Which revenue cycle front-end process should have addressed a patient's change in insurance coverage during registration?

The appropriate process that should have addressed a patient's change in insurance coverage during registration is patient registration. This stage is critical as it involves collecting and documenting accurate patient information, including demographic data and insurance details. When a patient is registered, staff should ensure that any changes in insurance coverage are identified and recorded properly. This ensures that billing and claims can be processed accurately later in the revenue cycle.

While insurance verification is an essential part of the revenue cycle that typically occurs after initial registration, its primary focus is on confirming the validity, eligibility, and extent of benefits under the patient's insurance plan. If changes to insurance coverage are not addressed during the registration phase, it can lead to complications and delays in later processes, such as charge capture and claims processing.

Charge capture relates to the documentation of services provided to patients and the corresponding charges for those services. If the insurance coverage is not updated during the registration, it may affect how services are billed.

Claims processing follows service delivery and involves submitting claims to insurance payers for reimbursement. Like charge capture, accurate claims processing depends on correct and current insurance information known at the time of registration. Therefore, addressing changes in insurance coverage right at the start during patient registration is essential for the entire revenue cycle to function smoothly.