The 7-Point Office Visit

To improve efficiency, safety, and patient engagement, this article advocates for a systematic, 7-point checklist for daily patient visits. Drawing parallels to checklists in other industries, the author details a structured approach to each encounter. The seven points are: 1) Assess Pain using standardized tools like the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the PEG scale. 2) Evaluate Improvement by asking about 12 primary indicators, including sleep quality and return to daily activities. 3) Inquire about Concurrent Care the patient may be receiving from other providers. 4) Outline the Plan to reinforce treatment goals and the visit schedule. 5) Check on Exercise, both prescribed and recreational, to ensure compliance and prevent harm. 6) Answer Any Questions, directly addressing a common patient complaint and demonstrating that the provider is listening. 7) Survey Satisfaction With Care to gather valuable feedback and strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. While this process may seem time-consuming, the author notes that not all points need extensive review at every visit. Implementing this checklist can streamline office flow, prevent critical omissions, and ultimately enhance the quality and effectiveness of care by ensuring a comprehensive and patient-centered approach.

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