What is the first step a medical assistant should take when scheduling a procedure at a local facility?

When scheduling a procedure at a local facility, the first step a medical assistant should take is to verify insurance coverage for the procedure. This is crucial because understanding the patient's insurance benefits helps to determine if the procedure is covered, what portion the patient may be responsible for, and whether pre-authorization is needed. This proactive approach can help avoid complications later on, such as scheduling a procedure that the patient may not be able to afford or which requires additional steps to be covered by their insurance.

Taking this step first ensures that the scheduling process aligns with the patient's financial situation and avoids wasting time and resources on scheduling before confirming eligibility and coverage. It also serves to facilitate smoother communication with the patient regarding any potential costs and pre-authorization requirements that may need to be addressed before proceeding with the scheduling.