How should the medical assistant begin an interaction with a patient?

Greet the patient.

- Smile and make eye contact.

- Use a friendly tone of voice.

- Introduce yourself and your role.

- "Hello, Mr. Smith. My name is Jane Doe, and I'm the medical assistant here today."

Ask how the patient is doing.

- Show genuine concern for the patient's well-being.

- Listen actively and attentively to the patient's response.

- "How are you feeling today, Mr. Smith?"

Explain the purpose of the visit.

- Provide a clear and concise explanation of why the patient is seeing the doctor today.

- Use language that the patient can understand.

- "Dr. Jones would like to see you today to follow up on your blood test results. I'll take your vital signs and update your medical history before the doctor sees you."

Ask for the patient's medical history.

- Obtain a complete and accurate medical history from the patient.

- Document the patient's medical history in the patient's chart.

-"Can you please tell me about your medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past surgeries?"

Take vital signs.

- Measure the patient's blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature.

- Document these measurements in the patient's chart.

Complete any other necessary tasks.

- Depending on the patient's visit, the medical assistant may also need to:

- Weigh the patient.

- Collect a urine sample.

- Administer injections.

- Change dressings.

- Perform other tasks as directed by the physician.