You should tell her right away that you are an ophthalmic assistant. This patient believes a physician is taking her history. That belief is wrong, and you are the only person who can fix it. The rule is simple. If a patient mistakes you for a doctor, a nurse, or any other licensed provider, you must clarify your status immediately. A short, friendly sentence is enough. You can say that you are an ophthalmic assistant working with Dr. Jones, and that you are gathering information to help with her visit.
This rule protects the patient and it protects you. A patient who thinks you are the doctor may expect you to give a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Making a diagnosis or prescribing treatment is the practice of medicine. Doing that without a license can bring criminal charges. Clearing up your role early keeps the visit honest. It also sets the right expectation, so the patient saves her medical questions for the physician. The same rule covers your title. You may use only the credentials you have actually earned and kept current, such as COA, which means Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. Trainees must say that they are trainees. Waiting for the doctor, or writing a note instead of speaking up, leaves the patient misinformed for the rest of the visit.
Carry one habit into every room. Introduce yourself by name and job title, and correct any mix-up the moment you hear it. Honesty about who you are is a core skill in the COA content area on medical ethics, legal issues, and regulatory issues.
Incorrect Answers
- A. Staying quiet leaves the patient with a false idea of your role. Trust is built by being clear, not by letting a mistake stand.
- B. The correction cannot wait. The patient may ask you for test results or advice in the meantime, and you would be giving them as a doctor.
- D. A chart note documents the problem but never tells the patient. She still leaves the room thinking she saw a physician.
Testing Pearls
- If a patient mistakes you for a doctor or nurse, correct it at once.
- Open every visit with your name, your job, and the doctor you work with.
- Diagnosing or prescribing on your own is practicing medicine without a license.
- Use only credentials you have earned and kept active, such as COA or COT, which means certified ophthalmic technician.
- Send questions about results, diagnosis, or treatment to the ophthalmologist.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmic Medical Assisting: An Independent Study Course. Chapter 20, Medical Ethics, Legal Issues, and Regulatory Issues.
