Mrs. Lawrence is an elderly diabetic patient who is on Medicare. She recently injured her lower left leg, and since then has had trouble with open sores or ulcers on that leg. She came to the office last week to have the physician examine and treat the ulcers. At that time, you checked, and she qualified for Medicaid as well as Medicare. She has come to the office today for follow-up care and treatment. Which of the following should you do first? 

A. Ensure that the physician signs the Medicaid claim
B. Contact Medicare for preauthorization
C. Contact Medicaid to verify her eligibility
D. Send the claim to Medicaid
E. Notify Mrs. Lawrence that she will not have to pay anything

C. Contact Medicaid to verify her eligibility
You should contact Medicaid to verify Mrs. Lawrence's benefit eligibility every time she is seen in the office.