Final answer:
The medical assistant should process the check promptly and according to the practice's policy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a check for payment from a patient is received some time after the patient's visit, the medical assistant should process the check promptly and according to the practice's policy.
Processing the check promptly ensures that the payment is recorded accurately and in a timely manner. It is important for the medical assistant to follow the practice's policy to maintain consistency and avoid any potential issues with payment processing.
Returning the check and requesting an alternative form of payment should only be done if there are concerns or issues with the check, such as insufficient funds or incorrect information. In most cases, the medical assistant should accept the check and process it according to the practice's policy.