What is it called when the medical assistant determines which telephone calls will go to the physician?

Health Care/Medical Assistance

Medical Assistance (MA), also known as Medicaid, pays for health care services for eligible individuals.

How to Apply

There are different ways to apply for MA. Please choose the option that suits you best. If you do not know if you are eligible, you can still apply.

1. Online: Using the COMPASS website, you can apply for MA and many other services that can help you make ends meet.
2. Telephone: Call the Consumer Service Center for Health Care Coverage at 1-866-550-4355. 
3. In-Person: You can contact your local county assistance office (CAO).
   
4. On Paper: You can download an application and send to your local CAO. If you need help completing the application form, a CAO staff member can help you. Click on one of the following links to download an application.

• Application for cash assistance, SNAP and Medical Assistance benefits 
  (PDF download)
• Solicitud para recibir beneficios (Solicitud para recibir beneficios;
  PDF transferencia directa)

What if I am not eligible?

Contact your CAO and a trained staff member will determine what programs might be available to you. You can explore these links to learn about additional health care programs available in Pennsylvania.

• Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment
• Dental Service
• HealthChoices
  
• Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program
  
• Home and Community-Based Services
• Limited English and Interpreters
• Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)
• Medical Assistance Benefits for Workers with Disabilities 
  
• Medical Assistance for Children and Pregnant Women
  
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse 
  
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Reproductive Health
  

What kind of care is available?

• Physical Health Options
• Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services Options

Where can I find information about providers accepting MA patients?

• If you are eligible for MA, you may call the Fee-for-Service Recipient Service Center at 1-800-537-8862. They will provide you with a list of enrolled providers for MA patients.
• There is also a fee-for-service provider physician directory available.
  

Please note that the directory contains physicians enrolled in the MA program. Patients who need a physician and are using this directory should contact the physician's office to determine: 1) if they will accept Pennsylvania MA fee-for-service, known as ACCESS; and 2) if the physician is accepting new patients before making an appointment.

• If you are enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO), you will need to contact your specific plan.

Dr. Wasim Haque Dr. Sameera Tallapureddy Tami Srianant, PA-C Our Services Appointments Cancellations At Your Visit Forms For Appointment Financial Policy Additional Fees Prescriptions Prior Authorization Forms Telephone Call Policy Tele-medicine Visits Patient Portal Map & Direction Useful Links

Follow up Visit & Telephone Call Policy Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to change our clinics operation to help provide services to patients who cannot come to office for a physical visit. These changes have placed enormous strain on our staff and our ability to respond to phone calls, particularly with questions regarding clinical symptoms or medication adjustments. Phone calls are not a substitute for a physical appointment with the doctor. Because the physician cannot examine or observe the patient, there is a risk of missed diagnosis. Phone calls are particularly not appropriate for the management of urgent, complex or new medical complaints. Unplanned phone calls may also interrupt our provider’s evaluation of the patients that have scheduled visits. Based on guidelines from various medical organizations and Texas Board of Medicine, we have developed an algorithm for our medical assistants and providers, to determine when it is appropriate to respond to a question with a phone call. Patient visit is necessary (either in person or Telemedicine visit) When the patient is due for a visit (e.g. most patients with diabetes should generally be seen at least every 3 months while most hypothyroid patients can be seen every 6-12 months) When the patient has clinical questions or complaints that require an evaluation, examination, review of medications and/or review of labs. When the provider feels that an actual physical examination is necessary. Follow-up of an initial office visit – Often times, providers have to review laboratory or imaging results, blood glucose data, and recommend new treatments, adjustment in medications and discuss follow-up management or strategies. A telephone call is an option (there will be a charge for this telephone call): To discuss minor symptoms or side effects WITH THE PHYSICIAN, that may appear between scheduled in-person visits, as long as such visit has occurred within the preceding 6-12 weeks, depending on underlying diagnosis. To discuss minor changes in diabetes medications (small changes in insulin dose or the dose of oral medications - that requires your provider to look at limited blood glucose data) as long as follow up visits are up to date. The fee for phone encounters with the providers is $25- $50 depending on complexity of call. This will not be billed to your insurance. A provider may feel that a medical assistant (MA) can call the patient back and discuss minor symptoms or changes in diabetic medications, as long as a visit has occurred in the preceding 6-12 weeks. This may be an option at no charge but is at the discretion of the provider. The health of our patients is important to us. Please understand that you must comply with required follow up visits for us to be able to take proper care of your medical needs.

How should the medical assistant handle a call if the caller refuses to give any information and insists on speaking to the physician quizlet?

What type of telephone calls will a medical assistant have to answer in the physician office or outpatient clinic?

Which is most important when the medical assistant answers the telephone quizlet?

When a patient calls to request a medication refill which information should be included in the message?