CMAA Certified Medical Administrative Assistant 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary role of a CMAA in healthcare?
- Performing clinical procedures
- Managing administrative functions including scheduling, billing, records, and communication (Correct answer)
- Prescribing medications
- Conducting lab tests
Correct answer: Managing administrative functions including scheduling, billing, records, and communication
The CMAA manages non-clinical operations: scheduling, billing/coding, records, insurance processing, and patient communication.
CMAA scope includes front desk management, scheduling, medical records, insurance processing, billing, correspondence, compliance (HIPAA, OSHA), and office management. The credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and validates competency in these functions.
Question 2: Which organization offers the CMAA certification?
- AMA
- NHA (Correct answer)
- AHIMA
- JCAHO
Correct answer: NHA
The National Healthcareer Association administers the CMAA certification exam.
NHA is accredited by NCCA, ensuring rigorous psychometric standards. The CMAA exam tests scheduling, patient intake, records, financial functions, and office operations. Renewal requires continuing education within a two-year cycle.
Question 3: A physician asks the CMAA to perform a task outside their scope. What is the appropriate response?
- Perform it to maintain the relationship
- Politely decline, explain it's outside their scope, and suggest an appropriate alternative (Correct answer)
- Refuse loudly in front of patients
- Do it but document the physician asked
Correct answer: Politely decline, explain it's outside their scope, and suggest an appropriate alternative
Respectfully decline, explain the task exceeds training/certification, and suggest an appropriately qualified staff member.
Clinical tasks like injections, wound care, or medical advice are outside CMAA scope. Acknowledge the request, explain privately that it's outside your certification, express concern for patient safety, and suggest a qualified clinical staff member. Performing out-of-scope tasks risks patient harm and legal liability.
Question 4: What continuing education does a CMAA need for certification renewal?
- None required
- 10 credits within a 2-year cycle (Correct answer)
- Full exam retake annually
- Medical school courses for one semester
Correct answer: 10 credits within a 2-year cycle
CMAAs must complete 10 CE credits every two years through approved courses, seminars, conferences, or training programs.
CE can be earned through online courses, seminars, college courses, conferences, and NHA-approved programs. Topics include healthcare law updates, EHR technology, billing/coding updates, communication skills, and management best practices. Plan activities throughout the renewal period.
Question 5: Why is professional appearance and demeanor important in a medical office?
- No effect on patient perceptions
- Builds patient trust, confidence, and contributes to a positive healthcare experience (Correct answer)
- Only matters when inspectors visit
- Appearance matters but demeanor is irrelevant
Correct answer: Builds patient trust, confidence, and contributes to a positive healthcare experience
Professional appearance and demeanor directly influence patient trust, perceived competence, and overall satisfaction.
Patients form care quality impressions within seconds. Appearance: office dress code, hygiene, ID badges, organized workspace. Demeanor: warm greetings, calm composure, clear communication, respect for privacy, and managing stress professionally. These reflect CMAA certification standards.
Question 6: Which task falls within the CMAA scope of practice?
- Drawing blood
- Processing insurance claims and posting payments (Correct answer)
- Administering injections
- Interpreting test results
Correct answer: Processing insurance claims and posting payments
Processing insurance claims is an administrative function within CMAA scope; clinical tasks are not.
Within scope: scheduling, registration, insurance verification/claims, payment posting/A/R, records management, phone triage of administrative calls, correspondence, inventory, and compliance documentation. Outside scope: any clinical procedures, clinical assessments, and test interpretation.
CMAA Certified Medical Administrative Assistant 2
What is the primary role of a CMAA in healthcare?