Paperwork

A bonus mid-week post about paperwork! (Because this just happened and it's fresh on my mind)

While each office is different, I'm going to assume some basic standard principles.

When you need paperwork completed; DMV forms, SDI, General Relief, etc., please give ample time for the completion. Translation: Do not expect to walk in, get the forms completed, and walk out 20 minutes later. Some forms require review of your chart, assembly and review of reports from specialists, consults from other providers. If the forms have a due date, please make an appointment or drop them off at least 2 weeks before they are due. 2 weeks?! Yes, because even though we have a policy to have forms completed within 72 hours, things happen. People call in sick, forms get lost (not often, but it can happen), weekends, holidays, lag time, etc.

Call the office and ask about the policy; do you need an appointment or can you just drop it off? Do you need an appointment to pick up, or can you just come in? How long is it expected to take? Will the office fax/mail your form, or do you need to do that?

Finally, please, please, PLEASE make sure your part of the forms are completed. I cannot tell you how many times patients give me paperwork to complete that are completely blank. No name, DOB, medical record number, nothing. Most forms will require your name, address, DOB. Please complete this portion and sign if you need to. So much time is wasted in returning forms because the patient has not completed their portion.

Have you had a paperwork horror story? What about a great experience? How does your provider handle paperwork?