What action should be taken before registering a new patient in CHCS to avoid confusion?

Performing a patient lookup before registering a new patient in the CHCS (Composite Health Care System) is essential to prevent confusion and ensure that the patient is not already in the system. This step allows health services administrators or staff to search for existing records of patients, which could help identify any previous encounters, medical history, or treatment frameworks that may still be relevant. By confirming whether a patient already exists in the database, potential duplication of records can be avoided, ultimately leading to a more streamlined and effective healthcare delivery process.

Verifying insurance information and contacting prior health providers may be necessary actions following the patient lookup but do not directly address the immediate need to confirm the patient's identity within the system prior to registration. Ensuring accurate and unique patient identification is crucial for maintaining the integrity of medical records and facilitating proper care.