For a patient last visited on March 5, 2014, what is the best action upon arrival?

The best action upon the patient's arrival is to review and update the information that is on file about them. This step is essential in ensuring that the healthcare provider has the most accurate and current information regarding the patient. Given that the patient last visited in 2014, there may have been significant changes in their medical history, insurance coverage, or personal information that need to be accounted for before their appointment.

This process is crucial not only for patient safety and continuity of care but also for the billing process to be accurate. Collecting and updating information helps in preventing claim denials that may arise due to outdated records. By ensuring that the physician has the latest health details, as well as current insurance information, the office can facilitate a smoother encounter and enhance the quality of care provided.

Filling out many forms before meeting with the provider does not prioritize timely and accurate information updates, while meeting the physician without reviewing the information could lead to oversights. Additionally, calling the insurance company to verify coverage is not practical upon the patient’s arrival when the patient's own information needs to be attended to first.