Objective: To research “teleological action” and “communicative action” in the process of doctor- patient communication. Methods: Based on Habermas’ theory of communicative action, the medical institutions and a number of working staffs from Nanjing area, the southern region, the middle region and the northern region in Jiangsu province were investigated, and data were analyzed by descriptive analysis, Pearson χ2, and logistic regression. Results: “Teleological action” had been trained for a long time, and medical staffs were good at professional ability. However, using teleological action alone made doctor- patient communication in the context of the lack of humanistic care. Communicative behavior should be strengthened. Conclusion: “Teleological action” and “communicative action” are both necessary in the process of doctor- patient communication. While “teleological action” is guided by technical specification, “communicative action” is to understand each other as the core. Teleological action is an important means of doctor- patient communication action, which is accurately, concisely and efficiently. Proper use of communicative action is the important reflection of medical humanistic spirit.