What is the best way to handle a check that needs to be voided?

Writing "VOID" across the check and filing it is the most appropriate action for handling a check that needs to be voided. This process serves several important functions. First, marking the check as void clearly indicates that it is no longer valid for payment and prevents its accidental use in the future. Filing the voided check maintains a record in the financial documentation, which is crucial for accounting and auditing purposes. This record helps to provide transparency and ensures that there are accurate records of all transactions, including those that were canceled.

In contrast, simply ripping up the check and disposing of it does not provide any formal record of the transaction, which can lead to confusion or discrepancies in the financial books later on. Placing the check in a locked file without marking it as void could lead to accidental re-use. Shredding the check could eliminate any chance of future misuse, but like ripping it up, it would not maintain a formal record of the transaction for future reference. Therefore, marking the check as void and appropriately filing it is the best practice in medical office management.