If a patient does not have a photo ID at check-in, what is the recommended procedure?

• A. Use alternate verification, document the discrepancy, and place the visit on hold until verified.
• B. Proceed with check-in based on name alone.
• C. Record as patient no-show and reschedule.
• D. Ignore and proceed with standard check-in.

Answer: (A)

When a patient doesn’t have a photo ID at check-in, the focus is on confirming identity using other trusted details and documenting the issue. Use alternate verification methods such as confirming the patient’s full name and date of birth, verifying contact information or insurance details on file, or a verification call from the patient to a known number, and cross-check these against the chart. Record the discrepancy and place the visit on hold until identity can be verified. This approach protects patient safety and privacy, ensures the correct medical record and billing information, and provides an auditable trail of how identity was verified. Relying on a name alone risks mismatching records or exposing the wrong information, and proceeding without verification or treating it as a no-show would unnecessarily delay care and bypass proper protocol.