Des Moines Chapter of Medical Assistants

Medical assistants

Continuing Medical Education menu

Outgoing President’s message

Des Moines Chapter ISMA Membership:

I would like to leave with a word of thanks to all for your assistance this past year.  We have been through some major changes in our organization with the implementation of the electronic newsletter and meetings.   The Chapter has certainly had an introduction into the electronic communication world and I hope we can continue to develop ways to reach out to our large membership and continue to grow in our efforts.  It is more important than ever to be able to market our profession and demonstrate our brand in this new era.  Looking forward to another landmark year and seeing all of you in the process!

Sincerely,
Suzanne Johnson, CMA (AAMA)
Immediate Past President, Des Moines Chapter ISMA

Introduction of 2013/2014 Board Officers

Immediate Past President – D. Suzanne Johnson, CMA(AAMA)
President – Mary Ann Smith, CMA(AAMA)
Vice President – Denise Gregory
Treasurer – Nancy Gardner
Secretary – Laurie Nelson
Parliamentarian – Heather Johnson
Newsletter – Diane Marshall, CMA(AAMA)
IT – D. Suzanne Johnson, CMA(AAMA)
Program – D. Suzanne Johnson, CMA(AAMA)

Upcoming Board Meeting

April 2; 6 – 8 p.m.

Location:  CIC Assoc. 1601 NW 114th St, Ste 347, DM, IA 50325, phone 515-224-1777. We will be using the large conference room.

All board meetings are open to the public and all members or interested public are invited to attend.

Outgoing board members will need to be present to pass along information/documents to the incoming board members.  This will be a planning and organizational meeting. Attendance is strongly recommended to promote a positive change in positions. 

Upcoming Continuing Education Activities

Marjean Reed Cancer Conference:  Psychosocial Impact of Pediatric Cancer on the Family Unit

Tuesday, April 2; 6 – 9 p.m. Location: Des Moines University, Olsen Medical Education Center

AAMA: 2.5 CEUs, either- Clinical or General
There is no cost to attend and dinner will be served.

RSVP

Purpose
Pediatric cancer has varying degrees of impact on the children and their families. It is an extremely distressing experience for everyone involved and requires a significant degree of support, coping, and adaptation. By understanding the psychosocial consequences of the arduous cancer treatment to the child and their family, healthcare providers can identify the gaps in the provision of holistic medical and psychosocial care, prevent the impact of childhood cancer, and strengthen the coping capacity for children and their families once a child is diagnosed with cancer. This will help improve the delivery of better healthcare services for childhood cancer patients and strengthen the relationship with families to ensure the most effective treatment possible.

Agenda
5:30 p.m. Registration
6 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Psychosocial Impact of Pediatric Cancer on the Family Unit Melissa A. Alderfer, Ph.D., The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
7:30 p.m. Panel Discussion

  • Mark Slocum, Executive Director, Children’s Cancer Connection
  • Kathy Bruxvoort, mother of Karli who went through a bone marrow transplant and her younger brother was her donor
  • Lori Phillips, RN, Survivorship Care Coordinator, Blank Hematology/Oncology Clinic
9 p.m. Adjourn 

Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop

Tuesday, April 9; 6:15 – 9:45 p.m.
Location: First Federated Church, 48th and Franklin Avenue, Fellowship Hall

There is NO charge for this Seminar!
Complete attendance earns 0.3 Nursing CEU’s from Iowa Provider Contemporary Nursing Update #114
3.0 AAMA CEUs applied for by DSM Chapter AAMA

Register

  • Go to www.firstfederated.org; click on “Sign-Ups” heading and then on “Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop”,
  • Call Adult Ministry Office at 515-255-2122.

Purpose
This seminar is focused on early detection, emotional and spiritual response to and types of treatment for breast cancer.

Objectives
The participants will become aware of:

  1. Methods of early detection of breast cancer.
  2. Emotional/spiritual response of breast cancer survivors.
  3. Types of treatment for breast cancer.

Presenters

  • Edra Fouts, RN, ONC, CBNC Cancer Care Coordinator with The John Stoddard Center
  • Panel of Breast Cancer Survivors
Agenda
6:15 p.m. Registration
Segment I
6:30 p.m. Detection of breast cancer
7:30 p.m. Emotional/spiritual response to breast cancer
8:15 p.m. Break (Refreshments Provided)
Segment II
8:30 p.m. Treatment for breast cancer
9:30 p.m. Discussion/Evaluations

Attendees
This seminar is open to all First Federated Church women, their family, friends and other interested women.

Sponsored by First Federated Church Women’s Ministry, MOPS, and Parish Nurse Ministry American Cancer Society – Iowa Chapter

Improving Outcomes in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: An Update for the Primary Care Provider

Saturday, April 20; 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Des Moines University, Student Education Center

AAMA: 7.0 CEUs, either- Clinical or General
Registration is $25.

RSVP

Purpose
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common heart rhythm disorder seen by primary care physicians. AFib affects an estimated 2.7 million people in the United States and the incidence is expected to double within the next forty years. AFib negatively impacts patient’s quality of life and is a major risk factor for stroke. Despite practice guidelines for managing AFib, it’s estimated that two-thirds of AFib-related strokes can be avoided. Gaps exist between the evidence base and clinical practice. Stroke in patients with AFib result in worse outcomes including higher mortality, greater functional impairment and dependency. Although existing guidelines define effective therapeutic strategies for managing AFib to reduce stroke risk, these strategies are frequently underused or inappropriately understood. Both provider and patient knowledge and attitudes play an important role in the success of current strategies to manage AFib to prevent stroke.

Agenda

ISMA Conference

April 12 – 13
Location: Clarion Inn and Suites, Mason City, IA

Schedule
Registration

Iowa Immunization Conference

June 12 – 13
Location:  Veterans Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center

Registration is $45 and open from March 29 – June 5
For additional information or to register visit, https://www.trainingresources.org/Events.aspx

Contact Becky Woodcock at 515-309-3315 or Becky Woodcock becky@trainingresources.org with questions.

Congratulations!

Suzanne Schafer was awarded Lifetime Membership from the Iowa Society and the Des Moines Chapter of Medical Assistants. Suzanne has been a very active member for 16 years, serving in a variety of leadership roles including treasurer, parliamentarian and president on both the local and state levels. Suzanne became certified in 1972 working primarily in the area of billing and coding. We wish her well in her retirement and will miss her AAMA expertise.

Job openings

Chest, Infectious Diseases & Critical Care Associates, P.C.

If you’re interested, please contact Jennifer S. Hipwell, PHR at 515-657-4746 or jhipwell@cicdoc.com.

Financial Coordinator:  To manage all aspects of overdue CIC patient accounts.

Essential functions: (1) Identifies, investigates and works with patients regarding all balances due. Identifies balances due for upcoming appointments and contact patients prior to appointments. (2) Self Pay accounts- investigate all for possible insurance includes contact with patients to negotiate payment plans. (3) Initiate customer contact and determine reason for delinquency; evaluates customers’ financial situations and negotiates terms of repayment to bring account current. (Budget, Financial applications, Bankruptcy notices). (4) Manage all aspects of overdue accounts throughout the Collection Process from account set up, transfer to agency, communication with agency, and payment/commission posting. (5) Portrays a professional image and provides customer service in person and on the telephone to all contacts while addressing patient needs and responsibilities of the front desk.

Education and experience: (1) High school diploma required. (2) Understands State and Federal regulations governing collection practices. (3) Previous experience in a hospital lab or medical office. (4) Successful completion of medical terminology, ICD9 coding, CPT coding and insurance concepts courses is strongly desired.

Medical Records Coordinator: This position is responsible for maintaining electronic medical records, processing medical records requests, obtaining medical records for our providers and reviewing those records to ensure accuracy according to the patient’s diagnosis. 

Essential functions: (1) Maintains Electronic Medical Records by reviewing medical records for accuracy and completeness. (2) Process medical records requests following established policies for release of patient medical records.  This process will include documenting the release of records, copying, faxing or burning onto CDs and mailing out records. Organize records; send invoice, collect authorization and/or payment if necessary, and release and document. (3) Request medical records from the referring doctor and/or patient in order to obtain proper information to ensure the best care possible. (4) Review medical records received by providers to ensure they are applicable to the diagnosis the patient is being seen for in our office. (5) Negotiate payment for medical records released by request according to CIC’s pre-established medical records fee structure. (6) Organizes and imports into EHR on an as needed basis. (7) As assigned by the Scheduler, complete calendar tasks regarding to printing and faxing records and referral sheets to other provider offices. (8) Assist in the filling out of forms for patients for FMLA, Disability, medication assistance, etc. and make sure physician completes in timely manner.

Education and experience: (1) High school diploma required. (2) Previous experience in a hospital lab or medical office and known medical terminology, a plus.

Licenses/Certifications: Licensed Practical Nurse or Certified Medical Assistant beneficial, but not required.

DSM MA committee volunteers

This is a great opportunity to get involved with the Chapter. Volunteers are needed for every Committee. For a complete list of available Committees, click here. To volunteer, please contact the identified chair. Download the bylaws and nomination form.

March CEU session

We had 33 participants on March 16,2013! Along with the Wonderful Speakers we were able to elect and install our 2013/2014 officers. Diane Marshall did a very nice ceremony and installation for the new officers. Thank you Diane.

If you were unable to join us or would like to re-listen to the lectures, please visit the URL’s below.

Suzanne Johnson (President) – Introduction, announcements, and nominations
http://www.screencast.com/t/t4tTQd5i  (8:12)

Mark Nelson – A Faith-Based Approach for Working with Homeless and At-Risk Youth
Founder of Freedom for Youth, Executive Director for Freedom for Youth Ministries

Mark spoke about how the at risk youths and young adults impact the health care field. They have reached out to our community and local schools to offer assistance with mentoring, tutoring, teaching or leading today’s youths and young adults. If interested in becoming a volunteer at the site or a group of volunteers want to provide a meal for these under privileged children please contact 515-282-4822 or visit www.freedomforyouth.org. Members offered either food or money donations to Freedom for Youths collecting $119.00 plus food donations. The Des Moines Chapter donated $30 as well.  This session was for 2.0 AAMA approved CEU-Subject Category: General or Administrative. Mark’s wife is Laurie Nelson who is now the Secretary for the Des Moines Chapter. Welcome aboard Laurie!

http://www.screencast.com/t/2i9RquOm (1:30:17)

Pat McGill – Who Am I? Who Are You? Who Are We Together?

Those of you that attended the Saturday program, will understand WOW! What a Great motivational speaker! Makes you look at what type of person you are. Pat talked about what your favorite shape reveals about you. Are you a square, rectangle, circle or triangle? Each person has a function and it takes all kinds of “shapes” to make a professional society succeed.  This session was for 2.0 AAMA approved CEU-Subject Category: General

http://www.screencast.com/t/TWVE1OXv  (1:52:42 – Audio Only)

Nancy Gardner – The Other Side of the Story: Cancer Treatment from the Patient’s Perspective

This was an eye opener as Nancy discussed what is seen through the eyes of a patient starting the moment they step foot in your clinic to leaving the clinic. Very good review for those who need to perhaps do a self-evaluation on direct patient care and what and how things are said then what and how the patient absorbs what was said or done. This was a selfless act of kindness for Nancy to bear her story in front of so many, We Thank you for sharing your journey with us. This session was for 2.0 AAMA approved CEU-Subject Category: General

http://www.screencast.com/t/rDMJyqyzPa  (1:08:33)

Submit information for future newsletters

After taking a hiatus for several years from serving in a specific capacity for the Des Moines Chapter, Diane Marshall will be your Newsletter contact.  We will continue with the new email format that we have used this past year.  Please send me your information by the first of each month.  I encourage you to send job openings, a spotlight on you or a co-worker, and any information that your fellow CMAs would be interested in knowing.  Current email addresses are crucial as we are communicating everything electronically.  AAMA now has the capability for members to update their contact information on the AAMA website www.aama-ntl.org (Contact Info Changes).  You will read a little more about her in the member spotlight this month.  Her contact information is: diane.marshall@dmu.edu; Phone: 515-271-7837; Fax: 271-7109.

Maintenance of license

For auditing purposes the licensee must submit to the board office an individual certificate of completion issues to the licensee or evidence of successful completion of the course from the course sponsor. These documents must contain the course title, date(s), contact hours, sponsor and licensee’s names. It’s the licensees’ responsibility to determine if the continuing education programs they attend meet the requirements of their professional licensure board.

For multi-hour live symposiums, Des Moines University continuing education will provide a certificate of participation which will include: program content, objectives, presenters, location, date, time and number of education hours offered. For all other sponsored activities, participation will be tracked through the Des Moines University continuing education office and available upon request.

Requirements

To recertify your CMA (AAMA) credential by continuing education, you must accumulate 60 recertification points within your 60-month certification/recertification period. Thirty of these points must be AAMA approved continuing education units (CEUs). The category breakdown of 60 points must be as follows:

  • 10 Administrative
  • 10 Clinical
  • 10 General
  • 30 from any combination of the above three categories

Follow these steps to recertify by continuing education:

Credit opportunities

You may earn all of your CEUs from the AAMA. You may also choose to earn at least 30 AAMA CEUs and the rest from other sources.

AAMA CEUs

If all of your CEUs are from the AAMA, you may recertify by phone. The AAMA offers many opportunities:

  • Visit the e-Learning Center to take tests based on articles you read online. Pay online, too, and enjoy instant scoring.
  • CMA Today CEU tests appear in each issue of the magazine, which is published six times a year, and posted to the e-Learning Center.
  • AAMA self-study courses offer topics that range from nutritional issues to collections to health care law and ethics. Each course also includes a test.
  • The AAMA Annual Conference provides continuing education programs and events that also give you a chance to network with colleagues. The registration brochure is available every March 1.
  • Local chapters and state societies of the AAMA often host CE workshops, as well. As an AAMA member, you won’t be charged extra for registering your recertification points.

The AAMA will enter the number and category of CEUs into your transcript and you’ll be able to access your AAMA CEU transcripts anytime from the AAMA website.

Non-AAMA recertification points

You may earn up to 30 non-AAMA recertification points by attending programs and events that are not approved by the AAMA. You must determine if the programs meet the standards for approvable continuing education. Use the three AAMA documents mentioned above as guidelines.

The AAMA will not update your transcript when you attend these types of programs and events. Save any related documentation, such as a syllabus, as you will need to furnish this material when you submit the Recertification by Continuing Education Application.

Resources

AAMA rosters, labels, or marketing supplies

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance to you or if you need rosters, labels, or marketing supplies (www.aama-ntl.org/st_chapter/marketing.aspx) . Your ideas, suggestions, problems or concerns are always welcome. When asking for AAMA marketing materials, don’t forget to request your FREE pencils too.

Attendance forms for your educational meeting

AAMA is moving away from the use of social security numbers. If members are filling out attendance sheets it is required that they use their member numbers. Only non-members should use the last four digits of their social security numbers on attendance sheets. Attendance sheets not adhering to this policy may be returned to you.

Education approval forms

Program Planners Toolbox

Top of page