A patient calls the office with questions following a diagnosis. What is the best response by the medical assistant?

The best response by the medical assistant in this scenario is to obtain all information and report it to the physician. This approach ensures that the patient’s questions and concerns are addressed accurately and thoroughly by someone qualified. The medical assistant can gather essential details about the patient's concerns, which helps the physician to provide the necessary information or follow-up that aligns with the patient's diagnosis.

By relaying the patient’s questions to the physician, it guarantees that the patient receives the most appropriate guidance based on their specific medical situation. Directly providing answers over the phone could lead to the dissemination of incorrect information or advice that is outside the medical assistant's scope of practice. Similarly, asking the patient to call back later or scheduling another appointment could delay the process and may not effectively resolve the patient’s immediate concerns. Hence, the chosen response prioritizes the patient's need for clarity while adhering to professional protocols.