Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Practice Exam

What must every new patient be offered by their healthcare provider?

1. A follow-up appointment

2. A printed copy of the provider's privacy notice

3. Access to online patient records

4. A financial assistance program

The correct answer is: A printed copy of the provider's privacy notice

Every new patient must be offered a printed copy of the provider's privacy notice because this is mandated by regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The privacy notice explains how the patient's health information may be used and shared, as well as their rights concerning that information. Providing this notice ensures that patients are fully informed about their privacy rights and fosters trust and transparency in the patient-provider relationship. The other options, while they may be beneficial or common practices in many healthcare settings, are not universally required by law. Follow-up appointments, access to online records, and information regarding financial assistance programs can enhance patient engagement and support, but they do not hold the same systematic importance as the privacy notice in terms of legal requirements. Thus, the privacy notice is the critical component that must be provided to every new patient.