2017 - Competency AC-A
Competency A: The practice seeks to enhance access by providing appointments and clinical advice based on patients’ needs.
AC 01 (Core): Assesses the access needs and preferences of the patient population
The practice evaluates patient access from collected data (i.e., survey, patient interviews, comment box) to determine if existing access methods are sufficient for its population. Alternative methods for access may include evening/weekend hours, types of appointments or telephone advice. Documented process and evidence of implementation is required.
AC 02 (Core): Provides same-day appointments for routine and urgent care to meet identified patient needs
The practice reserves time on the daily appointment schedule to accommodate patient requests for a same-day appointment for routine or for urgent care needs. The time frames allocated for these appointment types are determined by the practice and based on the needs of the patient population, as defined in AC 01.
As evidence of implementation, a report should be provided that includes a 5-day schedule to demonstrate the appointments are available or a report demonstrating which same-day appointments were used.