What distinguishes an established patient?

An established patient is defined as one who has previously received care from a healthcare provider or facility. This means that the patient has a history of treatment, which can include multiple visits for different health issues or ongoing management of a chronic condition. The distinction of being an established patient is important for providers, as it typically involves familiarity with the patient’s medical history, previous treatments, and possibly more streamlined processes in the billing and coding for future visits.

In this context, the concept of an established patient emphasizes the continuity of care and the ongoing relationship between the patient and the provider. This relationship ensures that the provider has valuable insights into the patient's health needs and can make more informed decisions regarding their care.

Factors such as whether a patient has insurance coverage or is seeking a second opinion do not inherently classify them as established or new patients. The key factor is the patient's prior interactions with the healthcare provider or system. Therefore, the option that accurately captures what defines an established patient is the one indicating a history of treatment within the facility.