Unit 1

Professional and
Career Responsibilities

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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Chapter 1
A Career As an
Administrative Medical Assistant

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 Heart of the
Health Care Professional
Motto: Think with empathy, act through
service.

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 Welcome to Administrative
Medical Assisting
Stimulate your mind
Motivate your curiosity
Energize your work ethic
Enliven your spirit

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 Customer-Service
Oriented Practice
Serving the needs of patients is the reason
for going into this profession
Always put patient above your own needs
and routine duties

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 Career Advantages

Skills and knowledge last a lifetime

Work is available anywhere in the world
where medicine is practiced
Training may be combined with education,
resulting in certification and college degree

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 Career Advantages

Work is rewarding and challenging

Part-time, flextime, and full-time
employment available in a variety of
medical settings

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 Employment Opportunities
Medical Offices
Clinics
Hospitals
Research Institutes
Insurance Companies
Laboratories

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 Employment Opportunities
Pharmaceutical Companies
Clinical Medical Assistant
Back office duties
Direct patient care
Performing procedures

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 Job Responsibilities
Administrative Medical Assistant
Front office duties
Receptionist
Telephone procedures
Appointments
Medical record management
Bookkeeping/accounting
Insurance claim processing
Electronic records and transmission

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 Interpersonal Skills Soft Skills
Listen and Observe
Interest and Concern
Respect
Sensitivity to Others
Empathetic and Positive Attitude
Initiative and Motivation

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Interpersonal Skills Soft Skills
Time Management
Team Interaction

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 Time Management
Practice:
Organizational skills
Self discipline
Prioritizing tasks
In the classroom

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 Understanding Emotional and
Psychological Problems
Work Relationships
Some behaviors require action; some do not
Gossip
Disrupter
Credit hog
One-track mind
Know-it-all

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 Understanding Emotional and
Psychological Problems
Aggressive versus Assertive Behavior
Aggressive = forward, pushy, overbearing
Assertive = professional confidence
Grieving or Distressed Patients
Empathy
Honesty
Concern
Support

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 Understanding Emotional
and Psychological Problems
Death and Dying Stages
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

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 Understanding Emotional
and Psychological Problems
Hospice
Hospice Foundation of America
Medical care and support for patients and
families dealing with a terminal illness
Quality of life
Dignity of the dying patient

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 Understanding Emotional
and Psychological Problems
Stress
Physical, psychological, and emotional
reactions to circumstances
Work circumstances
Personal circumstances
Ongoing stress

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 Understanding Emotional
and Psychological Problems
Coping with Stress
Be aware of what causes it
Evaluate the situation
Confront the problem
Cultivate healthy relationships
Take regular breaks
Adapt behavior

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 Understanding Emotional
and Psychological Problems
Manage Stress in the Workplace
Go to bed and get up early
Enjoy the environment
Enjoy lunch breaks
Practice skills to gain confidence
Organize and prioritize

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 Understanding Emotional
and Psychological Problems
Manage Stress in the Workplace
Be realistic
Practice relaxation techniques
Exercise your sense of humor
Do not overreact
Practice creative problem solving

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 Understanding Emotional
and Psychological Problems
Manage Stress in the Workplace
Rely on a support system
Think positively
Monitor your health
Seek professional help if unable to adapt

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 Understanding Emotional
and Psychological Problems
Burnout
Caused by too much OR too little stress
Occurs most often in helping professions
Avoiding Burnout
Vary assignments and routines
Have a voice in decision-making process

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 Professionalism

Attitude
Positive
Confident
Diplomatic
Image
Proper grooming
Dress professionally

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 Professionalism
Health and Physical Fitness
Avoid smoking
Eat healthy foods
Exercise regularly
Diminishes stress

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