What important information should a medical assistant verify at every office visit?

Verifying allergies at every office visit is crucial because allergies can have significant implications for patient safety and treatment. Knowing a patient's allergies helps prevent adverse reactions to medications, vaccines, or other treatments that may be administered during the visit. Allergic responses can range from mild to severe, including anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening.

While insurance information, medical history, and emergency contacts are also important to confirm, allergies are a specific and immediate concern that directly affects patient care during each appointment. It is essential to have up-to-date information on a patient's allergies to ensure that healthcare providers can make informed decisions about a patient's treatment plan right away.