The last action the medical assistant should make after taking a message from the patient is to:

After taking a message from a patient, the most appropriate final action for the medical assistant is to sign off and either file the message or save it to the patient's chart, while also notifying the patient about the action taken. This practice is essential for maintaining clear and accurate patient records. It ensures that all communications are documented properly within the patient's chart, which contributes to a comprehensive medical history and facilitates ongoing care.

Additionally, notifying the patient about what action will be taken demonstrates professionalism and keeps the patient informed, enhancing trust in the healthcare process. This thorough approach helps in preventing misunderstandings and ensures that important messages are not overlooked. Proper documentation also supports continuity of care by making sure that other healthcare providers can access the updated information as needed.

In contrast, forwarding the message to the office manager or medical records department may not be the final step needed in this context, as it does not ensure that the patient is informed about the actions regarding their message. Filing the chart away when finished does not encompass the necessary steps for communication and documentation. Therefore, signing off, filing the information appropriately, and notifying the patient represents the complete and responsible process for closing the communication loop.