What direct identifier should a medical assistant verify in a patient's after-visit summary?

In reviewing a patient's after-visit summary, verifying the mailing address is important because it serves as a critical component of accurate patient identification and communication. The mailing address ensures that any follow-up information, medical records, or communication regarding the patient's care can be correctly delivered.

While other identifiers, such as the Social Security number, date of birth, and phone number, can also play a role in identifying a patient, the mailing address is specifically essential for ensuring that information is sent to the correct location where the patient can receive it. This helps maintain effective communication between healthcare providers and patients, which is crucial for ongoing care and follow-up.

In the context of the other identifiers, the Social Security number is sensitive information and may not be necessary for all communications; the date of birth, while commonly used for verification, does not aid in the actual delivery of information; and the phone number, though useful for immediate contact, does not serve as a permanent address for sending mail or documents. Therefore, verifying the mailing address directly supports the goals of patient communication and care management.