Question

A pediatrician is unexpectedly delayed, and there are patients in the waiting room. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the medical assistant to take?

a) Inform the patients about the delay and offer to reschedule their appointments
b) Continue to call patients from the waiting room as if there were no delay
c) Provide patients with updates on the pediatrician's status and expected wait time
d) Close the office early to accommodate the delay

Answer 1

The best action when a pediatrician is delayed is to inform patients about the delay and offer rescheduling or updates on the status and wait time, to maintain trust and satisfaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a pediatrician is unexpectedly delayed, and there are patients in the waiting room, the most appropriate action for the medical assistant to take is to inform the patients about the delay and offer to reschedule their appointments or provide updates on the pediatrician's status and expected wait time. It is essential to maintain good communication with the patients and ensure they are aware of the situation, allowing them to make informed decisions about their time and care.

It is not professional to continue to call patients from the waiting room as if there were no delay, as this would likely increase frustration and decrease satisfaction with the service. Similarly, closing the office early would be inappropriate as it does not address the immediate needs of the patients currently waiting. Keeping patients informed and offering flexibility reflects well on the medical practice and helps to maintain trust and satisfaction among patients.