Question

Which of the following actions by the medical assistant is most likely to protect the physician if a caller to the office were to take legal action?

a) Providing medical advice over the phone
b) Documenting the caller's complaints and concerns
c) Offering a financial discount for services
d) Avoiding taking the caller's information

Answer 1

Documenting the caller's complaints and concerns is the best action to protect a physician legally in case of a phone call, as it provides a record of the conversation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The action that is most likely to protect the physician in the case of a caller taking legal action is documenting the caller's complaints and concerns. Documentation creates a record of the interaction, which can be critical in the case of a legal dispute. Thus, a medical assistant should always ensure careful and accurate documentation of all phone communications, as this can serve as evidence of the care and advice provided, as well as the medical assistant's adherence to established protocols and procedures. It's important to note that providing medical advice over the phone without proper qualification can lead to misdiagnosis and liability, offering a financial discount for services may not affect legal protection, and avoiding taking the caller's information leaves no record should an issue arise.