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Core Competency Areas
The exam tests for 'Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities' (KSAs) in the following core competency areas:
17.5%Medical Terminology
17.5%Patient Scheduling
15%Patient Intake
10%Patient Education
15%Legal & Ethical Compliance
15%Medial Office Policies & Procedures
10%Office Logistics
Topical Breakdown
Use the following topical guide to help you prepare for the exam:
I. Medical Terminology (17.5%)
- Use medical terminology to communicate with patients and physicians
- Recognize abbreviations and acronyms used to complete administrative duties
- Use word parts (i.e., prefixes, roots, suffixes) to define medical terminology
II. Patient Scheduling (17.5%)
- Evaluate different types of patient scheduling
- Determine scheduling needs of the facility, as well as new and established patients
- Follow protocol for no-show, missed, cancelled, or follow-up appointments
- Arrange for diagnostic testing and procedures
- Confirm future appointments
III. Patient Intake (17.5%)
- Confirm demographic information with patient
- Verify insurance information
- Ensure forms are updated or completed
- Prepare encounter form
- Prepare daily charts
IV. Patient Education (10%)
- Explain the Patients’ Bill of Rights
- Explain the patients’ insurance responsibilities
- Explain pre- and post-instructions for testing and procedure
V. Legal & Ethical Compliance (15%)
- Follow HIPAA guidelines
- Follow OSHA guidelines
- Follow the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines
VI. Medical Office Policies & Procedures (15%)
- Perform office opening and closing procedures
- Greet patients upon arrival
- Apply telephone etiquette
- Create correspondences
- Demonstrate basic computer skills
VII. Office Logistics (10%)
- File medical records
- Perform financial procedures
- Evaluate mail deliveries
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