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Patient Navigators: An Ideal Role for Credentialed Medical Assistants
Course Overview
The patient navigation model improves patient outcomes and helps eliminate barriers to health care through the use of qualified navigators who support patient-centered care. Gain an overview of the patient navigator model, learn about its benefits, and review the necessary core competencies and supporting legislation.
Course Information
Course Description
This course examines the expanding roles of credentialed medical assistants within population health, patient-centered care, and care coordination models. Learners will explore the principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), the growing use of advanced roles such as patient navigator, care coordinator, panel manager, prevention outreach specialist, health coach, and community health worker, and the impact these positions have on patient outcomes and health care access. The course also reviews the patient navigation model, including its philosophy, core functions, effectiveness, and role in overcoming barriers to care. Through real-world examples and evidence-based practices, learners will discover how CMAs (AAMA) can strengthen care coordination, improve patient engagement, promote health equity, and contribute to better clinical and population health outcomes.

Learning Objectives
As a result of completing this course, learners will will be able to:
  • Describe the principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home and the role of medical assistants within the model.
  • Identify advanced population health and care coordination roles that can be performed by CMAs (AAMA).
  • Explain the philosophy, functions, and benefits of patient navigation in health care delivery.
  • Recognize strategies for improving care coordination, patient engagement, and access to care.
  • Apply concepts of patient advocacy, communication, and population health management to support patient-centered outcomes.

Content Overview
This course includes three articles:
  • “The Patient Navigation Model: Philosophy, Characteristics, and Effectiveness”
  • “One Credential, Many Roles: Why CMAs (AAMA) Are Uniquely Qualified for Advanced Positions”
  • “CMAs (AAMA): Linchpins of the Patient-Centered Medical Home”
Read all three articles before taking the course’s test.
Course Contributors
Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA
Author, "CMAs (AAMA): Linchpins of the Patient-Centered Medical Home", "One Credential, Many Roles: Why CMAs (AAMA) Are Uniquely Qualified for Advanced Positions", and "The Patient Navigation Model: Philosophy, Characteristics, and Effectiveness".
Intended Audience
This course is intended for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, and other ambulatory care team members interested in population health, patient advocacy, care coordination, and patient-centered care delivery. Learners will gain practical knowledge and skills to support patients across the care continuum, address barriers to care, improve communication, and contribute to better health outcomes within evolving health care models.
Retake Information
Please note that retakes for this online course require repurchase.
Join the AAMA and Save!
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Earn the Population Health Module Digital Badge
Want to earn the Population Health Module digital badge? 
Learners who’ve passed all six individual courses of the Population Health Module become eligible to purchase the final exam ($20 for AAMA members and $40 for nonmembers), which is worth 1 AAMA CEU, through an AAMA staff representative. Learners can call 800/228-2262 and speak with a Continuing Education Department representative or email ContinungEducation@aama-ntl.org to arrange for payment and access. If the learner passes the final exam, they will have earned and will receive the Population Health Module digital badge.

Note: Learners can pass the six individual courses in any order, without a particular time frame restriction. Career enhancement meets convenience: earn professional development at your pace!
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Expires 14 days after start
Cost:
Member: $20.00
Nonmember: $30.00
CEU Offered:
2 Gen/Adm/Clin CEUs
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