Therapeutic Communication in the Medical Office

Why are first impressions important in the medical office?

• They determine the patient's medical condition

• They influence the patient's opinion of the medical office

• They establish the medical assistant's salary

• They determine the patient's insurance coverage

What is the primary objective of delivering patient quality care?

• To make money for the medical office

• To provide excellent primary care

• To refer other patients to the medical office

• To establish a positive first impression

Why is it important to address patients by name?

• To establish a personal connection

• To determine their medical history

• To verify their insurance coverage

• To avoid communication barriers

What is patient-centered care?

• An innovative approach to healthcare delivery

• A focus on the patient's physical appearance

• A technique for overcoming communication barriers

• A method of diagnosing patients

What are some components of verbal communication?

• Body language and gestures

• Eye contact and facial expressions

• Words and sounds

• Posture and touch

Why is it important to enunciate your words?

• To speak professionally

• To convey true feelings

• To establish a personal connection

• To overcome communication barriers

What is an example of written verbal communication?

• Hand gestures

• Facial expressions

• Provider emails

• Eye contact

Why is appearance important in nonverbal communication?

• It influences how others view us

• It conveys true feelings

• It helps overcome communication barriers

• It establishes a personal connection

What should you do if a patient is crying?

• Leave them alone

• Offer support and ask what you can do to help

• Provide unwanted advice

• Ignore their emotions

Why is it important to observe a patient's nonverbal communication?

• To diagnose their medical condition

• To determine their insurance coverage

• To understand their true feelings

• To establish a personal connection