Fast track’ patients to compete with retail clinics, increase patient access

Why This Topic Matters

Access and convenience strongly influence where patients seek care. Practices that improve workflow for minor acute visits may retain patients, support patient-centered care, and reduce pressure to use outside retail clinics.

Article Sections

1. Practice management

   An overview of the practice management topic and the access-oriented workflow discussed in the article.

2. Set a list of fast-track conditions

   Discusses how the practice identifies a limited group of simple visit types for faster handling and prepares staff to triage calls and gather supplies.

3. Identify fast-track patients for clinical staff

   Describes the internal process used to alert clinicians when a patient has been routed into the fast-track workflow.

4. Stay late to handle fast-track patients

   Covers scheduling and after-hours availability adjustments used to accommodate patients who need quicker access.

5. Get staff on board

   Explains the staff-engagement and implementation challenges involved in adopting the workflow across the practice.