As a medical assistant, you are a key communicator between the office and patients and families. The way you greet patients, the way you explain procedures, the manner in which you ask and answer questions, and your attentiveness to patient's individual needs combine to form your communication style. Effective communication skills-which include listening, interpersonal, and assertiveness skills-will help you improve your communication style. These skills will also enable you to develop good communication with patients under special circumstances. Patients with special needs include those who are anxious or angry, elderly, or from other cultures and those who have hearing or visual impairments.

Good communication skills also enable you to develop satisfying and professional working relationships with coworkers and superiors. Effective communication helps the office function smoothly, helps reduce conflicts and stress, and helps motivate individuals to achieve personal and professional goals.

An important communication document in the medical office is the policy and procedures manual. This manual covers all office policies and clinical procedures and is usually developed as a joint effort by the doctor (or doctors) and the staff (often the medical assistant).