If you've been seen by a physician in the last three years, you'll be categorized as what type of patient?

Individuals who have been seen by a physician in the last three years are categorized as "established" patients. This classification indicates that there is a prior relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider, which can significantly streamline various processes within the medical office.

Established patients usually have their medical history already documented and are familiar with the practice’s procedures, making it easier for both the healthcare team and the patient to continue care. They may receive different paperwork and are often not required to fill out the extensive forms that new patients must complete, as their previous information is on file.

In contrast, new patients are those who have never been seen by the provider before, which necessitates collecting comprehensive personal and medical history information. Triage refers to the process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition, and recurring does not typically represent an official classification used in patient management for billing or scheduling purposes.