Which step should a medical assistant take first 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 that the patient’s insurance will cover the procedure. This step is crucial because understanding the insurance coverage helps prevent any financial surprises for the patient, ensures that the procedure can be scheduled without issues related to payment, and aligns with the facility's requirements for coverage. Insurance verification can impact the scheduling and execution of the procedure, as it determines if the patient is financially prepared for the procedure, and if the procedure can be performed at the designated facility without complications related to coverage.

The other steps, such as scheduling the procedure, contacting the patient for confirmation, and filling out necessary paperwork, rely on the outcome of insurance verification. Without confirming coverage, proceeding with scheduling would be premature and could lead to unnecessary delays or complications later on. Understanding this hierarchy of steps helps streamline the scheduling process and protects the patient's interests.