Hcr 220 Understanding the Patient Intake Process

Patient Intake Process

HCR220

December 5, 2010

Linda Murray

Patient Intake Process

Understanding the patient and the process he or she endures will provide the physician and the staff a better understanding of what needs improvement with the patients experience in efforts to achieve a smooth new patient or routine visit. Providing efficiency and a smooth workflow impacts the productivity of the office. A patient’s comfort will influence whether or not they will be returning for treatment.

Occasionally, health care providers lose sight of the patient’s perspective and the waiting room often reflects an unpleasant environment. The waiting room is the first impression of the office and sets the tone for the patient. “To survive in this competitive environment, you need to create the best possible setting for you, your staff, and your patients” (Wells, 2007). The office staff that greets the patient should always be warm and friendly. Aesthetically, the office should feel and look inviting.

Another part of a successful patient visit is by providing the physician’s office with the most accurate information, such as personal information including address, phone number, social security number, date of birth, gender, health information, health history, and the reason for the visit. Providing this information will establish financial responsibility and allow the office staff to determine eligibility as well as the extent of his or her coverage. For a patient which is already established with the office, the office staff will inquire if any information such as address, telephone number, employment, or anything that would change the insurance information. An established patient should be checking his or her information once a year to ensure data integrity. One way to reduce waiting times is to have the forms available online or mail the forms to the patient in advance.

When communicating with the patients, the office staff should follow HIPAA...