Patient Intake and Registration Flashcards
7 cards from real CMAA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Intake and Registration flashcards as text
A returning patient states they have a new secondary insurance plan. Which step should be completed FIRST?
Answer: Collect the new insurance card, verify eligibility, and update the account before services are rendered
Eligibility must be verified and the account updated before the visit to ensure correct billing sequence and avoid claim denials.
Which of the following best describes a 'guarantor' on a patient registration form?
Answer: The person financially responsible for the patient's account
The guarantor is the individual legally responsible for paying the account balance, which may differ from the patient (e.g., a parent for a minor).
When a patient presents with a workers' compensation injury, which information is ESSENTIAL to collect at registration?
Answer: Employer name, date of injury, claim number, and workers' comp carrier information
Workers' compensation claims require specific employer and claim details because billing goes to the WC carrier, not the patient's personal health insurance.
What is the purpose of obtaining a patient's referring provider information during registration?
Answer: To ensure proper documentation for insurance referral requirements and for care coordination
Many insurance plans require a referral authorization from the primary care provider; capturing this information ensures the visit is reimbursable and supports continuity of care.
A patient's photo ID does not match the name on their insurance card. What should the MAA do?
Answer: Politely ask the patient to clarify the discrepancy and document the explanation before proceeding
Discrepancies between ID and insurance information must be investigated and documented to prevent identity fraud and ensure accurate billing.
Under the Affordable Care Act, how long can a dependent child remain on a parent's health insurance plan?
Answer: Until age 26
The ACA requires health plans that cover dependents to allow children to remain on a parent's plan until age 26, regardless of student or marital status.
A patient refuses to provide their Social Security Number during registration. What is the appropriate response?
Answer: Explain that it is requested but not always mandatory, and proceed using other identifiers such as date of birth and member ID
While SSN helps with insurance verification and collections, patients generally cannot be denied care for refusing; alternative identifiers can be used to complete registration.