What should you state when greeting a patient?

When greeting a patient, stating your professional medical title is essential as it establishes your role and authority within the healthcare setting. This practice helps patients feel more secure and confident in the care they are about to receive. It communicates professionalism and sets the tone for the interaction. By identifying yourself with a professional title, such as "medical assistant," you clarify your responsibilities, which can help build trust with the patient right from the start.

Sharing your personal name is important, but it is secondary to conveying your professional identity in a clinical environment. The patient may benefit more initially from knowing their caregiver’s role than from knowing their personal name. Clarifying the purpose of the visit or discussing hospital policies may come later in the interaction but are less relevant in the immediate greeting phase. Establishing your credentials first can help the patient understand who they are dealing with and what to expect, aligning with best practices in patient communication and care.