LESSON 1
ADMISSION AND DISPOSITION PROCESSING
Section I. RECEPTION, IDENTIFICATION, AND DEFINITION
1-1. RECEPTION OF THE PATIENT
a. Attitude. The reception given by professional and administrative personnel when
a patient first enters the hospital strongly influences the patient's attitude toward the
hospital and the medical care provided. As an admission clerk who interviews the patient,
you will probably create the first administrative impression that the patient will receive. An
excellent opportunity to establish and maintain good patient relationship is offered at the
time of admission. The patient who is anxious, depressed, or in pain should be put at ease
and made as comfortable as possible. As you complete admission forms, speak in a low,
unhurried tone and focus attention on the patient. Give directions clearly and repeat those
that you feel are not understood. Do not comment on facts which the patient furnishes you.
b. Information. Avoid summarizing hospital regulations, such as the policy for
passes and visitors. This type of orientation is provided for patients on the nursing unit and
the patient should be so informed. Most hospitals have an information booklet directed to
the patient.
c. Essential Admission Processing. Patients requiring immediate emergency
care are admitted directly to the treatment setting or service and admission processing is
performed secondary to treatment. Deaths in the emergency room and deaths classified
as dead on arrival (DOA) are not recorded as admissions but are carded for record only
(CRO). Procedures are locally developed for the admission of prisoners, patients with
contagious diseases (for example, tuberculosis), patients with psychiatric conditions, and
victims of disasters.
(1) Review DA Form 2985 (Admission and Coding Information) or
DA Form 4582-R (Inpatient Accountability System) admission record to authorize an
admission, which is prepared by the admitting officer.
(2)
Verify eligibility for care.
(3) Collect other information required for preparing medical records
and reports.
(4)
Initiate the Inpatient Treatment Record (ITR).
(5)
Obtain insurance information.
MD0752
1-2
Previous Page
