Use Checklist to Keep Track of That Data

Medical Office Front Desk Pro 2009

Play your part to ensure clean data means top reimbursement.

Clean data means more than just a healthy bottom line. It means a smoothly operating office and a less stressful environment.

Get on top of patients' information right away for a pleasant day with this expert advice:

Send in forms first. Make sure to send patients their insurance forms prior to the first office visit. This will decrease the backed-up mob of patients in the waiting room and make the patient-intake process run faster.

Wait to key it in. Don't input patient data right away. Wait until you're sure it's correct before you reach for that computer keyboard.

Involve the patient in error-checking. Review the registration forms with the patient present. Give him or her a chance to correct the information.

Remember the important stuff. Make sure to verify the patient's insurance card, employer and address. If these details are correct, then everything else will fall into place — or at least it'll be easier to follow up and obtain the correct information.

Take responsibility. Be aware that keeping track of patient intake is your responsibility. Take pride in your work in this area, and set your mind to doing a good job of capturing the most accurate data possible.