Name of the Procedure:

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Visit, Established Patient (G0467) Common names: FQHC Visit, FQHC Practitioner Visit, Established Patient Encounter

Summary

An FQHC visit for established patients involves a medically necessary, face-to-face consultation between a patient who has previously received care at the FQHC and a healthcare provider. During this visit, the provider delivers one or more health services tailored to the patient's needs.

Purpose

FQHC visits address a variety of medical conditions, focusing on preventive care, chronic disease management, and acute medical issues. The goal is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that promotes overall health and manages existing medical conditions.

Indications

• Management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma.
• Monitoring of medication effectiveness and side effects.
• Evaluation of new symptoms or health concerns.
• Routine preventive care including screenings and health education.
• Follow-up care from previous treatments or interventions.

Preparation

• Patients may need to bring a list of current medications.
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are typically required unless specified by the provider.
• Relevant diagnostic tests or health records should be brought to the visit if available.

Procedure Description

1. Patient checks in at the FQHC.
2. Vital signs and basic health information are collected by a nurse or medical assistant.
3. The FQHC practitioner meets the patient and conducts a thorough medical evaluation, which may include discussing symptoms, reviewing medical history, and conducting physical examinations.
4. One or more health services are rendered, which could involve prescribing medication, providing counseling, ordering further tests, or initiating treatment plans.
5. The provider discusses next steps, including follow-up appointments or additional care instructions.

Duration

Typically between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the patient's needs.

Setting

FQHC visits are performed at designated federally qualified health centers, which can be outpatient clinics or community health centers.

Personnel

• FQHC practitioners (e.g., physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants)
• Nurses or medical assistants
• Administrative staff for patient check-in and scheduling

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risks are associated with a routine FQHC visit.
• Potential for miscommunication or misunderstanding of care instructions.
• Rare complications may arise from prescribed treatments or interventions, which will be managed according to standard medical protocols.

Benefits

• Improved health outcomes through regular monitoring and preventive care.
• Management and stabilization of chronic conditions.
• Early detection and treatment of new health issues.
• Comprehensive care tailored to the patient’s needs.

Recovery

• Generally, no recovery time is needed after a typical outpatient visit.
• Patients should follow the care instructions given by the provider.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled as necessary.

Alternatives

• Urgent care visits for immediate, non-routine health issues.
• Emergency room visits for severe or life-threatening conditions.
• Specialist consultations for specific medical concerns beyond the scope of the FQHC.

Patient Experience

• Patients can expect a comfortable environment with compassionate care providers.
• The visit typically includes a discussion about their health and any concerns they may have.
• Pain management is generally not a focus unless specific treatments require it.
• Follow-up care and support are emphasized to ensure ongoing health and well-being.