Which responsibility does a medical assistant have when dealing with laboratory results?

A medical assistant plays a critical role in managing laboratory results, and one of their primary responsibilities is to ensure that these results are communicated to the healthcare provider. This step is vital because it allows the provider to review and interpret the results accurately, making informed decisions about patient care.

By serving as a liaison between the laboratory and the provider, the medical assistant helps facilitate timely and efficient communication, ensuring that any necessary follow-up actions are taken based on the results. This responsibility emphasizes the importance of teamwork within the healthcare setting, highlighting that the medical assistant acts within their scope of practice by supporting the provider rather than taking on roles that require specific clinical expertise, such as interpretation of results.

In contrast, independently interpreting all test results or disclosing results directly to patients would fall outside the typical duties of a medical assistant, as these actions require a higher level of clinical training and responsibility. Filing results without review would be inadequate, as it bypasses the crucial step of ensuring that the provider is aware of significant findings that may need immediate attention. Thus, the correct choice reflects the essential function of maintaining communication in the patient care process.