What is patient access?

Patient access refers to the process of enabling patients to easily and efficiently access healthcare services, including scheduling appointments, obtaining medical records, and communicating with healthcare providers. This can involve in-person interactions at a healthcare facility, as well as online portals and telemedicine services. Patient access plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive timely and high-quality care, improving overall patient satisfaction and outcomes. This process may involve verification of insurance coverage, registration, appointment scheduling, and coordination of care among different providers. Healthcare organizations often have dedicated patient access teams or departments that are responsible for facilitating these interactions and ensuring a positive patient experience.