As you prepare for a career as a medical assistant, understanding what patients want and need from healthcare providers is a key aspect of your training. It’s not enough to develop competent clinical and administrative skills. Instead, the best medical assistants understand patient expectations and strive to exceed them every day. To help you prepare to deliver exceptional care, Prism Career Institute explains what patients expect from their interactions with medical assistants and other health experts.
- 1. Advanced skills
Think about your doctor visits. You want to know you’re in good hands with a knowledgeable, experienced physician. Patient expectations are the same for every healthcare provider they encounter, and medical assistants must apply all their skills and education to every job duty. From managing medical records to explaining a doctor’s recommendations, your professionalism and knowledge give patients the confidence they’re receiving the best treatment available.
- 2. Great communication
There’s no doubt that today’s healthcare experts have more advanced technology for diagnosis and treatment than ever before. Human touch is still essential in the medical field. Medical assistants are often the first point of contact for a patient, making communication key. Your patients will expect you and your coworkers to listen carefully to their symptoms and concerns. They also need you to explain complex medical issues in straightforward terms that are easy to understand. This helps ensure patients can follow discharge and aftercare instructions, from diet and exercise to testing and additional procedures.
- 3. A calm, positive demeanor
Illness and injuries are hard to deal with – patients may experience pain, confusion, and anxiety when they’re not feeling well. Because of this, they rely on medical assistants to maintain positivity and a calm attitude. Even when tensions are high, and patients react negatively, they need you to provide a steady, comforting presence. This can be especially important for pediatric medical assistants, who must soothe frightened and nervous children and help their parents maintain a positive outlook.
- 4. No judgment
Patients are vulnerable when seeking medical care. They are relying on you and your colleagues to ease their symptoms and restore good health, and they may feel embarrassed about their condition. A medical assistant, like all healthcare providers, must maintain a judgment-free attitude that builds trust and encourages patients to report their symptoms and concerns. Even when you feel the patient’s troubles are a result of their choices or behaviors, your job is to avoid judgments and focus on providing quality care.
- 5. Your full attention
Doctors, nurses, and medical assistants are among the busiest professionals in the world. From fast-paced emergency room settings to busy private practices, you’ll be on your toes all day and constantly switching from case to case and task to task. Each patient only sees his or her interaction, not the hectic schedule ahead of you for the day. Because of this, patients expect – and deserve – your full attention. From your patience during phone calls and scheduling to taking the time to answer questions, every patient should know they have your undivided attention.
Medical Assistant Training to Exceed Expectations
If you’re ready to go beyond patients’ expectations, medical assistant training from Prism Career Institute may be the right career path for you. Our programs in West Atlantic City and Cherry Hill, New Jersey combine classroom instruction and hands-on learning to give you the skills needed to excel in the healthcare field. For more information, contact us online or call 888-966-8146 to speak with a representative.