What should be done first when scheduling an inpatient admission?

When scheduling an inpatient admission, the first step should be to call the facility to schedule the admission. This is essential because coordinating with the facility ensures that there is availability for the patient and that any specific requirements or protocols from the hospital are followed. It lays the foundation for the admission process by establishing a confirmed date and time for the patient's stay, which is critical for effective planning.

While confirming the patient's insurance is an important task in the overall admission process, it typically follows the scheduling since you need to ensure the facility can accommodate the patient first. Preparing the CMS-1500 form and ensuring the supply list is updated are procedural tasks but do not take precedence over confirming the admission itself. These tasks can often be completed once the admission has been officially scheduled.