USMLE® Board Review Exam Apps & Resources

A 35-year-old woman established primary care at a clinic 3 months ago. Last month, she arrived unannounced, urgently requesting to see the same physician. Due to a cancellation, she was seen later that day for the complaint of a rash on her chest. The male physician completed a thorough but unremarkable physical examination in the presence of a female nurse practitioner. Two weeks later, the patient comes to the same physician's office at closing time and without an appointment. She complains of "needing to talk to the doctor immediately about a private matter." She informs the receptionist that it is "absolutely critical" for her to be seen and examined for similar skin complaints that seem to "come and go" and "itch frequently." The patient is calm but insists that an appointment with the female nurse practitioner is not acceptable and instead requests to see the physician privately, without the presence of another staff member. Which of the following would be the most appropriate ate initial response by the physician?