Urgent Care Patient Flow Protocol

1. Patient Arrival & Check-In

Initial Contact

• Greet patient within 60 seconds of arrival
• Conduct quick visual triage assessment
• Collect chief complaint

Registration Process

• Verify patient demographics
• Scan insurance card
• Collect copay/self-pay deposits
• Have patient sign consent forms

2. Clinical Intake

Vital Signs & Triage

• BP, pulse, temperature, respirations, O2 saturation
• Pain scale assessment
• Brief medical history
• Medication reconciliation

Acuity Assessment

• Level 1: Immediate intervention required
• Level 2: Urgent (30-minute target)
• Level 3: Non-urgent (60-minute target)

3. Provider Examination

Room Assignment

• Place patient in examination room within 15 minutes of registration
• Update EHR status
• Notify provider of patient ready status

Clinical Assessment

• Provider examination (target: within 10 minutes of room placement)
• Order diagnostic tests as needed
• Document findings in EHR

4. Treatment & Disposition

Patient Care

• Execute ordered treatments
• Provide patient education
• Document all interventions

Discharge Process

• Review discharge instructions
• Provide prescriptions
• Schedule follow-up if needed
• Process final paperwork

5. Quality Metrics

Time Targets

• Door to Provider: ≤ 30 minutes
• Total Visit Time: ≤ 90 minutes
• Discharge Process: ≤ 15 minutes

Documentation Requirements

• Complete all charts within 2 hours of visit
• Record all procedures and supplies used
• Update patient status in real-time

6. Special Circumstances

High Volume Periods

• Implement fast-track protocols
• Activate additional staff as needed
• Consider telehealth options

Emergency Transfers

• Establish immediate contact with ED
• Prepare transfer documentation
• Arrange appropriate transport