Workplace distractions are a common source of accidents, incidents and adverse events across multiple occupations and professions. Distractions consist of a shift away from one task that is being performed to attend to a competing activity that requires visual, aural, or cognitive attention. In medicine, lack of attention to patient concerns and poor face-to-face communication have been associated with negative patient experience and medical malpractice claims. Distractions in the examination room are increasing with the addition of new technology and the migration of the electronic medical record from the back room to the exam-room creating competing demands for the physician’s attention. Two distinct types of physician attention patterns have been identified. Type 1 physicians have high patient engagement, defined as the frequency of gazing at the patient versus the electronic medical record (EMR) during the encounter. Type 2 physicians have low patient engagement and high levels of EMR interaction. Some Type 1 physicians spend as much as 70% of their time gazing at the patient, while Type 2 physicians may only spend 35% of their time directly engaged. Gender differences also exist with female physicians more frequently gazing at their patients than their male counterparts. There is little research on exam-room computing and its effect(s) on patient experience and outcomes. Informed by the evidence that does exist, a mnemonic, POISED, summarizes recommendations for best practices for reducing distractions and remaining patient-centered in the exam room. These include the following: Preparing for the visit before entering the examination room, Orienting the patient to the EMR its purpose and use in the encounter, Information-gathering with the patient as partner in the process, Sharing information and confirming understanding, Educating patients about the meaning of diagnoses and subsequent follow-up, Debriefing the visit by asking for feedback and agreement on next steps.