Which of the following actions is necessary if a prescribed CPT code is not listed on the preprinted patient encounter form?

The correct action in this scenario is to manually add the procedure code to the form. This approach is necessary because it ensures accurate billing and documentation of the services provided. When a CPT code is not available on a preprinted patient encounter form, it is critical to reference the most current coding resources to find the correct code. By manually adding the procedure code, the medical administrative assistant can ensure that the billing reflects the specific services rendered, thus minimizing the risk of claim denials and ensuring appropriate reimbursement.

Using the most common procedural code from the office does not guarantee that it aligns with the services provided for the individual patient, which can lead to inaccuracies in billing. Upcoding, or inflating the claimed procedure to a more complex and higher-paying code, is unethical and could result in serious legal consequences, including charges of fraud. Lastly, using a code from a previous encounter may not accurately reflect the current service, as procedures performed can differ from visit to visit; therefore, relying on past codes is not advisable for maintaining accurate records.