Preparing the examination and treatment area for doctors and patients is part of your responsibility as a medical assistant. Room readiness involves making sure the room is clean, neat, and orderly and has adequate lighting, heat, and ventilation. You must select the instruments each doctor requires and make sure they are sanitized, disinfected, or sterilized (as appropriate) and ready for use. Room preparation also includes removing obstacles to physical safety, taking safety precautions, and following fire safety guidelines.

Your role in preparing the area is an important one for several reasons. First, you reduce the chance that infections will spread. Second, you help make the examination proceed efficiently. Third, you contribute to the comfort and safety of patients, doctors, and coworkers. Perform these tasks well, and you will inspire patients' confidence in the quality of the medical care provided at the facility.