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EARNING REVIEW hort Answer 1. Appointment books are legal documents recording pa

ID: 247088 • Letter: E

Question

EARNING REVIEW hort Answer 1. Appointment books are legal documents recording patient flow. For a manual appointment system, where pencil is used for ease in rescheduling, what can the medical assistant do to ensure that a permanent record is secured? 2. For a computerized appointment system, what can a medical assistant do to ensure that a permanent record of patient flow is secured? 8. Name two primary goals in determining the best method for scheduling patient appointments. 4. What is the typical scheduling time tor each of the following types of clinic visits for an internal medicine practice? (1) Patient consultation (2) Established patient routine follow-up: (3) New patient: (4) Complete physical examination: (5) Cold/flu symptoms: (6) Vaccination: 5. What are six variables involved in the process of scheduling appointments for patients and other visitors to the ambulatory care setting? cheduling and de- 6. Patient flow analysis sheets help medical practices determine the effect r improving a smooth patient flow through the ambulatory care setting. What kinds of issues a study of these data reveal?

Explanation / Answer

1. Cancellations and no-shows must be documented in a manual appointment book on a daily schedule. Red ink should be used to enter the notations on the daily appointment sheet and also documented in the patient chart.

2. In the computerized appointment system, the medical assistant can ensure that a permanent record is secured as the permanent record exists on the hard drive or disk. Any changes made thereafter will be shown when a printout is produced. The appropriate documentation has to be included in the patient chart or file.

3.

a. Minimize the waiting time whenever possible and ensure a smooth flow of patients.

b. Flexibility to accommodate emergency appointments, acutely ill or cancellations and no-shows

4.

(1)Patient consultation: 45 minutes

(2) Established patient routine follow-up:15 minutes

(3) New patient: 30 minutes

4) Complete physical examination: 45 minutes

(5) Cold/flu symptoms: 15 minutes

(6) Vaccination: 15 minutes

5.

1. The urgency of the appointment

2. Referral appointment from another provider

3. Recording of information for the new and established patients

4. Effective implementation of check-in, cancellation, and rescheduling policies

5. use of reminder systems like Cards, calls

6. Policy on visits of medical supply and pharmaceutical company representatives.

6. Patient flow analysis sheets provide a clear picture of patient flow and whether clinical personnel are being efficiently utilized. This will also help to assist in determine the scheduled number and develop or calculate a realistic timeframe for particular patient treatments or procedures.