Which professional often handles patient intake and clerical tasks in a clinic, including taking vital signs and preparing patients for exams?

• A. Paramedic
• B. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• C. Medical Assistants (CMAs)
• D. EMT

Answer: (C)

In outpatient clinics, the person who handles patient intake and clerical tasks—and also prepares patients for exams—is a medical assistant. They’re trained to bridge front-office duties with clinical responsibilities. This means they greet patients, collect health information, update records, schedule appointments, and manage administrative tasks. Clinically, they take vital signs (like blood pressure, height/weight, temperature, and pulse), prepare the exam room, document patient histories, and assist the clinician during examinations or basic procedures. That blend of administrative and hands-on clinical work makes them the best fit for handling intake and prep in a clinic setting.

Paramedics and EMTs focus on emergency response and on-scene or transport care, not routine clinic intake or preparing patients for regular exams. Doctors diagnose and treat patients, but routine intake and room setup are typically supported by medical assistants who handle those clerical and initial clinical tasks.