Question

At work, a Medical Assistant cared for a neighbor who sustained multiple injuries in a fall. After work, another neighbor asks the MA what happened to the neighbor who fell. Following the American Association of Medical Assistants’ (AAMA) Code of Ethics, which of the following responses should the MA make?

a) Share detailed medical information
b) Provide a brief, general overview
c) Refuse to discuss the matter
d) Speculate on the cause of the fall

Answer 1

According to the AAMA Code of Ethics, a Medical Assistant should refuse to discuss any details about a patient's condition with unauthorized individuals to maintain confidentiality and respect patient privacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a Medical Assistant (MA) is asked by a neighbor about the condition of another neighbor who sustained injuries in a fall, the MA should strictly adhere to the principles of confidentiality as indicated by the American Association of Medical Assistants' (AAMA) Code of Ethics. In accordance with this code, the appropriate response would be to refuse to discuss the matter. The MA must maintain professional integrity and respect the privacy of the patient, which means not sharing any information about the patient's condition, prognosis, or the circumstances surrounding their injury with unauthorized individuals. The principles of care ethics support that compassion and responsibility are critical in the healthcare profession, guiding the MA to uphold confidentiality and prioritize the patient's rights to privacy.