The Hershey access clinic: a model for improving patient access.
BACKGROUND
When waiting times for new and return patient visits at Hershey Medical Center's Department of Dermatology approached 4 and 2 months, respectively, the Hershey access clinic was implemented to increase access for patients with acute problems.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the Hershey access clinic on patient care.


RESULTS
The great majority of patients were satisfied with the access clinic. However, there has been no effect on the no-show rates or patient waiting times for routine appointments. Fifty-seven percent of patients had eruptions, most commonly acne/rosacea, and 43% had neoplasms, most commonly warts.


CONCLUSIONS
This study was limited by the fact that it was a survey filled out by the patients after their encounter.


CONCLUSIONS
The Hershey access clinic successfully provides acute problem-focused care, and patient satisfaction is high.
Anderson
Bryan E
BE
Hershey Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA. banderson@psu.edu
Marks
James G
JG
Downs
Erika
E
Buckel
Tamy
T
Adams
David R
DR
Enterline
Jonathan
J
Miller
Jeffrey J
JJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D003880:Dermatology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014850:Waiting Lists