Over the last year we have been exploring options to reduce the time a patient would have to wait to get an appointment with their primary care provider in the adult medical clinic. Increasing access to the primary care providers helps patients get the best care while also reducing the need for urgent care and reducing the amount of no-show appointments.
We are conducting a pilot study that is a variation of a commonly used scheduling process called Open Access. Open Access is a system of scheduling that gives greater access to care for patients by opening up each provider for a limited amount of same day appointments.
At PTHA we are looking to start each day with 70 percent of the slots booked leaving 30 percent for open access appointments. Open Access generally means patients who call for care on any given day get to see their primary care provider that day as opposed to a few months from now. Thus increasing access to primary care, improved continuity, and decreasing no-show appointments.
This modified Open Access at PTHA is scheduled to begin January 2010. We will evaluate how well the system is working in April 2010 and base a long term decision on the findings at that time.
How does it work?
Call PTHA at (253) 593-0232 and follow the prompts to Medical Triage. At this time, because there are only a few appointments available per day, the nursing staff in triage are following specific clinical guidelines to determine who sees their primary care provider and who can still get good care through the urgent care system. For example, if you fell and hurt your ankle, our urgent care doctors can see you just as quickly and efficiently as your primary care provider so the nurse will have you seen through our urgent care system. However, if the new medication you started last month is not working to control your blood sugar or your blood pressure it will be best to see the doctor who prescribed it to you originally. In this instance the nurse in triage will schedule you with your primary care provider.
We appreciate you being patient with our nursing and front desk staff while we test this system. Please also keep in mind when we give you an appointment it is most helpful that you show up and arrive on time. During this time of testing we welcome any feedback you have about your experience with this system. Our goal is to better serve you! For more information or if you have questions, please call (253) 593-0232.
