What should a billing specialist do if they notice a minor change on an established patient's insurance card?

The correct action for a billing specialist upon noticing a minor change on an established patient's insurance card is to photocopy both sides of the new card. This process is essential as it ensures that all relevant information, including policy numbers, effective dates, and any other pertinent details, are accurately documented and retained in the patient's record.

Capturing both sides of the card is crucial because insurance cards often contain important information that may otherwise be overlooked if only one side is recorded. This helps prevent any potential billing errors in the future due to missing details.

Updating the insurance information immediately could lead to inaccuracies if the changes are not fully understood or verified. Discarding the old card is not advisable since it could serve as a reference for any discrepancies in the patient’s insurance history. Contacting the insurance company may be necessary in some situations, but it is usually done after ensuring that all relevant patient information is accurately documented.