Question

Which of the following is the first information the medical assistant should request to help determine the urgency of scheduling a patient who telephones requesting a same-day appointment?

A. Date of last visit and previous history of the stated problem
B. Whether anything makes the problem better or worse
C. Name, address, telephone number and age
D. Nature, onset, duration, and intensity of the problem

Answer 1

The most crucial initial information to determine the urgency of a patient's same-day appointment request is the nature, onset, duration, and intensity of the problem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first information a medical assistant should request to determine the urgency of scheduling a patient who telephones requesting a same-day appointment is the nature, onset, duration, and intensity of the problem. This helps to assess the severity and urgency of the patient’s condition.

Asking for details such as whether anything makes the problem better or worse and reviewing the date of last visit and previous history of the stated problem are also crucial, but initially understanding the current problem is paramount. Furthermore, a patient’s health is sometimes evaluated through questions about their orientation and memory, such as their knowledge of the current date or the ability to recall simple words.