Patient Navigators: An Ideal Role for Credentialed Medical Assistants-One Credential, Many Roles: Why CMAs (AAMA) Are Uniquely Qualified for Advanced Positions

One Credential, Many Roles: Why CMAs (AAMA) Are Uniquely Qualified for Advanced Positions

Pdf Summary

The document from the AAMA e-Learning Center, dated November 2021, outlines the roles and increasing importance of Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) within the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model. The PCMH is a comprehensive primary care setting that fosters partnerships between patients and their personal physicians, focusing on collaborative care inclusive of family members when appropriate. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 has enhanced the significance of the PCMH, emphasizing efficient primary care delivery and patient empowerment in choosing suitable health insurance plans.<br /><br />The document highlights various roles that CMAs (AAMA) are well-equipped to fill due to their rigorous education and training accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). These roles include:<br /><br />1. **Panel Manager/Prevention Outreach Specialist:** Handles population management to identify gaps in care and ensure proactive, preventive measures. CMAs are trained in health maintenance and disease prevention, equipping them for these positions.<br /><br />2. **Patient Navigator/Advocate:** Guides patients through the complexities of healthcare systems, helping overcome barriers related to financial, cultural, or systemic issues. CMAs are educated on patient navigation and advocacy, promoting culturally competent care.<br /><br />3. **Wellness/Health Coach:** Facilitates patient understanding and agreement with clinical advice, enhancing patient care experience, and offloading routine care tasks from clinicians. Effective communication and empathy are critical skills CMAs possess for these roles.<br /><br />4. **Community Health Worker:** Acts as a liaison between health services and the community, often in minority and underserved areas. CMAs' training in empathy, active listening, and public health knowledge makes them suitable for such roles.<br /><br />5. **Patient Care Coordinator:** Organizes patient care activities across various participants to ensure appropriate healthcare delivery. CMAs' critical thinking, legal and ethical knowledge, and versatile competencies make them ideal for care coordination.<br /><br />Overall, the document asserts that CMAs, through their comprehensive education and credentials, are uniquely qualified to excel in advanced and evolving roles within the healthcare environment, notably within the PCMH model.

Keywords

Certified Medical Assistants

Patient-Centered Medical Home

PCMH

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

ACA

Panel Manager

Patient Navigator

Wellness Coach

Community Health Worker

Patient Care Coordinator