IFHS strives to best utilize the resources at our organization. Given this philosophy, any patient that presents to IFHS for care will be seen as soon as possible. We will utilize the following guidelines to accomplish this goal:
i. Same Day Treatment
Patients will be given same day appointments as available. Patients with appointments will be given priority. Walk-in patients will be seen on a first come first served basis by whichever provider is scheduled to take walk-ins that day. If normal clinic operations are disrupted by an emergency or if the patient load is too great, patients will be given the opportunity to schedule at a later time.
ii. Continuity of Care
Patients will be encouraged to identify a Primary Care Provider (PCP). Efforts will be made to consistently make appointments with a patient’s PCP as available. When a walk-in patient has an IFHS PCP, the PCP will be given the option of seeing the patient that day. The PCP will fit a patient into their schedule as time allows. This is a group practice and all providers work together. If a patient’s PCP is not available, the patient will be given the option to schedule an appointment with another provider, or be seen as a walk-in.
iii. Patient Triage/Immediate Treatment
At times staff may be called upon to triage patients into earlier care based on seriousness of injury, threat to life or limb, and severe patient distress. If a patient presents at the front desk complaining of severe symptoms, the receptionist will notify a clinical support staff member immediately. The patient will be taken to an exam room and assessed by a clinical support staff member and treatment will be initiated as indicated.
