Registration Procedures Flashcards

A patient presents for an outpatient procedure but cannot recall their insurance ID number. What is the best first step?

Answer: Call the insurance company directly to verify using the patient's name and date of birth

Calling the insurance company with the patient's demographics allows the PAR to verify active coverage even without the card present.

Which document is used to assign the patient's insurance benefits directly to the healthcare provider?

Answer: Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form

The Assignment of Benefits form authorizes the payer to send reimbursement directly to the provider rather than the patient.

During registration, you discover the patient's address on file is two years old. What should you do?

Answer: Update the address after confirming with the patient and document the change

Updating demographic information at each encounter ensures accurate billing and timely correspondence with the patient.

A guarantor is best defined as:

Answer: The person financially responsible for the patient's account

The guarantor is the individual responsible for paying the patient's bill, which may or may not be the patient themselves.

When collecting a copayment during registration, which of the following is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Collect the copay upfront and issue an itemized receipt

Collecting copayments at the point of service and providing a receipt is standard practice and reduces accounts receivable.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a pre-authorization or prior authorization?

Answer: To obtain insurer approval before providing certain services or procedures

Prior authorization is insurer approval obtained before delivering specific services to confirm medical necessity and coverage.

A patient declines to provide their Social Security Number during registration. The PAR should:

Answer: Explain the reason it is requested, note the refusal in the record, and proceed with registration

Patients may decline to provide their SSN; the PAR should document the refusal and continue registration using available information.