Gastroenterology Practice Patient Flow Protocol

1. Pre-Visit Protocol

Registration & Documentation

• Complete pre-visit registration 48-72 hours before appointment
• Verify insurance and prior authorizations
• Review patient history and previous records
• Confirm medication reconciliation

Patient Communication

• Send appointment reminders (24-48 hours prior)
• Provide prep instructions for procedures
• Confirm transportation arrangements for sedation cases

2. Check-In Process

Front Desk Protocol

• Verify patient identity and insurance
• Update demographic information
• Collect copayments and outstanding balances
• Estimated check-in time: 10-15 minutes

Initial Assessment

• Vital signs and basic measurements
• Brief symptom review
• Medication verification
• Update allergies and medical history

3. Clinical Flow

Nurse Assessment (15-20 minutes)

• Detailed history documentation
• Review systems update
• Prep verification for procedures
• Patient education as needed

Physician Examination (20-30 minutes)

• Clinical evaluation
• Review of diagnostic studies
• Treatment plan development
• Documentation completion

4. Procedure Room Flow

Pre-Procedure

• Consent verification
• Time-out protocol
• Equipment verification
• Anesthesia assessment if applicable

Post-Procedure

• Recovery monitoring
• Discharge instructions
• Follow-up scheduling
• Results communication protocol

5. Check-Out Process

Documentation Completion

• Visit summary preparation
• Prescription processing
• Follow-up scheduling
• Patient instructions review

Financial Processing

• Payment collection
• Insurance claim initiation
• Schedule future appointments

6. Quality Metrics

Time Targets

• Check-in to nurse assessment: ≤15 minutes
• Total visit duration: ≤60 minutes
• Procedure room turnover: ≤20 minutes

Monitoring Parameters

• Patient satisfaction scores
• Wait time tracking
• Resource utilization
• Schedule adherence