What process in the revenue cycle should occur immediately after scheduling an appointment for a patient?

The process that should occur immediately after scheduling an appointment for a patient is pre-registration. This step is crucial because it allows the healthcare facility to collect and verify essential patient information prior to the visit. Pre-registration typically involves gathering personal details, insurance information, and any necessary consent forms.

This not only streamlines the check-in process but also enhances the patient experience by minimizing delays when they arrive for their appointment. It also helps ensure that the information is accurate and that the patient’s insurance will cover the services they will receive. By handling these administrative tasks in advance, healthcare providers can focus on delivering quality care during the actual appointment.

Other processes like insurance verification, while important, usually occur during or after pre-registration. This step ensures that everything is in order and provides an opportunity to address any potential issues with coverage before the patient arrives.