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Certified Medical Assistant — Practice Exam

Administrative procedures: practice questions

Our Medical Assistant bank has 25 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1

What is a referral?

  1. A list of medications the patient must stop before surgery
  2. A bill sent to a patient after the insurance has paid its share
  3. A letter that the patient writes to complain about care
  4. A request from one provider for a patient to see another provider or service
Show the answer

D. A request from one provider for a patient to see another provider or service — Some insurance plans require a referral to see a specialist.

Question 2

What is the first step when a new patient arrives for their appointment?

  1. Take the patient straight to an exam room for vitals
  2. Verify identity and collect registration and insurance information
  3. Ask the patient to pay the full fee for the visit
  4. Give the patient a prescription refill form
Show the answer

B. Verify identity and collect registration and insurance information — Scan the insurance card and photo ID per policy.

Question 3

What is prior authorization (pre-certification)?

  1. Payment from the patient before the visit starts
  2. Approval from the insurer before a service is provided
  3. A review of the claim by the insurer after the visit is complete and billed
  4. A signature from the patient on the consent form
Show the answer

B. Approval from the insurer before a service is provided — Without it, the claim may be denied.

Question 4

Which item should be recorded in the inventory system for supplies?

  1. The name of each patient who used the item
  2. Item, quantity on hand, reorder point and expiry dates
  3. The diagnosis code for each item used
  4. The provider's signature on each order
Show the answer

B. Item, quantity on hand, reorder point and expiry dates — Rotate stock so the oldest is used first.

Question 5

What does a prescription refill request require before it is approved?

  1. A signature from the pharmacist on the request
  2. Authorization from the provider, documented in the record
  3. Approval from the medical assistant who takes the call from the pharmacy
  4. Payment from the patient before it is processed
Show the answer

B. Authorization from the provider, documented in the record — The MA may prepare the request but not approve it.

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