1- Why did you choose to become a CMA?
I chose to be a CMA because I’ve always wanted to help other people in the medical field. I started as a CNA and aspiring to be an RN nurse in the future.
2- What does your job entail?
Basically, I reach out to patients once a month to check up on them. I escalate any health concerning issues to our lead nurse and they reach out to the provider. I coach patients on reaching any health goals such as losing weight, eating health, staying active, etc. by providing them with the necessary information and encouragement.
3- What skills and qualifications are necessary?
Interpersonal skills and a current certification such as CNA, CMA or RMA. Computer skills are also required as well as multitasking.
4- What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is the fact that I can interact with patients one way or another through the phone.
5- How do you think you help patients?
I help my patients by showing empathy and encouraging them to take it one day at a time.
6- Do you like patient care and working with people?
Yes, and its highly advisable to be a people’s person to do this job. All of these patients are diagnosed with 2 or more chronic diseases and some lack self-motivation. By providing patient care, we reach out and encourage these patients each time.
7- Are you a people’s person?
Yes, I am. I love to interact with people by providing new information and learning new ideas as well.
8- How meaningful and rewarding is your job?
I love to meet new people and hope to have an impact on their life.
9- How does your job affect care coordination and closing the gaps in care that are under-met by physicians or practices?
We take the load off doctors, they are in and out with patients all day and at times do not have the extra few minutes to ask if they have anything they would like to talk about that is bothering them. Patients don’t have to wait for a call back from a nurse when they have a question or concern, when we call them they are able to talk to a healthcare professional and address anything.
10- What feedback do you get from your patients?
Both negative and positive. Negative because some of these patients don’t feel like they belong in the program, but they do not opt out because their doctor recommended them for the program. Positive because it makes them more aware of their own well-being and gets them more involved trying new things and pushing themselves to accomplish their health goals.
11- How do you connect with your patients?
Through the phone mainly, I may not be able to see them but by engaging with them, building rapport and earning their trust, I know I’m making a difference.
12- Are there any challenges you face? If yes, how do you overcome them?
Yes, there are challenges to every job. Patients that do not want to be in the program tend to not talk as much and I have to try to engage them in the conversation. I ask them open ended questions so that they have to answer with more than yes or no.
