How long has it been since a new patient received services from the provider?

In the context of medical coding and billing, determining how long it has been since a new patient last received services from a provider is essential for assessing the patient’s status and for proper coding purposes.

If the answer indicates that it has been 3 years since the patient last received services, this aligns with standard definitions typically used in healthcare settings. Many practices classify a patient as new if they have not been seen within the last three years, which is often the timeframe used to differentiate new patients from established patients in various coding guidelines.

This timeframe influences how providers file claims, as coding for new and established patients can lead to different reimbursement rates and requirements for documentation. By noting that it has been 3 years, it reflects a clear understanding of the guidelines that dictate patient classification within the healthcare system.

Other timeframes presented might reflect different interpretations of what constitutes a “new” patient, but the rule of three years is widely accepted and serves as a benchmark for many medical practices.