CMAA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CMAA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What ethical principle requires healthcare providers to 'do no harm'? → Nonmaleficence
2. The area close to is the distal portion of the arm. → wrist and hand.
3. A claim is denied due to a missing modifier. What should the medical administrative assistant do first? → Review the claim for the correct modifier and resubmit
4. What is the proper procedure for opening a medical office? → Review schedule, check messages, prepare charts, verify equipment, unlock reception
5. What is a superbill used for in a medical office? → Documenting charges for services rendered
6. How should written communication be adapted for patients with low health literacy? → Use plain language, short sentences, visual aids, and teach-back method
7. When a medical practice transitions from paper records to an EHR system, which step is most critical before the system goes live? → Thoroughly training all staff on the new system prior to implementation
8. What does the abbreviation 'STAT' mean in a medical setting? → Immediately or at once
9. What does CPOE stand for in the context of EHR systems? → Computerized Physician Order Entry
10. What is the primary purpose of reconciling the bank statement in a medical office? → To verify that practice records match the bank's records and identify discrepancies
11. Which physical safeguard is required under the HIPAA Security Rule? → Facility access controls for areas with ePHI
12. What does 'purging' mean in medical records management? → Removing inactive records from active filing per retention policies
13. What is a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)? → A written agreement ensuring a vendor will protect PHI
14. Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of 'claim scrubbing' in the medical billing process? → To review claims for errors and ensure compliance with payer rules before submission.
15. What is double-booking, and when might it be appropriate? → Two patients in one slot; appropriate when one is quick and the other needs extended time
16. Under HIPAA, which is considered Protected Health Information (PHI)? → A medical record number linked to a diagnosis
17. A patient's 'out-of-pocket maximum' means: → The maximum amount the patient must pay before insurance covers 100% of costs
18. How does workers' compensation billing differ from standard insurance? → Billed to employer's workers' comp carrier; patient has no copay or deductible
19. A new patient provides their insurance card at check-in. Which of the following is the MOST critical first step for the CMAA to take to prevent claim denials? → Verify insurance eligibility and benefits.
20. Which standard electronic transaction is used for insurance eligibility verification? → ANSI 270/271
21. For which of the following procedures is obtaining written informed consent MOST likely required? → A minor surgical procedure performed in the office, such as a mole removal.
22. What should a CMAA do when a patient presents with an expired insurance card? → Verify current eligibility electronically or by phone and update the record
23. What is the difference between an HMO and a PPO? → HMOs require referrals and in-network use; PPOs allow out-of-network at higher cost
24. Which of the following best describes a PHI breach in an EHR context? → Unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of patient health information
25. What kind of health insurance compensates for loss or harm by predetermined payments rather than medical services? → indemnity insurance.
26. A patient's complaint of a persistent cough and sore throat would be documented in which section of a SOAP note? → S - Subjective
27. What is the purpose of a living will? → Specify wishes for end-of-life medical treatment
28. What did MACRA create in healthcare? → The Quality Payment Program linking reimbursement to quality metrics
29. How long must a covered entity retain HIPAA-related documentation? → 6 years from creation or last effective date
30. How should corrections be made to a paper medical record? → Draw a single line through the error, write correction, initial and date