During routine follow-up calls to patients, which action should a medical assistant take first if the patient reports unsatisfactory progress?

When a patient reports unsatisfactory progress during a follow-up call, it is essential for the medical assistant to prioritize patient safety and adherence to medical protocols. Notifying the provider immediately is the appropriate action because the provider is responsible for making clinical decisions and managing the patient's care. The provider needs to be aware of any issues regarding the patient's progress to assess the situation accurately, develop a revised treatment plan, or provide further instructions.

In such situations, the medical assistant may collect preliminary information, but as the patient's health care provider, the physician or clinician has the expertise to determine the next steps. The provider can evaluate any new symptoms or concerns and decide whether the patient requires further examination, additional tests, or adjustments to the treatment plan.

While documenting the call and scheduling another appointment are indeed important aspects of patient care, they follow the need to inform the provider about the patient's current status. Providing advice could also lead to complications, as it requires clinical judgment that is best left to a qualified medical professional. Therefore, notifying the provider ensures that the patient receives the appropriate care based on their specific situation.