Medical Assistant Communication Skills

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In order for a medical practice to function properly there must be good communication skills. Whether it’s listening, speaking, verbal, nonverbal, or even written messages, all will be used on a daily basis as a medical assistant. Communication is extremely important for all jobs, especially in the medical field, since a person’s life is on the line. The medical assistant is responsible for scheduling and greeting the patients, as well as discussing with the patient the reason for the visit, and also assisting with exams, and injections. If communication is not thorough there is a high chance of misunderstanding, which could not only result in a lawsuit, but also permanent disability or death. A patient will spend the majority of the time…show more content…
Since there are many different cultures, religions, and lifestyles, it is crucial to make sure all of the patients understand what is going on, and for the medical assistant to be patient and respectful. With on-going changes in technology it is making life easier in the medical field, yet challenging at the same time. It is required for the medical assistant to understand how electronic medical records work and how to enter the correct information in it in a timely matter. Medical assistants have a lot of things to keep track of, such as knowing which patients are going to come through the door next. Since technology is improving more and more each day, it is becoming easier to keep track of all patients’ information. According to businessinsider.com, “Technology has changed healthcare with new and improved machines, medicines, and treatments that help save the lives of billions.” There are now handheld computers to record the patients’ medical history and so all the treatments are administered correctly. Patients now have access to any medical or health information which can…show more content…
Shaun O’Hanion (2014) indicated that communication changes a patient’s view of a disease tremendously. If the patient’s questions are not answered, skeptically can lead to fear. It makes it even tougher when the patient does not understand English, which in that case an interpreter is brought in. Medical assistants must know that there are cultural issues about medications, decision makers in the family, body language, diets, and herbs. When the medical assistant is aware of their beliefs, instructions on the medical care becomes more effective (TBIWashington, 2013, Para. 4). Interpreters and translators are used even when a family member is available. This is because there might be a chance the family member is upset which might make it hard to transfer the information. Also it will increase the chance that the information is not explained accurately. Communication can be difficult in other ways than just diversity. Having multiple people in the exam room can mix-up the communication in a negative way. As many as sixteen percent of adult patients have a companion with them during the medical appointment (FamilyPracticeManagementAAFP, 2007, Para 7). Even though having someone else close in the room may seem more comfortable for the patient, there is a possibility the patient will not explain all the information to the medical assistant if it is something the patient would not want the companion to hear. With the lack of information being said to the medical

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