Question

instructions: select the most appropriate response.
which is the most appropriate response to a patient who calls the office and asks to speak with the physician?
○ a. offer to schedule an appointment for the patient to be seen by the physician.
○ b. transfer the call to the exam room where the physician is located.
○ c. politely state that the physician is busy and cannot be disturbed.
○ d. explain that the physician is unavailable and ask if the patient would like to leave a message.

Explanation:

• Option a: Scheduling an appointment doesn't address the immediate call - the patient is asking to speak with the physician now.
• Option b: Transferring the call to the exam room without knowing if the physician is free is inappropriate.
• Option c: Just stating the physician is busy is too brusque and doesn't offer an alternative.
• Option d: Explaining unavailability and offering to take a message is a polite and professional way to handle the call.

Answer:

d. Explain that the physician is unavailable and ask if the patient would like to leave a message.