What should be done first when preparing for patient intake?

Maintaining patient privacy is crucial in healthcare settings and serves as the foundation for establishing trust and rapport with patients. When preparing for patient intake, ensuring that privacy is prioritized means creating an environment where patients feel safe and secure to disclose their personal and sensitive information. This step includes making sure that conversations about health and personal details are not overheard and that the physical space is suitable for confidential discussions.

Once privacy is secured, other important tasks can follow such as documenting insurance information, checking on other patients, or preparing the examination room. These tasks, while significant, do not take precedence over the immediate assurance of privacy, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical patient care.