The field of medical assisting is on an upswing. Job postings per medical assistant (MA) completion more than doubled between 2011 and 2014, and the faster-than-average employment growth is likely to continue over the next decade.^1,2

Elizabeth Woodcock is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer and author dedicated to improving the business of medicine. She helps physician practices achieve and sustain patient satisfaction, practice efficiency and profitability. We met with Woodcock to gather experts take on MACRA and what it means for medical practices and medical assistants.

Working in healthcare, you are more than likely familiar with internships, externships, clinicals or even practicums – the classroom experiences typically required later in certain allied health or nursing programs. Where does external learning (education outside of the typical lecture or lab setting) or service learning (using a skill to give back to the local community) fit in?

Soft skills in healthcare are intangible qualities that can help workers interact with patients and other healthcare providers more effectively. Skills such as thinking critically, effectively communicating, and maintaining confidence can help all allied health workers leverage their expertise and lead to greater productivity. Soft skills are not based on acquired knowledge, employers can help to nurture and develop these skills in their employees in a number of ways, via a broader effort over time through mentorship and real world experience.

Modern healthcare organizations face great challenges in achieving the “Quadruple Aim” of patient satisfaction: improved outcomes, reduced cost and provider/staff experience.¹

Health promotion and disease prevention (HPDP) play a vital role in avoiding disease, delaying onset of signs and symptoms of disease, preventing premature death, promoting quality of life and decreasing economic liability on the healthcare system. Promoting a lifestyle that includes healthy eating patterns have been deemed to be cost effective for the prevention of diabetes,¹ cardiovascular disease² and an optimal nutrition status has been shown to be crucial in obesity prevention.^3,4

Did you know that, according to the CDC, 82 percent of American adults take at least one medication and 29 percent take five or more medications?