Who is an Established Patient?
An
established patient in pediatrics refers to a child who has previously received professional services from a pediatrician or another healthcare provider of the same specialty within the same practice. The established relationship implies that the healthcare provider has documented medical history, treatment plans, and familiarity with the patient's medical needs.
Why is the Concept of Established Patient Important?
Understanding the concept of an established patient is crucial for several reasons. It helps in tailoring the
continuity of care to ensure that the child receives consistent and comprehensive healthcare. It also plays a significant role in
billing and coding, as different codes are used for established patients compared to new patients, impacting reimbursement and treatment documentation.
Personalized Care: The pediatrician already has a detailed medical history, which allows for more personalized treatment plans.
Efficient Visits: Since the healthcare provider is familiar with the patient's history, consultations can be more focused and efficient.
Preventive Care: Ongoing monitoring and scheduled check-ups help in early detection of potential health issues.
Trust and Comfort: A continuous relationship fosters trust and comfort between the patient, family, and the healthcare provider.
How is an Established Patient Different from a New Patient?
The primary difference lies in the patient's history with the practice. A new patient is one who has not received any professional services from the provider or another provider of the same specialty in the same group within the past three years. In contrast, an established patient has had such interactions, making the healthcare provider familiar with their medical history.
Infants: Frequent visits during the first year, typically at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months.
Toddlers: Visits at 15, 18, and 24 months, and then annually.
Children and Adolescents: Annual check-ups.
These visits help in monitoring growth, development, and ensuring timely vaccinations.
A review of the child's
medical history and any new symptoms or concerns.
Physical examination and growth measurements.
Discussion on developmental milestones and behavioral issues.
Updates to the
immunization schedule.
Advice on nutrition, safety, and wellness.
Bringing a list of questions or concerns.
Updating the pediatrician on any changes in the child's health, behavior, or family history.
Ensuring that they follow through with the pediatrician's recommendations.
Conclusion
In pediatrics, an established patient benefits significantly from a continuous and informed relationship with their healthcare provider. This relationship allows for personalized and efficient care, fostering trust and ensuring that the child's health and development are closely monitored. Understanding this concept helps parents navigate their child's healthcare journey more effectively.
