PRC- Knowledge Check 8/12

How might a medical assistant’s clinical and administrative roles overlap in a single patient encounter, and what challenge could this create if boundaries are unclear?

• The MA could complete tasks faster without consulting the provider

• The MA might unintentionally violate patient confidentiality or scope of practice

• The MA would gain more opportunities for professional growth

• The MA could substitute for the physician in emergencies

A physician asks a medical assistant to perform suturing, which is outside their scope of practice. What is the most appropriate action for the MA to take?

• Attempt the task to show flexibility and teamwork

• Refuse politely, explaining it is beyond their scope and training

• Ask another MA to perform the task instead

• Proceed with the task if the patient consents

A new state policy expands a medical assistant’s scope of practice. What is the best first step to adapt office procedures?

• Begin performing new tasks immediately

• Inform patients about the expanded scope before implementation

• Update protocols, provide training, and verify compliance with regulations

• Wait for the supervising provider to give verbal instructions only

Which workflow best integrates both clinical and administrative MA duties for efficiency?

• Clinical MAs handle all patient interactions while administrative MAs handle all paperwork

• MAs collaborate—one collects patient history and vitals, while the other updates EHR and processes insurance before provider examination

• Administrative MAs shadow providers during exams to improve documentation speed

• MAs rotate weekly between only clinical or only administrative duties

Which is a potential drawback of obtaining additional certifications such as CEHRS, CPT, or CET?

• Increased earning potential

• Expanded professional opportunities

• Greater workload without proportional pay increases

• Enhanced patient care skills