Tips to Boost New Patient Data Capture

When you are trying to grow your dermatology practice, you will need to have a logical and simple form to get data from your new patients. Apart from helping you gather important medical billing and insurance information, the new patient form will also help you find patients who owe your practice money and carry out collection activities when the patient is present.



So if it has been a while since your practice updated its new registration form or you are creating one for the first time, here are some expert tips to ensure you find patient billing information quickly and easily.

Keep the form simple



Ask important questions on the patient information intake form that you require all new patients to fill out. Ensure you have basic demographic information such as the policy name and number, the insured's name, social security number, dates of coverage.

Copying the insurance card is essential



Apart from having the patient fill out the patient form, be sure to ask for, and make a copy of his insurance card. Always make a copy of the patient's insurance card, front and back. This contains important information on where to send the claims correctly the first time, bringing down denials and getting revenue faster.

As you will make a copy of the insurance card's front and back, you don't need to ask the patient to provide that information (policy number, group number, phone numbers and the like) on a form.

Obtain referring physician details



When a new patient arrives because of a referral, be sure you have clear information on the referring physician as well. When the patient comes, a staff member should be reviewing referral data for accuracy.

Move your forms online as well



Think about offering an online form that your patients can fill out prior to even coming to your office. Being able to register with the practice online is a great way to have patients offer demographic information.



Make your practice's information available



The patient will be more open to sharing data with you if you communicate office policies and procedures.



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