Administrative Skills Flashcards
7 cards from real AMCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Administrative Skills flashcards as text
In medical office correspondence, which letter format places all elements flush with the left margin?
Answer: Full block format
Full block format aligns every element—date, address, salutation, body, and closing—at the left margin.
Which of the following is an example of an internal source document used in medical records management?
Answer: A laboratory requisition form generated within the practice
Internal documents are generated within the practice, such as lab requisitions, while external documents originate outside.
What is the purpose of a tickler file in a medical office?
Answer: To track future tasks or follow-up actions by date
A tickler file is a chronological reminder system that prompts staff to complete tasks such as follow-up calls or prescription renewals on specific dates.
A patient without insurance asks about the cost of a procedure. The medical assistant should:
Answer: Provide an estimate and inform the patient of the practice's self-pay policy
Medical assistants should be able to provide fee estimates and explain payment options so patients can make informed decisions.
Which of the following actions would violate HIPAA's minimum necessary standard?
Answer: Faxing a patient's entire medical history to a specialist when only lab results were requested
The minimum necessary rule requires limiting PHI disclosures to the least amount needed to accomplish the intended purpose.
What does the term 'aging report' refer to in medical billing?
Answer: A report categorizing outstanding balances by how long they have been unpaid
An aging report groups unpaid balances into time brackets (e.g., 0–30, 31–60, 61–90 days) to prioritize collection efforts.
Which of the following best describes the role of a referral authorization number in managed care?
Answer: It is required by the payer to approve specialist services and must be included on the claim
A referral authorization number documents payer approval for specialist services and must be cited on the claim to avoid denial.