A medical assistant is tasked with verifying a patient's health insurance eligibility before their scheduled surgery. The patient provides an insurance card upon check-in. What is the BEST step the medical assistant should take to ensure proper verification of coverage?
Check the patient's insurance card for eligibility information and assumed coverage for the surgery.
Use an online verification system to check for the patient's eligibility status.
Gather information regarding any secondary insurance the patient may have.
Contact the insurance company directly to verify current coverage and benefits for the scheduled surgery.