Open Access Appointing in Army Primary Care Clinics

The open access model, also referred to as advanced or same-day appointments, is a new concept in managing patient appointments. More than 70% of the Army's primary care clinics currently use an antiquated system that inherently provides for a delay of medical services and lacks continuity of care. Although many providers and administrators believe delay and the lack of continuity of care are associated with a lack of resources, many studies prove otherwise. Open access is predicated on the principal that providers do today's work today. Patients calling to schedule an appointment with their provider are offered a same-day appointment. To achieve this, clinic chiefs and administrators must conduct an in-depth analysis of their true demand and current resources. Clinic staffs who have a strong commitment to change will be able to convert to an open access model whereby they are able to increase patient and provider satisfaction.