Medical Assistant Review!
Personal Traits
New Medical Assistant
Personal Traits Advance To Next Lesson 
Interpersonal Relations
Interpersonal RelationsNOTE: Continue only after having read this and the previous lessons!
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Personal Traits
Lesson 5: Nowhere is the need for personal integrity as great as in the healthcare profession which included the medical office, where medical assistants continually deal with people, their illnesses, and their personal problems.
A medical assistant must develop and maintain personal traits that apply to integrity, personal appearance, and are essential for good performance.
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Lesson 5
The information that medical assistants have access to falls into the category of "privileged communication," and medical assistants have no right whatsoever to divulge any medical information, however trivial, to any unauthorized individuals. Medical information is prime gossip material. The prohibition on the release of medical information is sometimes difficult to remember, but it is essential to the maintenance of professional integrity.
Integrity
One important commitment that all members of the professional healthcare team have, which includes medical assistants, is the obligation never to abuse the controlled substances that they have access to; or to tolerate abuse by others. These substances are kept under key and lock at the medical office or clinic. They are used only for patients under a physician s supervision and any other use is illegal.
Appearance
Excellent personal hygiene habits, including cleanliness, neat hairstyles, and spotless, correct uniforms are essential for the medical assistant. A professional always strives to maintain a neat appearance in the workplace. Appearance can positively or negatively influence the opinion a patient has of the medical assistant. Both a professional appearance and attitude enhance the overall reputation of the medical assistant and attests to their professional competency.
The professional medical assistant should wear a clean, pressed uniform and clean white shoes, does not wear heavy perfumes, and keeps the hair nicely styled, and fingernails clean and trimmed. Jewelry should be subtle and tasteful, and rings limited to just one engagement or wedding band for both appearance and safety.
The medical assistant should exhibit courtesy, conscientiousness, and a general businesslike manner at all times. It is important to act professionally with coworker, patients, doctors, and others in the work setting. One example of professional behavior includes treating all patients with dignity and kindness. A general attitude of friendlyness and empathy also goes a long way in a medical office. Empathy is the ability to "put yourself in someone else's shoes' and to identify with an dunderstand another person's feelings. Patients who are ill, frustrated, or frightened appreciate empathetic medical personnel.
While professionalism is certainly difficult to define, it encompasses several distinct criteria such as respect, competency, and enthusiasm!
After carefully studying the image below, imagine that you are a new patient who just entered the reception area of this medical office. The medical assistant who greets you is the medical office receptionist below. List the five things that immediately stood out and contributed to your first impression of this office.
Suggested Activities!
Links:Visit: 2. Medical Assistant Professional
Medical Assistant Forum: Discuss: Medical Assistant Professionals
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Advance To Next Lesson Interpersonal Relations
Interpersonal RelationsNOTE: Continue only after reading this and the previous lessons!
This is a non-accredited, non-credit online review primarily intended for personal and professional self-evaluation. It is provided to the general public, free of charge, through private efforts and the generosity of Web Developer Danni R., who owns and manages this and other related websites on the Interned dedicated to Medical Assistants.