|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
CMA (AAMA) Profiles
Julie Rieder, CMA (AAMA), began her health care career as a licensed practical nurse student, but due to unforeseen circumstances she stepped out of the medical realm and into secretarial work for five years. Then she heard about medical assisting. "I really missed working in a clinical setting, and medical assisting seemed like a great way to also utilize the administrative skills I had developed." Rieder entered the profession in full force. She graduated from Bryant & Stratton College in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1990, received her CMA (AAMA) credential shortly thereafter, and began a career with Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. "My first job with Froedtert was working on AIDS research," she says. "At that time, not much was known about AIDS, so it was a fascinating experience," she adds. Rieder drew blood and collected data from study participants. She then went on to work with the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, which involved clinical trials designed to test the effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy, diet modification, and calcium and vitamin D supplements on heart disease, fractures, and breast and colorectal cancer. Rieder roomed participants, checked their vital signs, performed blood draws, and collected data. She was also the coordinator for a memory analysis aspect of the WHI study, which required specialized training in administration of tests and data collection. "I'm proud that I took part in such a groundbreaking study for women," she says. For the past 10 years, Rieder has worked at a satellite primary care clinic affiliated with Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she works with 19 physicians, two physician assistants, one nurse practitioner, and 14 medical assistants, six of whom are CMAs (AAMA). "I love being part of this dynamic team and the clinic's academic affiliation with the hospital," she says. "When something new develops, we learn about it right away. For instance, we do blood pressures on the right arm because research done here has proven that the right arm is more stable," she adds. Rieder's days are filled performing clinical tasks, including injections, EKGs, hearing and vision testing, peak flows, and assisting with minor surgeries. She also oversees the quality assurance of equipment and in-house testing and is an extern mentor for medical assisting students. She even finds time for her greatest passion: spreading the word about medical assisting. When Rieder learned that once a month, third-year medical students tour the clinic to learn how the physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioner work together, she suggested that medical assistants get into the mix. "I asked the medical director if I could talk with the students during their visit and he agreed," she says. So for the past six years, Rieder's been talking up the profession to future physicians. "I tell them about our skills, how we're different from RNs, and how valuable we are due to our varied background," she says. "I even encourage them to hire CMAs (AAMA) when [the medical students] become practicing doctors!" Rieder plans to find more ways to promote the profession in the workplace and through the AAMA. As a past president of the Waukesha County of Medical Assistants, she hopes to become involved at the state level and beyond. "My career has given me a wealth of gratifying experiences," she says. "It's time to pay it forward."
"I know what it's like to unexpectedly lose your dad and suddenly gain the responsibility of your mom who suffers from Alzheimer's," says Debbi Scarborough, CMA (AAMA), CSA, CIRS-A, in Pickens, S.C. That's why she started Elder Care Consulting, a one-stop-shop to help caregivers find services for their loved ones. Scarborough assists families throughout South Carolina by finding them in-home services, such as meal delivery, transportation, and caretaker options. "I also make sure that they understand they have the right to ask for a criminal background check, driving record, and drug screening for any person who is working in the home," she states. She also performs in-home safety checks by inspecting the lighting, removing dangerous items, and suggesting organizational processes, such as logs for doctor visits and medications. Scarborough even offers her services to out-of-state clients who have elderly family members living in South Carolina. "I might do periodic check-ins during extreme weather to make sure they have proper clothing or bring them a cake on their birthday." For families looking for assisted living communities, Scarborough works hard to find the right fit. "I have a 100-question survey that I use when I visit communities and I usually leave there knowing more about the facility than the employees do!" she says. Always keeping her clients' best interests in mind, Scarborough says she turns down placement fees. "When I'm offered a finder's fee from communites, I work with them to put that money toward my client's down payment or off their first month's rent." Finding financial assistance for families is a forte of Scarborough's. "The cost of caring for an elderly person can be extremely stressful, and many people aren't aware of offerings through Medicaid, VA benefits, or vouchers offered by the Alzheimer's Association and other organizations," she notes. "So I help them make use of everything that's out there." Clients also can get stuck in the quagmire of legal issues, according to Scarborough. "The decisions that families have to make for an elderly loved one can be daunting, so it's important that they are educated on all issues," she says. For questions with directives, power of attorney, health care power of attorney, and living wills, Scarborough connects families with an elder law attorney. Scarborough credits her eight years of medical assisting experience for her resourcefulness. "A lot of times families don't understand the disease process, medications, side effects, billing and insurance issues, or when to call the doctor," she says. "Thanks to my medical assisting skills, I'm able to guide them in the right direction to find answers." In addition to her CMA (AAMA) certification, Scarborough is also a certified senior advisor, a certified information and referral specialist in aging, holds a training certification for dementia dialogue, and is a facilitator with the Alzheimer's Association. "All of this combined helps me provide a well-rounded service for my customers." Elder Care Consulting has assisted over 150 clients in its three years of business, but Scarborough says she's far from done. "There are so many people who are in a crisis situation like I was with my parents, and they can't think clearly or utilize everything they have at their fingertips," she states. "I'll be a success when I've brought peace of mind to as many caregivers as I possibly can."
"There are many women who don't have access to preventive health care and who unfortunately are diagnosed with serious conditions when it's too late," says Sheri Greimes, CMA (AAMA), PBT, RMA, RPT, Washington State Society of Medical Assistants trustee and Snohomish County Chapter president. Greimes decided to use her medical assisting skills to make a change. After working as a medical assistant and medical assisting educator for 12 years, Greimes accepted a job as a data entry specialist at the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program, an entity of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). "I wanted to directly help women," she says. "Plus, I wanted to learn more about the administrative side of health care—the finance, business, and patient case management aspects." Available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five U.S. territories, and 12 American Indian and Alaska Native tribes or tribal organizations, NBCCEDP provides low-income, uninsured, and underserved women access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Services include clinical breast examinations, mammograms, Pap tests, pelvic examinations, diagnostic testing when results are abnormal, and referrals to treatment. "Helping women get the care they need is an amazing feeling," says Greimes. "Many of them have never had a mammogram or access to this kind of care and they are so grateful to learn about the program." Greimes' workday is filled with obtaining and entering eligibility information from patients; scheduling procedures at participating clinics; and processing claims for payment of procedures. Once a patient is diagnosed with cancer, their coverage is transferred to Medicaid. Greimes ensures that the necessary paperwork is in order for the transfer. Talking with patients is Greimes' favorite part of her job. "Sadly, we see a high rate of positive cancer diagnoses. Many women usually don't go to the doctor until they have severe pain or conditions because they don't have the money to pay for the services," Greimes says. "It's wonderful to be able to educate patients about their preventive care options and it's encouraging to get a thank-you note from a patient after everything is said and done." Greimes says her medical assisting background comes in handy every day with patient education, coding and billing procedures, and understanding medical terminology. "My coworkers and supervisor often come to me and say, 'What did this doctor write?'" she says. "My skills definitely help with interpreting medical charts." Greimes plans to keep making a difference. She is currently working toward a bachelor's degree in health care administration while working full time for NBCCEDP and teaching a phlebotomy class at a local community college part time. Griemes also intends to stay involved in the AAMA and keep her CMA (AAMA) credential current. "I believe in the professionalism that the association stands for and I've made lifelong friends and connections for networking," she says. "Plus, I worked hard for my credential. No matter where I end up I'll always use it in some way." If that's not enough, Greimes hopes to become fluent in Spanish. "With all my experience combined, I see avenues in clinical management, patient advocacy, or consulting," she says. "There's a world of opportunities out there!"
Note: There is no guarantee that your profile will be posted on the site.  |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
