How should you verify a patient's address during registration?

Verifying a patient's address by asking them to state it directly is an effective and personal approach to ensure the information is accurate and current. This method allows the patient to provide their most recent and correct address, which may not always be the same as what is recorded in existing systems or documents. Furthermore, it encourages clear communication between the patient and the front desk representative, fostering a good rapport and instilling confidence in the registration process.

While confirming with previous records is valuable, it might not reflect any recent changes the patient has made. Similarly, reading an address from a computer can lead to errors if the information entered previously is outdated or incorrect. Sending a verification letter could be time-consuming and may leave potential gaps in communication, as patients might wait for the letter instead of providing immediate updates during registration. Accurate data collection during the initial registration phase is critical to ensuring efficient patient access and continuity of care.