Question

For purposes of collections control, how often should the medical assistant verify the patient's demographic data?

A. Once a year
B. On each visit
C. When the patient's account statement is returned as undeliverable
D. When the patient's account is delinquent

Answer 1

A medical assistant should verify a patient's demographic data on each visit to ensure collections control and accuracy in patient records for billing purposes.

Step-by-step explanation:

For effective collections control, it is best practice for a medical assistant to verify the patient's demographic data on each visit. This ensures that the medical office has the most current and accurate information to contact the patient for billing and other communication needs. It helps in reducing the chances of account statements being undeliverable due to outdated address information and can help in prompt payment of bills, thus decreasing accounts becoming delinquent.