When scheduling an inpatient admission, which step should an MAA take first?

The first step an MAA should take when scheduling an inpatient admission is to obtain the provider's order. This step is essential because the provider must formally request the admission; this order outlines the medical necessity for the patient's hospitalization. Without this order, the subsequent steps, such as scheduling the admission, confirming the availability of the patient and provider, or precertifying with the insurance company, cannot proceed effectively.

In this context, obtaining the provider's order ensures that the MAA is acting on proper instructions and that all clinical considerations have been addressed prior to any logistical planning. It establishes a foundation for the entire admission process, ensuring that the medical team's rationale for admission is documented and clear. Only after this order is secured can other logistics be efficiently managed, as it reflects the priorities in patient care and organizational compliance.