How should unknown patient contact information be handled?

Using default values for unknown patient contact information is a reasonable approach because it allows for the continuity of care and ensures the record remains complete with some form of contact detail. Default values can serve as a temporary solution while also prompting healthcare providers to follow up for accurate information later.

By entering default values, healthcare providers maintain a functional system that can still support clinical decisions and administrative tasks, such as scheduling follow-up appointments or sending out reminders. This method minimizes potential disruptions in care coordination since relying solely on leaving fields blank could lead to important communications being missed.

In contrast, other options may not provide the same level of utility in maintaining patient care continuity. Leaving contact information blank might result in a lack of necessary follow-up capabilities, using a placeholder could be unclear or confusing for other staff members looking at the patient's record, and asking the patient at the next visit postpones the resolution of missing information, potentially delaying care or interventions that rely on contact details.