What to medical assistants do prior a physical exam?

Prior to a physical exam, medical assistants typically perform the following tasks:

1. Greet the patient. The medical assistant welcomes the patient and introduces themselves. They confirm the patient's name and date of birth, and ask the patient to provide their insurance card and any other relevant documents.

2. Take the patient's vital signs. This includes measuring the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. The medical assistant may also ask the patient about their pain level.

3. Document the patient's chief complaint. This is the main reason for the patient's visit. The medical assistant will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in detail, including when they started, how severe they are, and what makes them better or worse.

4. Perform a physical exam. The medical assistant will examine the patient's body for any signs of illness or injury. This may include looking at the patient's skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth. The medical assistant may also palpate the patient's abdomen and listen to their heart and lungs.

5. Assist the physician. The medical assistant may help the physician with any procedures or tests that are performed during the physical exam. This may include taking blood pressure, administering injections, or performing a urine analysis.

6. Provide patient education. The medical assistant may provide the patient with information about their condition, treatment, and follow-up care. They may also answer any questions that the patient has.

7. Document the physical exam. The medical assistant will document the findings of the physical exam in the patient's medical record. This includes a detailed description of the patient's symptoms, vital signs, and any abnormalities that were found during the exam.