Which administrative task is typically performed at checkout to ensure continuity of care?

• A. Update contact information
• B. Pay outstanding balance
• C. Schedule a follow-up
• D. File the patient's chart

Answer: (C)

Continuity of care hinges on securing the next step in a patient’s treatment plan, and checkout is the moment to lock that in. Scheduling a follow-up appoint­ ment ensures the patient returns for ongoing assessment, results review, or treatment adjustments, so the care plan can move forward without gaps.

Other tasks at checkout are important but don’t directly guarantee ongoing care: updating contact information helps communication, paying an outstanding balance handles billing, and filing the chart is about organizing records. None of these alone ensures the patient continues with the planned care.