Improving care access for new patients in an outpatient gastroenterology clinic: a novel approach
Matteson-Kome, M.L.; Lopez, K.T.; Sliger, A.D.; Mathews, M.J.; Bechtold, M.L.
Missouri Medicine 111(6): 512-515
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-6620 PMID: 25665236 Document Number: 675924
We performed a quality initiative to improve our gastroenterology clinic access. A prospective quality improvement initiative was implemented in 12/2012. From 10/2011-11/2012, 35.1% new patients were seen < or =10 days. After initiation of the quality improvement initiatives from 12/2012-1/2014, 75.2% new patients were seen < or =10 days (p<0.01). New patient access to subspecialty clinics can be improved with simple initiatives, staff education, and improved teamwork.