Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Practice Exam

Which activity is NOT part of the Time of Service stage for scheduled patients?

1. Pre-registration record is activated, consents are signed, and co-payment is collected

2. Positive patient identification is completed, and patient is given an armband

3. Final bill is presented for payment

4. Preprocessed patients may report to a designated "express arrival" desk

The correct answer is: Final bill is presented for payment

The activity that does not belong in the Time of Service stage for scheduled patients is presenting the final bill for payment. This stage focuses on verifying and processing patient information immediately prior to or at the time of service. During the Time of Service stage, activities include ensuring that the pre-registration record is activated, collecting necessary consents, and collecting co-payments, which establishes that the patient is prepared for the service they are about to receive. Additionally, positive patient identification is crucial, as it confirms that the right patient is receiving services and that they are accurately identified with an armband. The presentation of the final bill for payment usually occurs after services are rendered, aligning with billing and collections phases. This process focuses on the overall revenue cycle management, which comes after the initial care and service have been provided. Thus, it is clear that the final bill presentation is not an activity that occurs during the Time of Service stage for scheduled patients.