The information that is gathered in the preregistration step is one of the most important steps in ensuring that the patient receives the medical services needed and that the billing process also runs smooth. The information that is gathered in the patient intake process usually gathers the same basic information. This process is also called the patient preregistration process.
The information is gathered when the new patient calls to make their first appointment. There is also an established patient process for patients that are returning for services.In the case of a patient being a new patient the first step is to make sure that the medical facility provides the services that the patient requires and to schedule the correct amount of time needed for the patient. The information gathered on patients is their full name, telephone number, address, date of birth, gender, reason for the appointment, including previous treatment information.
If the patient is insured the name of their insurance information is gathered including the co pay amount. A copy of the patients' insurance card is made along with a copy of their identification.If they were referred by another physician the name of that physician is required. When the new patient arrives at the medical facility they will be given a form to complete that also has these same questions plus the form acquires even more personal information on the patient.
The patient will be asked to supply their social security number, their employers name address and telephone number. If the patient is married the name of their spouse is requested. If the patient is a minor, the name address, and phone number is requested of the minor's legal guardian. A new patient may also be asked to fill out a patient health survey form.This form requests information on the patient's health and the patient's family medical history.
This form can be helpful when the physician is diagnosing a health problem that may be hereditary. This form also requests information on all medical procedures that the patient has had previously including surgeries that have been preformed and the outcome of any tests they may have had previously. Evaluating a medical offices entire process is very important. Evaluation is needed to establish and maintain an efficient system. A patient charge sheet should be initiated at the front desk.This patient charge sheet or also called a patient encounter sheet should follow each patient through their visit.
Usually the nurse brings the patient charge sheet when escorting the patient to the examining room. Information that is recorded on this sheet includes the patients' current weight, blood pressure and reason for the visit. This form is left by the nurse for the physician so that they may record information on the patient's condition. The form is then returned to the front desk after the physicians' examination. A copy of the patients' charge sheet is copied and attached to the patients file.
een any change in phone number, address, and insurance provider. The patient encounter form is also filled out for returning patients as well as new patients. The information being updated in a preexisting patients file is another important step to the patient intake process. If the information is not kept current the patient could receive the wrong medical treatment. If the insurance information has changed and is not updated the patient may be responsible for payments instead of the nsurance provider or the patient could have medical services that were not covered previously are now covered.The patient could be billed for services that are covered by their provider.
If the wrong provider is billed this will slow the payment down also. Personal information must also be updated. If the patient has moved their address change needs to put into their file. All the information needs to be updated form time to time. For instance if the patient has gotten married recently they will need to change their name and also provide information about their spouse.
In conclusion, all the information and the steps that are taken to ensure that the information is correct is very important. The processes that are taken should be consistent to make sure that all personnel follow the same steps to recording the correct information and to ensure that the information is complete. Following these steps will result in an efficient and effective patient intake process. References Improve the Medical Office Charge Capture Process. Ling, G. (n.
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