Question

When communicating on the telephone with a patient, which of the following actions by a medical assistant demonstrates the use of appropriate technique for outgoing calls?

1) Placing the patient on hold when accessing information
2) Speaking with an unchanging path
3) Holding the receiver a minimum 5 cm from the mouth
4) Allowing the patient to be the one to end the call

Answer 1

The appropriate technique for outgoing calls to a patient is to place the patient on hold when accessing information, ensuring communication is effective, respectful, and accurate.

Step-by-step explanation:

When communicating on the telephone with a patient, the action that demonstrates the use of appropriate technique for outgoing calls would be: placing the patient on hold when accessing information. This is considered professional because it allows the medical assistant to consult the necessary information without making the patient wait on the line unnecessarily. Additionally, this avoids the possibility of conveying incorrect or incomplete information to the patient due to hurried or simultaneous searching. It is important to inform the patient that they will be put on hold briefly and to thank them for their patience. The goal is always to communicate effectively and respectfully while ensuring the accuracy of information provided to the patient.