Question

You are handling the front desk during the receptionist's lunch break. You receive a call from a patient

requesting information regarding recent test results. Which of the following is an acceptable method to verify
the patient's identity?
Ask her to state her date of birth.
Ask for the last four digits of her Social Security Number.
Ask for the spelling of her last name.
Ask her to state her date of birth and provide the last four digits of her Social Security Number.

Answer 1

The acceptable method to verify the patient's identity when receiving a call regarding recent test results is to ask her to state her date of birth and provide the last four digits of her Social Security Number.

Step-by-step explanation:

The acceptable method to verify the patient's identity when receiving a call regarding recent test results is to ask her to state her date of birth and provide the last four digits of her Social Security Number. This combination of information helps ensure that the person on the call is the actual patient, as they would have access to their own personal details. Requesting the spelling of her last name alone or asking for the last four digits of her Social Security Number without confirming her date of birth may not provide enough verification.

Learn more about Verifying patient's identity over the phone