Classic Medical Training For The Future
The belief to achieve medical assistant certifications comes not only from professional life, but also from recent personal experiences. Mrs. Wilson's husband, Ronald, director of purchasing at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute for the last eight years, was recently diagnosed with abdominal cancer.
"I now have a firsthand look at what patients go through," she said. "This has been a tough ordeal, but I can tell you that the health-care professionals we have dealt with have been wonderful and very supportive. It's been very gratifying, and encouraging."
This doctor is sold on medical assistant certifications . She has to pay them more, but they're worth every penny.
Think you can save money by hiring minimally trained support staff at low wages and teaching them yourself? Don't be surprised when they leave for better-paying jobs, taking the experience they've acquired at your expense. During my 15 years in solo practice, I've hired only certified medical assistants, and I've never regretted it. My employees have received two-year degrees from a program that gives them both clinical and administrative training, and they've passed a national certification exam. Sure, this policy inflates my payroll costs. But the CMAs' specialized training makes them one of my most valuable assets. Just the other day, I was reminded how much a medical practice depends on its ancillary staff. A longtime patient phoned, complaining of chest pain. The CMA who took the call knew that the patient had recently undergone bypass surgery, so she immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation. She advised the patient to head straight for the hospital, and, when he said he'd rather wait to see me in the office, she insisted. He finally agreed to go to the hospital "just as a precaution" - and underwent emergency angioplasty a few hours later. Even in non-emergencies, my support staff is indispensable. I've discovered that when patients talk with a CMA, they often raise problems or questions they "don't want to bother the doctor with." That's what one newly diagnosed diabetic did. I'd started her on an oral medication and suggested that she purchase a glucometer to monitor her blood sugar. To ensure that she was using the monitor correctly, I had her come in twice a week for a quick visit with one of the CMAs. The patient had been doing fine when, suddenly, her blood sugar spiked to more than 300. My CMA decided to do a little detective work, and asked how much medication she was taking and how often. The patient sheepishly admitted that she was experiencing financial difficulties and had reduced her dosage to save money. By the time I saw her later that day, I'd already arranged to obtain samples of the medication for her. I also assured her that her financial problems weren't unique and encouraged her to let us know about any further difficulties.
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