The medical assistant receives a telephone call in the morning from a patient who states that she has had a respiratory infection for several days, and that today she feels worse and is running a fever. Which of the following is the best response by the medical assistant?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best response is to offer the patient an open appointment for that afternoon. This allows the patient to receive timely care and evaluation by the physician. Instructing the patient to call an ambulance or go directly to the emergency department may not be appropriate for a respiratory infection, which is not typically life-threatening. Offering to take a message for the physician may work, but it does not allow the patient to receive immediate medical attention.

The Medical Assistant Receives a Telephone Call in the Morning