Simi Institute for Careers & Education | Evaluated Learning Experience
Medical Assistant Front and Back Office AH 205
270 hours (20 weeks).
September 1972 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to greet, receive, and direct patients and visitors; prepare and manage patient medical records, including obtaining and recording patient's demographic data and insurance information; schedule and maintain patient appointment logs, including no-shows, call-backs, reschedules, and cancellations; identify different types of insurance (e.g., PPOs, HMOs, managed care and referrals including prescriptions); explain and use billing practices, including insurance forms, terminology, procedure, and diagnosis coding; demonstrate job-related computer skills (including word processing, terminology, and presentation software); identify and use medical terminology, approved abbreviations, and symbols; explain the relationship between anatomy, physiology, and pathology; demonstrate proficiency in basic medical math (conversions); demonstrate proper ECG procedures and other cardiovascular testing; demonstrate proficiency with laboratory procedures, collecting and preparing specimens, and point of care testing such as urinalysis, blood tests, and cultures; perform and properly document some vision and hearing tests; explain biomedical equipment usage and maintenance; complete ancillary medical services requisitions and logs; explain and perform venipuncture procedures, and pulmonary function testing/procedures; prepare examination room and organize equipment for patient procedures; assist with patient examinations, transfers, treatments, and minor surgeries; perform aseptic techniques (e.g., sterilization, sanitation, disinfection), and set up and maintain a sterile field; tray set up; take vital signs, patient's height and weight, record data and report abnormalities to physicians only (not patients); identify various documentation formats including paperless charting; position and drape patient for examination and/or treatment; identify basic medical instruments and equipment; calculate medication dosages and administration routes; explain intradermal testing (e.g., Mantoux, allergy); basic pharmacology; identify various drugs, drug classifications, and clinical indications; perform irrigation and/or lavage (ear and eye), suture or staple removal, dressing changes, and related first aid; outline nebulizer treatments/procedures; perform basic first aid and identify CPR/AED basic principles; discuss nutrition principles, therapeutic diets, and health and wellness practices; discuss cultural diversity awareness and holistic modalities; identify the stages of growth and development; define urinary procedures; define assistive devices; outline standard precaution practices and Safety Data Sheets (SDS); outline steps to handling and disposal of contaminated materials or spills; use proper handwashing techniques; instruct patients in techniques for collection of specimens and preparations for diagnostic tests; communicate discharge plan instructions; identify subjective/objective assessment and plan for each patient; identify special considerations for pediatric, disability, disease progression, geriatric patients; identify and adhere to legal documents, standards, statutes, and regulations (advanced directives, DNR, healthcare proxy), work ethics and professional standards; apply principles related to patient rights, HIPAA (including confidentiality, privacy, and security), and protected health information regulations (electronic and written); demonstrate understanding of OSHA protocols; demonstrate basic knowledge of electronic health records; and identify members of an interdisciplinary healthcare team and know the scope of practice for each.
This course covers complete patient care including vital signs, patient interview and history, and patient preparation; medical terminology; instrument and field sterilization; sterile procedure and surgical asepsis; minor surgery technique and instrumentation; wound care/durable medical equipment placement, and fitting; pulmonary function testing, including spirometry, peak flow, nebulizer administration and oximetry; ear lavage; basic pharmacology; Injections and immunizations; specimen collection, preparation and handling; urinalysis; venipuncture procedure and blood handling; electrocardiography (EKG); specialty practice requirements (OB/GYN, pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, etc.); vast medical terminology knowledge including word roots, prefixes, and suffixes; Front office administration knowledge such as appointment scheduling, accounts payable, ledgers, and balances, medical procedure prior authorization, and utilization management; CPT, ICD-9 and ICD.10 Coding; medical insurance billing (including HCFA form completion); and reparation for job applications and resumes in the medical environment. Prerequisite: High School diploma or equivalent recommended.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, up to 15 semester hours in Allied Health (4/22).