What personal information is necessary to collect from patients?

Collecting a patient's full name and date of birth is essential for several reasons that align with standard practices in healthcare data management.

Firstly, the full name is crucial for accurately identifying the patient within medical records and ensuring that all information associated with that individual is correctly aligned with their health history, treatments, and any future care they may require. This minimizes the chances of medical errors that could occur if two patients have similar names.

Additionally, the date of birth serves as an important secondary identifier. It not only helps in confirming the identity of the patient, which is particularly important in situations where two individuals may have the same or similar names, but it also provides context regarding the patient's age. Age can significantly influence medical treatment and the types of health screenings or preventive care the patient may need.

While the other options include important information, such as social security numbers or insurance details, they are not universally required for every medical encounter. Specific intake forms or administrative processes may necessitate these details, but the full name and date of birth are fundamental and typically required universally across healthcare settings to ensure proper management of patient records and services.