Billing and Coding Hints and Tips: Patient Intake – An Important Step to Successful Reimbursement

Despite its importance, the new patient or new condition intake process is often given low priority. To give patients the best experience possible, we need to start this process before they even step foot in the office. You can, and should, begin collecting history and demographic information as soon as a patient schedules an appointment. This process should be as smooth and seamless as possible because it sets the tone for this new relationship with your patient. First impressions are lasting, and you must earn your patient’s confidence from the very start. Whether you have a single assistant or many staff members that perform this process, it should be simple and effortless for staff and patients alike.

In her overview, Kathy (KMC) Weidner, MCS-P, CCPC, CCCA, will cover:
• Why the new patient phone call is so important to set the tone of the visit
• How identifying returning patient’s motives saves time and errors
• Ideas for collecting the right information for both reimbursement and documentation

The remainder of the time will be devoted to answering questions on this topic.