What is the difference between a new patient and an established patient in scheduling?

The distinction between a new patient and an established patient is important in the context of medical scheduling and billing. A new patient is defined as someone who has never been seen by the provider before. This relationship is significant because it typically requires more time for the initial evaluation, documentation, and gathering of medical history, which can impact scheduling and billing protocols.

Established patients, on the other hand, are those who have previously seen the provider, which means the provider is already familiar with their medical history and ongoing treatment plans. The criteria for determining whether a patient is considered established can vary by provider, but usually, it means they have had at least one appointment within a certain time frame, often the last three years or so.

The other options present misconceptions about patient classifications. A new patient's prior appointment status is irrelevant because by definition they have not been seen before. The idea that established patients are always late is not true as punctuality varies among all patients. Lastly, while it is true that established patients have seen the provider before, it is not always defined strictly by a recent timeframe, making it potentially misleading. The clear definition provided in the correct choice regarding new patients is essential for proper administrative handling and patient management in healthcare settings.