Basic Training For Careers In Health Care

Basic Training

For Job CAREERS In Health Care

Vanessa O'Sullivan & Associates in Health Care

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Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2010 Vanessa O'Sullivan

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the author.

Acknowledgments

Like a police officer whose father, grandfather and great grandfather were all in law enforcement, I am following in the family footsteps of health care. My great grandmother was a Navy nurse during World War II. My grandmother was a manager of Human Resources at a large medical center. My dad was a paramedic and instructor and many of my aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and co-workers are all following a career in health care. Health care is in my blood, no pun intended; however, I would never have been able to create this book without the major contributions of these people. When they found the topic was to mentor those that wished to get into health care, they were eager to help (I suppose it is our nature). If I miss anyone I sincerely apologize in advance and you know who you are.

My dad Tom who gave me the idea, my sister Hannah who wanted to work in health care and found it highly competitive, my grandmother Peggy, who worked in various positions in the medical field for over 30 years, Terry Powell-Hospital Administrator, Theresa Cox-Insurance Specialist, Cassie Turner-Office Manager and Medical Assistant, Cassie Champney- Radiology Clerk, Kristina Starcevic-Phlebotomist, Emily Ramirez-R.N., Pam Barrett-Human Resources, Betty Clark-CNA, Elvira Vasquez-CNA, Mark Paul-Pharmacy Technician, Luis Lozada-Pathology, Angie Martinez-Monitor Tech and Unit Clerk, and James Halley-Medical Assistant. I would also like to thank Stephanie Williams for our cover design and Evan Purcell for doing our editing and proofreading.

A sincere thanks to everybody.

Vanessa O’Sullivan

Disclaimer

The information contained in this e-book is not medical advice. Any information provided should not be construed as medical advice, medical opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The general information contained herein is for educational purposes only. Even though every effort has been made to assure accuracy, Tomos Multimedia assumes no responsibility for accuracy. Reliance on any information provided in this e-book is solely at your own risk. If you believe you have a health problem call 911 or speak to a physician promptly.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Health Care Makeup

Chapter 3. HIPAA

Chapter 4. Health Care Reform

Chapter 5. Commercial Insurance Overview

Chapter 6. Government Insurance Plans

Chapter 7. Insurance Terms

Chapter 8. Medical Coding

Chapter 9. Vital Signs

Chapter 10. Medical Terminology

Chapter 11. Common Medical Terms

Chapter 12. Specialists

Chapter 13. Diseases

Chapter 14. Medical Shorthand

Chapter 15. Basic Lab Tests

Chapter 16. Leading Prescriptions

Chapter 17. Basic Spanish Communication For Health Care Workers

Chapter 18. Hiring Tips From Human Resources

Chapter 19. Health Care Job Description

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

Congratulations on making an investment in your future. In the world of healthcare even good entry level jobs are highly competitive. Whether you are seeking a career in healthcare or are already working in the medical field, we have the information you will need to help you succeed. Dollar for dollar you would be hard pressed to find better value in your quest to improve your future through employment in healthcare. There is an abundance of information available in the world of medicine; there are thousands of colleges, medical, trade and vocational schools in business to help you get started in a career in healthcare. If, for whatever reason, school is not an option at this time, we can help. We offer a low cost alternative, both in time and money.

We are going to give you the information that you need to compete for a job in healthcare. With millions of other people looking for a rewarding career, you will need an edge. What if you had someone to mentor you, someone to teach you what they know? That is what this book is all about. We are going to guide you from the trenches. We have taken out the fluff, giving you exactly the information that you need in the shortest amount of time. In the following chapters, you will learn about topics such as HIPAA rules, different health insurances, lab tests, prescriptions, medical terms, medical terminology, medical shorthand, diseases, specialists and much more. There is even a chapter on medical Spanish communication and a job seeking guideline chapter from Human Resource professionals, valuable information you will need to better prepare you to work with doctors, nurses, insurance companies, government agencies, and of course patients and their families. In addition, most chapters have a chapter trivia section at the end of it, so that you can test yourself, or not.

Collectively, we have over 100 years’ experience, real world experience, working in the medical field. Our experience and expertise ranges from office workers, medical assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacy techs and nurses to a midlevel executive and lots of experienced people in between.

Now, we want to pass on what we know, the information you need to get the job that may define your future. Whether you would like to be a pharmacy tech, phlebotomist, office assistant, medical assistant, technician, biller, admit clerk, receptionist or enter into one of the many other careers in healthcare, this information is a must. It is our desire to help you get the job you want. It really is about getting your foot in the door. There are many people working in healthcare with no more education than a high school diploma. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 47% of workers in nursing and residential facilities have a high school diploma or less, as do 20% of workers in hospitals. Many people start a career in healthcare with an entry level job, take a look around, get their feet wet and then decide what they would like to do.

Currently, there are over 14 million jobs in healthcare with an estimated 3 million plus jobs being created over the next 10 years due to the amount of aging baby boomers. In addition, with the healthcare overhaul being signed into law, an estimated 32 million more people will have health insurance. Doctors, dentists and nurses make up only a small percentage. Potentially millions of entry level jobs will be available that only require a high school diploma or less. That’s the good news; the real world reality is that for every job opening there may be many applicants for the employer to choose from. If you have no experience or knowledge, how would you compete for the job you want? We can help. In no time at all you will have enough information so that you are confident that you are a great candidate. You will get Information that will not only help with the interview, but help you advance once you get hired. Just like a competitor at a sporting event, you are competing for a job, a future, a career. Be better prepared than the other guy. Have an edge.

Chapter Trivia: Intro to Jobs in Healthcare

1. What percentage of healthcare workers in nursing and residential facilities has only a high school diploma?

A) 24

B) 47

C) 61

D)78

2. How many new jobs in healthcare are estimated to be created in the next 10 years?

A) 1 million

B) 2 million

C) 3 million

D) 5 million

3. What reason is most often given for creating jobs in healthcare?

A) World Population Increase

B) Increase in U.S. Immigration

C) Tax increases

D) Aging Baby Boomers

4. How many additional people are estimated to have health insurance by 2020 due to healthcare reform?

A) There will be a decrease

B) 1 million

C) 20 million

D) 32 million

5. Which of the following careers only requires a high school diploma?

A) Phlebotomist

B) Pharmacy Technician

C) Receptionist

D) Medical Assistant

E) All of the above

ANSWERS: INTRO TO CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE 1:B, 2:C, 3:D, 4:D, 5:E

CHAPTER TWO

Healthcare Makeup

Ambulatory Healthcare Services. This segment includes outpatient care center and medical and diagnostic laboratories. These establishments are diverse and including kidney dialysis centers, outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, blood and organ banks, and medical labs that analyze blood, do diagnostic imaging, and perform other clinical tests.

Home Healthcare Services. Skilled nursing or medical care is sometimes provided in the home, under a physician’s supervision. Home healthcare services are provided mainly to the elderly. The development of in-home medical technologies, substantial cost savings, and patients’ preference for care in the home have helped change this once-small segment of the industry into one of the fastest growing healthcare services.

Hospitals. Hospitals provide complete medical care, ranging from diagnostic services, to surgery, to continuous nursing care. Some hospitals specialize in treatment of the mentally ill, cancer patients, or children. Hospital-based care may be on an inpatient (overnight) or outpatient basis. The mix of workers needed varies, depending on the size, geographic location, goals, philosophy, funding, organization, and management style of the institution. As hospitals work to improve efficiency, care continues to shift from an inpatient to outpatient basis whenever possible.

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities. Nursing care facilities provide inpatient nursing, rehabilitation, and health-related personal care to those who need continuous nursing care, but do not require hospital services. Nursing aides provide the vast majority of direct care. Other facilities, such as convalescent homes, help patients who need less assistance. Residential care facilities provide around-the-clock social and personal care to children, the elderly, and others who have limited ability to care for themselves. Workers care for residents of assisted-living facilities, alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers, group homes, and halfway houses. Nursing and medical care, however, are not the main functions of establishments providing residential care, as they are in nursing care facilities.

Offices of Physicians. About 36 percent of all healthcare establishments fall into this industry segment. Physicians and surgeons practice privately or in groups of practitioners who have the same or different specialties. Many physicians and surgeons prefer to join group practices because they afford backup coverage, reduce overhead expenses, and facilitate consultation with peers. Physicians and surgeons are increasingly working as salaried employees of group medical practices, clinics, or integrated health systems.

Offices of Dentists. About 20 percent of healthcare establishments are dentists’ offices. Most employ only a few workers who provide preventative, cosmetic, or emergency care. Some offices specialize in a single field of dentistry, such as Orthodontics or Periodontics.

Offices of Other Health Practitioners. This segment of the industry includes the offices of chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and other health practitioners. Demand for the services of this segment is related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance. Hospitals and nursing facilities may contract out for these services. This segment also includes the offices of practitioners of alternative