title: Dynamic modeling of outpatient systems to balance provider resources and patient access.
abstract: Improving patients' access to appointments remains a major goal for most managed care organizations and group practices. A number of factors affect the length of time a patient must wait to see a physician or other provider. This article describes those factors and how dynamic modeling can assist decision makers in determining the appropriate number of providers or changes in practice or operations needed to meet given access targets.
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Scott.J.Lisbin@kp.org
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lisbin
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ortiz
mesh_terms: D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003660:Decision Support Systems, Management; D006123:Group Practice / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010562:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling Information Systems; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D014481:United States