The Patient’s Interaction
In the patient encounter, providers and patients meet to discuss the patient’s medical issues, devise treatment plans, and provide therapy. This interaction is recorded in the patient’s records either electronically in an EHR or on paper. When the patient arrives, the encounter officially begins. The provider’s administrative team then performs a patient intake. Confirming demographics, insurance, and medical history is part of this process. If the interaction is face-to-face, they may also make copies of insurance cards and driver’s licenses at this time.