Which of the following best describes an Established patient?

• A. A patient of yours from day one to at least 3 years
• B. Someone who has never been to the clinic
• C. A patient who visits monthly for a year
• D. A new patient who has not returned in 2 weeks

Answer: (A)

An established patient means someone who already has an ongoing relationship with the practice, having been seen by you or another clinician in the same group within the past few years. The description that fits this best is a patient who has been with you from day one and remains in care for at least three years, showing a clear, long-standing relationship with the clinic. The other scenarios describe patients without that established relationship: someone who has never visited the clinic is a new patient; a patient who visits monthly for a year shows ongoing care within the past year, which indicates established status but doesn’t convey the long, continuous relationship as strongly; and a new patient who hasn’t returned in two weeks reflects a lack of ongoing care.