title: Improving care access for new patients in an outpatient gastroenterology clinic: a novel approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We performed a quality initiative to improve our gastroenterology clinic access.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective quality improvement initiative was implemented in 12/2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From 10/2011-11/2012, 35.1% new patients were seen < or =10 days. After initiation of the quality improvement initiatives from 12/2012-1/2014, 75.2% new patients were seen < or =10 days (p<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New patient access to subspecialty clinics can be improved with simple initiatives, staff education, and improved teamwork.
authors: Michelle L
authors: ML
authors: Matteson-Kome
authors: Kristi T
authors: KT
authors: Lopez
authors: Ashley D
authors: AD
authors: Sliger
authors: Melisa J
authors: MJ
authors: Mathews
authors: Matthew L
authors: ML
authors: Bechtold
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D005762:Gastroenterology; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008923:Missouri; D011446:Prospective Studies; D058996:Quality Improvement; D013997:Time Factors; D014850:Waiting Lists