What do "visit types" determine in Epic scheduling?

Visit types in Epic scheduling play a critical role in defining the clinical requirements and documentation needed during patient encounters. Each visit type is tailored to specific healthcare services and determines what clinical information must be collected, which assessments are required, and how the encounter will be documented in the electronic health record (EHR).

For example, a follow-up visit may have different documentation requirements compared to a new patient appointment or a procedure. This helps ensure that clinicians have the necessary information to provide appropriate care and that all regulatory requirements are met during the visit. Having distinct visit types allows for more structured and efficient scheduling, enhancing workflow and patient safety by ensuring that the right protocols are followed.

Understanding the specific needs for each visit type is essential for accurate and effective patient management within the Epic system.