! We have formed a special partnership with The Medical Association of Billers (MAB), which means that Allied's course has been approved to satisfy MAB membership requirements. All Medical Billing students will automatically, upon passing the course, receive a one-year membership at no extra cost to the Medical Association of Billers (MAB). Membership to the MAB will increase your knowledge base, provide you with up-to-date news and information, and will show your present or future employer that you're dedicated to your career!

Gain A Competitive Edge in the Workplace
With Allied's comprehensive Medical Billing course and membership to this professional association, an unbeatable combination is formed! MAB membership affords you:

The ability to stay one step ahead of the ever-changing healthcare industry and the important rules and regulations you need to be aware of.
An additional sign of your commitment to your career, and an advantage in the job market, whether you have a home-based business or work in a medical office.
The opportunity to become a Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS). Certification involves additional testing. Call Allied for more information.
Upon passing our Medical Billing Specialist Program, your MAB membership will become effective and will include the following benefits:

Twelve issues of Code Trends Newsletter - with the latest information on Managed Care, technology, legislation and more!
Discounted provider reports and services including business plans, policy and procedure manuals, custom fee reports and more!
Access to a National Support Group - find the answers you need from other billing professionals!
Online services including the MAB's Medical Online Forum and Medical and Billing Center Classifieds.
Advanced notification of medicare changes.
Access to the MAB's special Medical Internet Database Search which provides targeted information about the healthcare industry other traditional search engines won't find!
Membership Certificate and the ability to publicize your affiliation on your business cards, brochures, etc.

Monday, May 02, 2005

Healthcare: Medical Assistant Jobs

Medical Assistant: Nature of Health Care Work

Healthcare is a business and, like every other business, it needs good management to keep it running smoothly. The occupation, medical and health services manager, encompasses all individuals who plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the delivery of healthcare. medical and health services managers include specialists and generalists. Specialists are in charge of specific clinical departments or services, while generalists manage or help to manage an entire facility or system.

The structure and financing of healthcare is changing rapidly. Future medical and health services managers must be prepared to deal with evolving integrated healthcare delivery systems, technological innovations, an increasingly complex regulatory environment, restructuring of work, and an increased focus on preventive care. They will be called upon to improve efficiency in healthcare facilities and the quality of the healthcare provided. Increasingly, medical and health services managers will work in organizations in which they must optimize efficiency of a variety of interrelated services—for example, those ranging from inpatient care to outpatient followup care.

Large facilities usually have several assistant administrators to aid the top administrator and to handle daily decisions. Assistant administrators may direct activities in clinical areas such as nursing, surgery, therapy, medical records, or health information. (Managers in nonhealth areas, such as administrative services, computer and information systems, finance, and human resources, are not included in this statement. For information about them, see the statements on management occupations elsewhere in the Handbook.)

In smaller facilities, top administrators handle more of the details of daily operations. For example, many nursing home administrators manage personnel, finance, facility operations, and admissions, and have a larger role in resident care.

Clinical managers have more specific responsibilities than do generalists, and have training or experience in a specific clinical area. For example, directors of physical therapy are experienced physical therapists, and most health information and medical record administrators have a bachelor’s degree in health information or medical record administration. Clinical managers establish and implement policies, objectives, and procedures for their departments; evaluate personnel and work; develop reports and budgets; and coordinate activities with other managers.

In group medical practices, managers work closely with physicians. Whereas an office manager may handle business affairs in small medical groups, leaving policy decisions to the physicians themselves, larger groups usually employ a full-time administrator to help formulate business strategies and coordinate day-to-day business.

A small group of 10 to 15 physicians might employ 1 administrator to oversee personnel matters, billing and collection, budgeting, planning, equipment outlays, and patient flow. A large practice of 40 to 50 physicians may have a chief administrator and several assistants, each responsible for different areas.

Medical and health services managers in managed care settings perform functions similar to those of their counterparts in large group practices, except that they may have larger staffs to manage. In addition, they may do more work in the areas of community outreach and preventive care than do managers of a group practice.

Some medical and health services managers oversee the activities of a number of facilities in health systems. Such systems may contain both inpatient and outpatient facilities and offer a wide range of patient services.

Working Conditions

Most medical and health services managers work long hours. Facilities such as nursing care facilities and hospitals operate around the clock, and administrators and managers may be called at all hours to deal with problems. They also may travel to attend meetings or inspect satellite facilities.

Some managers work in comfortable, private offices; others share space with other managers or staff. They may spend considerable time walking, to consult with coworkers.

Employment

Medical and health services managers held about 244,000 jobs in 2002. About 37 percent worked in hospitals, and another 17 percent worked in offices of physicians or nursing care facilities. The remainder worked mostly in home healthcare services, Federal government healthcare facilities, ambulatory facilities run by State and local governments, outpatient care centers, insurance carriers, and community care facilities for the elderly.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Medical and health services managers must be familiar with management principles and practices. A master’s degree in health services administration, long-term care administration, health sciences, public health, public administration, or business administration is the standard credential for most generalist positions in this field. However, a bachelor’s degree is adequate for some entry-level positions in smaller facilities and at the departmental level within healthcare organizations. Physicians’ offices and some other facilities may substitute on-the-job experience for formal education.

For clinical department heads, a degree in the appropriate field and work experience may be sufficient for entry. However, a master’s degree in health services administration or a related field may be required to advance. For example, nursing service administrators usually are chosen from among supervisory registered nurses with administrative abilities and a graduate degree in nursing or health services administration.

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in health administration are offered by colleges, universities, and schools of public health, medicine, allied health, public administration, and business administration. In 2003, 67 schools had accredited programs leading to the master’s degree in health services administration, according to the Accrediting Commission on Education for Health Services Administration.

Some graduate programs seek students with undergraduate degrees in business or health administration; however, many graduate programs prefer students with a liberal arts or health profession background. Candidates with previous work experience in healthcare also may have an advantage. Competition for entry to these programs is keen, and applicants need above-average grades to gain admission. Graduate programs usually last between 2 and 3 years. They may include up to 1 year of supervised administrative experience, and course work in areas such as hospital organization and management, marketing, accounting and budgeting, human resources administration, strategic planning, health economics, and health information systems. Some programs allow students to specialize in one type of facility—hospitals, nursing care facilities, mental health facilities, or medical groups. Other programs encourage a generalist approach to health administration education.

New graduates with master’s degrees in health services administration may start as department managers or as staff employees. The level of the starting position varies with the experience of the applicant and the size of the organization. Hospitals and other health facilities offer postgraduate residencies and fellowships, which usually are staff positions. Graduates from master’s degree programs also take jobs in large group medical practices, clinics, mental health facilities, nursing care corporations, and consulting firms.

Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in health administration usually begin as administrative assistants or assistant department heads in larger hospitals. They also may begin as department heads or assistant administrators in small hospitals or nursing care facilities.

All States and the District of Columbia require nursing care facility administrators to have a bachelor’s degree, pass a licensing examination, complete a State-approved training program, and pursue continuing education. A license is not required in other areas of medical and health services management.

Medical and health services managers often are responsible for millions of dollars’ worth of facilities and equipment and hundreds of employees. To make effective decisions, they need to be open to different opinions and good at analyzing contradictory information. They must understand finance and information systems, and be able to interpret data. Motivating others to implement their decisions requires strong leadership abilities. Tact, diplomacy, flexibility, and communication skills are essential because medical and health services managers spend most of their time interacting with others.

Medical and health services managers advance by moving into more responsible and higher paying positions, such as assistant or associate administrator, or by moving to larger facilities.

Job Outlook

Employment of medical and health services managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012, as the health services industry continues to expand and diversify. Opportunities will be especially good in offices of physicians and other health practitioners, home healthcare services, and outpatient care centers. Applicants with work experience in the healthcare field and strong business and management skills should have the best opportunities.

Hospitals will continue to employ the most medical and health services managers over the projection period. However, the number of new jobs created in hospitals is expected to increase at a slower rate than in many other industries, as hospitals focus on controlling costs and increasing the utilization of clinics and other alternate care sites. Medical and health services managers with experience in large facilities will enjoy the best job opportunities, as hospitals become larger and more complex. Employment will grow the fastest in practitioners’ offices and in home healthcare agencies. Many services previously provided in hospitals will continue to shift to these sectors, especially as medical technologies improve. Demand in medical group practice management will grow as medical group practices become larger and more complex. Medical and health services managers will need to deal with the pressures of cost containment and financial accountability, as well as with the increased focus on preventive care. They also will become more involved in trying to improve the health of their communities. Managers with specialized experience in a particular field, such as reimbursement, should have good opportunities.

Medical and health services managers also will be employed by healthcare management companies who provide management services to hospitals and other organizations, as well as to specific departments such as emergency, information management systems, managed care contract negotiations, and physician recruiting.

Earnings

Median annual earnings of medical and health services managers were $61,370 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $47,910 and $80,150. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $109,080. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical and health services managers in 2002 were as follows:

General medical and surgical hospitals $65,950
Home health care services 56,320
Outpatient care centers 55,650
Offices of physicians 55,600
Nursing care facilities 55,320
Earnings of medical and health services managers vary by type and size of the facility, as well as by level of responsibility. For example, the Medical Group Management Association reported that, in 2002, median salaries for administrators were $78,258 in practices with fewer than 7 physicians; $92,727 in practices with 7 to 25 physicians; and $125,988 in practices with more than 26 physicians. According to a survey by Modern Healthcare magazine, median annual compensation in 2003 for managers of selected clinical departments was $71,800 in respiratory care, $79,000 in physical therapy, $84,500 in home healthcare, $85,100 in laboratory services, $89,100 in rehabilitation services, $89,500 in medical imaging/diagnostic radiology, and $98,400 in nursing services. Salaries also varied according to size of facility and geographic region.

ST AUGUSTINE MEDICAL ASSISTANT SCHOOL

www.medassistant.org

MEDICAL ASSISTANT

American Association of Medical Assistants

The mission of the American Association of Medical Assistants is to enable medical assisting professionals to enhance and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and professionalism required by employers and patients; protect medical assistants' right to practice; and promote effective, efficient health care delivery through optimal use of multiskilled Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs).

Sunday, May 01, 2005

Housekeeping Assistant

Housekeeping Assistant
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