Getting Patient Details

Administrative Staff: Hello, how can I help you?
Patient: I've got an appointment with Dr. Adams.

Administrative Staff: Are you Ms Moyers? 
Patient: Yes, I am. I have an appointment at ten.

Administrative Staff: We just need to fill in some information for our files. Could you fill out these forms? 
Patient: Certainly ... (comes back after filling out the forms) What's this form for?

Administrative Staff: It's just a privacy form informing you of our policies.
Patient: Is that really necessary?

Administrative Staff: I'm afraid it is. Could you also sign that form? 
Patient: OK, there you go. Here's my insurance provider's card.

Administrative Staff: Thank you. OK, that'll be $20.
Patient: Why do I have to pay $20?

Administrative Staff: It's the deductible for office visits required by your health care provider.
Patient: ... but I'm insured aren't I?

Administrative Staff: Yes, of course. Your health care provider asks for deductibles on office visits.
Patient: Every time I turn around I've got some additional fee to pay. I don't know why I pay for insurance!

Administrative Staff: I know it's frustrating. We also have a lot of paperwork. Every provider has different forms and requirements!
Patient: This can't continue on like this!

Administrative Staff: I agree with that!

Key Vocabulary

appointment to fill in forms files form privacy policies to sign a form insurance provider insurance provider's card deductible office visit health care provider to be insured additional fee frustrating paperwork

Check your understanding with this multiple choice comprehension quiz.

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide

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