Which statement describes an acceptable client identifier during telehealth?

Which statement describes an acceptable client identifier during telehealth?

• A. A client's home address
• B. A client's home phone number that matches the electronic health record
• C. Date of birth
• D. A provider's name

Answer: (B)

In telehealth, identifying the patient accurately hinges on using a unique, verifiable identifier that ties directly to the patient’s chart. A home phone number that matches what’s in the electronic health record provides a specific, system-linked identifier that can be checked to confirm the patient’s identity at the start of the session. This makes it easier to pull up the correct chart and maintain continuity of care. The other options are less reliable for identification. A home address can change and may not be consistently used for verification; date of birth, while common, can be shared or similar across individuals and isn’t always enough on its own; a provider’s name identifies the clinician, not the patient, so it doesn’t help verify who is receiving care.

In telehealth, identifying the patient accurately hinges on using a unique, verifiable identifier that ties directly to the patient’s chart. A home phone number that matches what’s in the electronic health record provides a specific, system-linked identifier that can be checked to confirm the patient’s identity at the start of the session. This makes it easier to pull up the correct chart and maintain continuity of care.

The other options are less reliable for identification. A home address can change and may not be consistently used for verification; date of birth, while common, can be shared or similar across individuals and isn’t always enough on its own; a provider’s name identifies the clinician, not the patient, so it doesn’t help verify who is receiving care.