The default in the admission system is "Unknown", that is how you will show if no selection is made. If you are admitted as an inpatient, you will not only be asked at registration, but also when the nursing care database is completed. An astute nurse or clerk should notice a discrepancy between how you are listed on your face sheet and what you answer on the care plan database questions on spirituality, but don't count on it in the rush of todays health care system. You may ask to be visited by a chaplain for spiritual support, and when they visit you can tell them you are (insert appropriate name here) and that you would like them to contact a community resource for you, they will get in touch with the CASHEW on-call group. They often will take the time to make sure you are listed in the system correctly. They are not there to preach, they are there to make sure you have the support you need. I have worked with most of the staff chaplains and many of their volunteers closely, and most of them are quite wonderful.
The health care team is supposed to make sure your spiritual needs are met. That includes respectfully asking you about your religious preference, both as an inpatient and outpatient. Anyone with access to the system can update or correct entries. If you are already in the system, you can ask how you are currently listed, and request that the information be corrected if it is not correct. Some clerks are less familiar with the system and may say they don't know how to do it - it is OK to insist that they find someone who does know how to update your info.
Please do not hesitate to contact any of the CASHEW clergy group of you have any questions or concerns about this. More information will be posted when we know where we stand with the other hospitals in and around ABQ.