Final answer:
A medical assistant should remain calm and empathetic when handling an angry patient about a bill, explain the bill in detail, offer options for resolving the issue, document the interaction, and follow up with the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
Handling an irate or angry patient about a bill is an important skill for medical assistants. They should remain calm and empathetic, actively listening to the patient's concerns. Medical assistants can explain the bill in detail, including any errors that may have occurred, and offer options for resolving the issue, such as setting up a payment plan or contacting the billing department. They should also document the interaction and follow up with the patient to ensure their concerns are addressed.