Exam Review Module 1

Upon completion of this module, the learner should be able to:

• Identify the roles, responsibilities, scope of practice, and titles of medical assistants.

• Identify the roles, responsibilities, scope of practice, titles, and credentials of medical providers and allied health personnel

• Differentiate licensing versus certification and identify maintenance of certification.

• Describe the types of health care organizations and delivery models (outpatient and inpatient, patient-centered medical home, collaborative care, accountable care organization, hospice, home health care, mobile health unit).

• Identify technology-based methods for providing health care and health information (telehealth, virtual patient portals).

• Differentiate health care payment models (fee-for-service, value-based plans).

• Differentiate general versus specialty health care and services.

• Describe ancillary services and complementary therapies.

• Identify medication classifications (diuretics, hypoglycemics, analgesics, over-the-counter), indications, and commonly prescribed medications.

• Describe medication classifications and schedules of controlled substances.

• Differentiate between side effects and adverse effects and indications and contraindications.

• Compute measurements (metric and standard systems), dosage calculations, mathematical conversions, and formulas.

• Identify forms of medication (tablets, patches, capsules).

• Identify look-alike and sound-alike medications.

• Identify routes of medication administration.

• Describe pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).

• Summarize the rights of medication administration.

• Describe principles of storage and disposal.

• Identify sources of medication information and FDA regulations.

• Identify dietary nutrients, suggested guidelines, and food labels.

• Compare vitamins and supplements.

• Identify eating disorders.

This module will start by discussing health care systems and settings, focusing on the medical assistant’s role. This includes understanding roles and responsibilities, discussion around certifications, and an overview of health care settings and delivery models that an MA may work within. Additionally, the module will give context to the greater health care team and options for care to guide understanding of the teammates and systems an MA is likely to encounter.

While medical assistants are not authorized to prescribe medications, supporting a patient’s understanding of medications, managing clinic inventory, and, at times, administering medications are all important aspects of the medical assistant’s role. This module will review fundamental pharmacology to begin building a working knowledge of common medications and how and why they are prescribed and to look at how medications work.

Nutrition and the major nutrients are the building blocks of life. Medical assistants must understand how nutrients impact overall health, how to discuss nutrition with patients, and where to seek resources for patient education. These topics will also be covered in this module.

​Scope of Practice

The medical field can seem overwhelming. New terminology, legal concerns, direct or indirect patient care, unique processes, and high expectations can contribute to initial apprehension. However, this new role can be better understood through a holistic approach, looking at the health care system from all sides. In addition to understanding the role and scope of practice, it is crucial to understand the importance of the entire health care team. Knowing the skills and responsibilities of the various allied health and specialty providers strengthens the effectiveness and cohesiveness of the health care team. Each team member needs to respect and assist others in providing the best possible care for the patient.