Scenario

Keith Williams, CMA (AAMA) (certified medical assistant through the American Association of Medical Assistants), has been newly hired as a medical assistant at the Walden-Martin Family Medical (WMFM) Clinic. He just graduated from the local community college last semester after returning to school to study for a second career. Now, at age 49, he has accepted a job at WMFM Clinic. Keith’s supervisor has asked him to assist the gastroenterology outreach team, which comes to WMFM Clinic twice a week.
      Keith is excited about his new duties yet realizes that he needs to review the digestive system and related diseases. He decides to spend the next week reviewing the anatomy, physiology, and pathology related to the digestive system, along with the diagnostic procedures and commonly ordered treatments.
      While studying this chapter, think about the following questions:
              • What structures are in the gastrointestinal system?
              • What are the functions of the gastrointestinal system?
              • What are commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal diseases and disorders? What are the etiologies, signs and symptoms, diagnostic processes, and treatment?
              • What are the medical assistant’s primary responsibilities when working with patients who have gastrointestinal diseases and disorders?