National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant Practice Test

To maintain adequate supplies, a medical assistant should establish a _____.

1. Order quantity

2. Inventory control log

3. Reorder Point

4. Supply checklist

The correct answer is: Reorder Point

Establishing a reorder point is essential in the management of medical supplies. The reorder point indicates the specific inventory level at which new stock should be ordered to replenish supplies before they run out. This proactive approach helps to ensure that crucial medical items are consistently available, which is vital for patient care and operational efficiency in a medical office. By determining the reorder point, a medical assistant can monitor inventory levels effectively and anticipate when to place orders based on usage rates. This minimizes the risk of stockouts, which can disrupt patient services and potentially affect the quality of care provided. While options like an inventory control log, order quantity, and supply checklist are all important components of managing supplies, they serve different purposes. An inventory control log helps track the usage and remaining stock of supplies, order quantity specifies how much to order once the reorder point is reached, and a supply checklist aids in the organization and verification of necessary supplies. However, the reorder point directly addresses the timing of when new supplies should be ordered, making it crucial for maintaining adequate inventory levels.