Front Office Checklist – NABH Guidelines the checklist will ensure that the admission process is compliant, efficient, and in line with patient safety and care standards.

 1. Staff Awareness

- Admission Policy and Scope of Services:

   - Ensure all front office/admission staff are well-informed about the hospital's policies regarding admissions and the scope of services provided.

   - Staff should be trained to admit patients appropriately, ensuring that the hospital has the capability to provide the necessary care for the patient’s condition.

   - The staff should be aware of the specific patient categories the hospital admits, including regular patients, those admitted via emergency, and transferred patients from other healthcare facilities.

 2. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

- Availability and Adherence to SOPs:

   - Ensure there is a documented SOP on the admission process, covering all types of admissions (OPD, emergency, or through patient transfers).

   - The SOP must be followed diligently by all admission staff to maintain a standard admission procedure.

   - Staff should be familiar with protocols for when no beds are available, including how to handle and inform patients in such situations.

   - Conduct regular training sessions to ensure the staff is up to date with admission policies, including changes or updates.

 3. Unidentified Patients

- Admission of Unidentified Patients:

   - Ensure that the front office has a documented policy for admitting unidentified patients, such as accident victims or unconscious patients brought in without documentation.

   - Staff should be trained in handling such cases with compassion and efficiency, following the documented procedure for recording necessary information while waiting for identification details.

 4. Scope of Services

- Understanding of Services Offered:

   - All admission staff must be aware of the hospital's scope of services, including what treatments are offered and what falls outside the hospital’s capabilities.

   - Ensure that staff clearly communicate with patients or families about the services not provided by the hospital when required, ensuring transparency and avoiding misunderstandings.

 5. Patient Rights and Responsibilities

- Awareness of Patient Rights:

   - Admission staff should be well-versed in the rights and responsibilities of patients and should be able to explain these rights to patients and their families.

   - This includes ensuring that patients understand their rights to informed consent, privacy, and the hospital’s policy on grievances or feedback.

 6. General Consent for Admission

- Consent Process:

   - Ensure that a general consent form is obtained from every patient being admitted, following hospital policy and NABH standards.

   - The process of obtaining consent should be transparent and clearly communicated to the patient and/or their family members.

 7. Display of Tariffs and Pricing Policies

- Pricing Transparency:

   - Make sure the pricing policy and tariff list for services and treatments are prominently displayed in the front office or admission area, as per NABH requirements.

   - Patients should receive a clear estimate of treatment costs upon admission, with a detailed breakdown of charges for procedures, room types, and other services.

   - Ensure the patient or their family is aware of the payment process and any advance deposit requirements, if applicable.

 8. Unique Hospital Identification (UHID) Number

- Registration and Record Keeping:

   - Verify that every new patient registering at the hospital receives a Unique Hospital Identification (UHID) number.

   - Ensure that this number is linked to all patient records for future reference and to streamline patient management within the hospital’s healthcare information system.

 9. Display of Mission and Vision

- Hospital Mission and Vision:

   - Ensure that the hospital’s mission and vision statements are clearly displayed in the front office or admission area.

   - These should be visible to both staff and patients, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to quality care, patient safety, and ethical practices.

 10. Quality Indicators for the Front Office

- Monitoring Performance:

   - Track key quality indicators for the front office to ensure efficiency and patient satisfaction, including:

     - Average time taken per admission: Measure the time from patient arrival at the front office to the completion of the admission process.

     - Average waiting time for admission: Monitor the time patients wait before being admitted to the hospital, especially during peak hours or in emergency cases.

   - Regularly review these indicators to identify areas for improvement and to ensure a smooth and patient-friendly admission process.