If a patient currently has a medical record from previous visits to the office, the patient is classified as a(n) _______ patient.

The patient is classified as an established patient because they have a medical record from previous visits to the office. In medical practice, the term "established patient" refers to individuals who have received professional services from the physician or another provider within a specified timeframe, typically three years. This classification indicates that the patient has an ongoing relationship with the medical practice, which can influence the level of care, familiarity with the patient's history, and the administrative processes in place.

Recognizing a patient as established allows for a more tailored approach to their healthcare needs, as the provider has access to their past medical history, treatment plans, and other relevant information. In contrast, a new patient would be someone who has not received any services from the provider or office during the established timeframe and would require a different approach to the initial visit. The other terms, such as recurring or historical, do not accurately represent the established relationship needed in this context.