To provide a positive experience calling the patient from the waiting room to the exam room, do the following:
1. To identify patients in the waiting area, the receptionist puts a sticky note on the front of the chart using some sort of identifying comment to identify the patient (for example, “red sweater or blue coat”). This allows you to walk directly to the patient and let them know you are ready to take them back to the exam room.
2. To assure you can be seen, walk out into the waiting area as close to the patient as possible to call them back.
3. Smile and greet the patient warmly.
4. Address the patient formally by Mr., Mrs., or Ms. This is not a privacy violation.
5. Direct the patient to their assigned room (for example, “third door on the right” or “room 6.”).
6. Assist older patients or patients who have limitations or obvious injuries back to the room by taking their coats or other personal items.
7. Do not ask any medical questions in the hall where answers can be overheard by others.
8. Do not weigh people in the hall unless the scales are set up for privacy. Take into consideration how coats, purses, and other extra clothing get in the way of an accurate weight.
9. Take blood pressures in the exam room only.
10. After the patient is in the room, close the door and keep them apprised of their waiting time.
11. Keep conversations in the hall to a minimum, so patients do not overhear private or inappropriate information.