If you’re pursuing schooling to become a medical office assistant, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the role ethics play in the healthcare field. Medical ethics ensure that patients are provided quality care, and they help protect doctors against legal issues. Here’s why medical ethics are important for healthcare professionals to understand.

How Ethics Influence Legislation

Ethics are defined as moral beliefs that inform a person’s behavior or actions. When it comes to the medical field, what is considered ethical has evolved. Not so long ago surgeries were generally excruciating, which led to many patients avoiding lifesaving procedures. After the advent of anesthesia, medical professionals saw it as their duty to limit patient pain and discomfort as much as possible.

The way patients are treated illustrates another change in medical ethics. It’s now commonplace for patients to be informed of potential side effects or outcomes when given medications or other treatments. In the past, doctors often withheld this information under the assumption that is was better for the patient. Whether you’re a medical office assistant or surgeon, understanding how ethics evolve is crucial to offering the best care possible.

Common Medical-Legal Issues

Students entering the medical field should also understand common medical-legal issues. Maintaining confidentiality is a huge concern. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was established in 1996 and states that healthcare providers are not permitted to disclose information about a patient unless express permission is provided. Medical malpractice is another serious issue, and it can involve misdiagnosis, a mistake during surgery, or providing the wrong drug. Medical professionals can even be involved in illicit activities, such as offering medications to those who don’t have a real medical need. 

When it comes to coursework related to medical ethics and legal concerns, the instructors at Westchester School for Dental Assistants have you covered. Students interested in becoming medical office assistants will learn medical ethics and other subjects, such as physiology, patient relations, administrative procedures, electrocardiography, and insurance and billing. Upon graduation, you’ll get a medical assistant certification, which shows prospective employers that you’ll make an excellent addition to their team. Learn more about enrollment in this school, based in Westchester County, NY, by calling (914) 682-9001 today. You can also learn more about becoming a medical office assistant by visiting the website.