Patient Access and Registration Flashcards
7 cards from real CRCR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Access and Registration flashcards as text
A patient presents with an insurance card from a plan that is not contracted with the hospital. The registrar's first step should be to:
Answer: Inform the patient of the out-of-network status and discuss self-pay or financial assistance options
Transparency at registration ensures the patient understands their financial responsibility; financial assistance or payment options should be presented before care is provided.
The 'two-patient identifier' protocol used during registration requires staff to verify which combination?
Answer: Patient name and at least one additional unique identifier such as date of birth or medical record number
The Joint Commission requires at least two patient-specific identifiers (commonly name plus DOB or MRN) to prevent patient identification errors and ensure safe care.
When a minor presents for treatment without a parent or guardian, registration staff should:
Answer: Treat the minor for emergency care and attempt to contact the guardian; for non-emergencies, follow state law on consent
Emergency care for minors can proceed without parental consent; non-emergency treatment requires verification of consent authority under applicable state law.
Which Medicare coverage part specifically covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care?
Answer: Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, hospice, and some home health services after meeting deductible requirements.
A registrar discovers mid-registration that the patient had a prior visit under a different medical record number. The BEST action is to:
Answer: Flag the duplicate for a medical record merge according to facility policy
Duplicate medical records pose patient safety risks; facilities have defined processes for overlapping and merging records that must be followed by HIM or registration leadership.
What is the primary goal of a charity care screening conducted during patient access?
Answer: To identify patients who may qualify for free or reduced-cost care based on financial need
Charity care screening during registration identifies financially disadvantaged patients early so appropriate assistance can be arranged before or after service.
A payer requires a referral from the patient's primary care physician (PCP) before covering a specialist visit. This requirement is characteristic of which plan type?
Answer: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
HMO plans typically require members to select a PCP and obtain referrals for specialist services; PPOs and indemnity plans generally do not have this requirement.