Question

When a requested appointment time is not available, what should the medical assistant do?

1) Offer an alternative appointment time
2) Cancel the appointment
3) Refer the patient to another healthcare provider
4) Do nothing and wait for the patient to reschedule

Answer 1

When a requested appointment time is not available, the medical assistant should offer an alternative appointment time to the patient. If no suitable alternative is available, the medical assistant may refer the patient to another healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a requested appointment time is not available, the medical assistant should offer an alternative appointment time to the patient. This demonstrates the assistant's willingness to accommodate the patient and find a suitable solution. Canceling the appointment or doing nothing and waiting for the patient to reschedule can create dissatisfaction and inconvenience for the patient.

If no suitable alternative appointment time is available, the medical assistant may also refer the patient to another healthcare provider who can accommodate their needs. This ensures that the patient still receives the care they require, even if it is not at the original healthcare facility.