CCMA flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Normal adult oral temperature

Approximately 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, or 97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Rectal readings run about 0.5 C higher and axillary readings about 0.5 C lower than oral.

Pulse oximetry normal range

SpO2 of 95 to 100 percent on room air at sea level. Values below 90 percent indicate hypoxemia and require prompt provider notification and reassessment.

Ventrogluteal injection site

The preferred intramuscular site for adults and children over seven months because it avoids major nerves and blood vessels. Landmark using the greater trochanter and anterior superior iliac spine.

Deltoid injection limits

Used for small volumes up to about 0.5 mL in adults, given at a 90-degree angle with a 22 to 25 gauge, 1-inch needle. Not used for infants or large-volume injections.

Intradermal injection technique

Given at a 5 to 15 degree angle with the bevel up using a 26 to 27 gauge needle, creating a small wheal. Typical volume is 0.1 mL, as in tuberculosis skin testing.

Order of draw rationale

Additive carryover between tubes can alter results, so tubes are drawn in a set sequence. Coagulation tubes follow the discard or light blue position to avoid contamination by tissue thromboplastin.

Medical versus surgical asepsis

Medical asepsis reduces the number and spread of organisms through hand hygiene and clean technique. Surgical asepsis eliminates all organisms and is required for invasive procedures such as catheter insertion.

Specimen chain of custody

A documented record of every person who handles a specimen, with date, time, and signature. Any gap can make the result inadmissible or invalid for legal or employment testing.

Capillary puncture first drop

The first drop of capillary blood is wiped away because it may contain tissue fluid or be diluted. Subsequent drops are collected into the appropriate microcollection tubes.

Orthostatic vital signs

Blood pressure and pulse measured with the patient lying, sitting, and standing. A drop of 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic on standing suggests orthostatic hypotension.

CMS-1500 form purpose

The standard paper claim form for professional services such as physician and medical assistant encounters. Institutional claims use the UB-04 instead.

NPI type 1 versus type 2

A type 1 NPI identifies an individual provider such as a physician or nurse practitioner. A type 2 NPI identifies an organization such as a clinic or hospital.

Copayment versus coinsurance

A copayment is a fixed dollar amount paid at the visit. Coinsurance is a percentage of the allowed amount the patient owes after the deductible is met.

Allowed amount definition

The maximum amount a payer will recognize for a covered service under its contract. Patient responsibility and payer payment are calculated from this figure, not from the charged amount.

EOB versus remittance advice

The explanation of benefits goes to the patient and summarizes charges and patient responsibility. The remittance advice goes to the provider and details payments and adjustments.

Accounts receivable aging

A report grouping unpaid claims by age, usually 0 to 30, 31 to 60, 61 to 90, and over 90 days. Older balances signal collection problems and require follow-up.

Release of information requirements

A valid authorization must be in writing and specify the records, purpose, recipient, and expiration, plus the patient's signature. Psychotherapy notes need separate authorization.

Scheduling capacity calculation

Divide the provider's available minutes by the average visit length to find daily slots. Subtract blocked time for procedures, meetings, or documentation before finalizing the template.

Medicare record retention

Medicare requires providers to keep records for at least ten years. State law and payer contracts may require longer periods, and minors' records are held until majority plus the state period.

Coordination of benefits

Rules that determine which plan pays first when a patient has multiple coverages. The primary plan pays first, and the secondary plan considers the remaining balance.

Advance beneficiary notice

A form the patient signs when a provider expects Medicare to deny a service as not medically necessary. It shifts financial responsibility to the patient if denial occurs.

Active listening technique

A communication method that involves full attention, reflecting back content and feeling, asking open-ended questions, and summarizing before responding. It reduces misunderstanding and builds trust.

Therapeutic communication examples

Techniques such as silence, restating, clarifying, and offering self that encourage the patient to express concerns. They avoid judgment and keep the focus on the patient.

Nontherapeutic communication examples

Responses such as false reassurance, giving personal advice, changing the subject, or asking why questions. These block expression and can increase patient anxiety or distrust.

Informed consent witness role

The medical assistant may verify identity and witness the patient's signature. Only the provider performing the procedure explains risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Minimum necessary standard

A HIPAA rule requiring that only the amount of protected health information needed for a purpose be used or disclosed. It applies to treatment, payment, and operations.

Qualified medical interpreter

A trained interpreter used instead of family members or untrained staff. This supports accuracy and confidentiality and is required for meaningful communication under civil rights rules.

Teach-back method

Asking the patient to explain instructions in their own words. It confirms understanding and reveals gaps better than asking whether the patient has questions.

Correcting a paper chart error

Draw a single line through the error, write the correction, and add initials, date, and time. Never erase, white out, or obliterate the original entry.

Late entry documentation

An entry added after the fact must be labeled as a late entry with the actual date and time of writing, plus the date of the event. This preserves accuracy and transparency.

Professional boundary example

Declining personal gifts of significant value, avoiding social contact that blurs the clinical relationship, and referring requests for medical advice to the provider.

ADA accommodation interactive process

A discussion between patient and practice to identify an effective accommodation. The practice must provide an effective option but need not choose the patient's preferred one.