Topic: Case study in Cardiology and gerontology
Part A: Kayla Christianson, CMA, has been employed for six years by the cardiology practice
of three physicians. She is a graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited school. Furthermore, Kayla
received extensive hands-on training performing ECGs while doing her required internship.
Kayla has completed an ECG ordered by Dr. Hsu for Mrs. Warner, a 76-year-old patient. Dr.
Hsu, Kayla’s boss, has telephoned her explaining that he was behind schedule doing rounds at
the hospital. He asked her to do him a favor and interpret Mrs. Warner’s ECG, sign his name,
and fax the report to Mrs. Warner’s referring internist who is expecting the results.
Provide detailed answers for each of the following questions.
Given the scope of Kayla’s education, training, and years of experience as a CMA, would
this favor fall within the AAMA guidelines of her responsibilities?
As a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Kayla Christianson's responsibilities are defined by the
guidelines set by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To determine if
interpreting Mrs. Warner's ECG, signing Dr. Hsu's name, and faxing the report align with her
professional scope, we need to consider the AAMA guidelines.
According to the AAMA, medical assistants are trained to perform both administrative and
clinical tasks under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. They are responsible for
tasks such as taking patient histories, preparing patients for examinations, assisting with
procedures, and performing basic laboratory tests.
Interpreting diagnostic tests, such as an ECG, typically falls outside the scope of practice for
medical assistants. ECG interpretation requires specialized knowledge and training, usually
obtained by physicians, cardiologists, or other healthcare providers with advanced expertise in
cardiology. It involves assessing the electrical activity of the heart and identifying any
abnormalities or potential concerns.
In this case, although Kayla may have received extensive hands-on training in performing ECGs,
it is unlikely that she has the appropriate qualifications or expertise to independently interpret the
ECG and provide an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, signing Dr. Hsu's name without his direct
involvement or review would not be in line with professional standards.
Therefore, based on the AAMA guidelines and the scope of Kayla's education, training, and
experience as a CMA, it would not be appropriate for her to interpret the ECG, sign Dr. Hsu's
