Definition of active patient

[fishdrzig]

My accountant wants me to run a report of # of active patients. What would you consider to be the definition of an acive patient? I just want this report to be accurate. Thanks

[Rickliftig]

That's a pretty funny request- After being in practice for 30 years I realize that they're all active! Some keep coming up like a bad penny - "Hey Doc, remember me?"; some are on the ten year plan - "Hey Doc, remember that filling you put in on my last visit?" We've had a couple of guys (almost always guys)proud of the fact that they hadn't gotten their teeth cleaned in ten years.

Whenever the scuzzballs come in for their ten-year recall, I try to go home remembering all of the great folks who come in every six months without fail and support me and my family.

Practically in my office I would consider a visit within four years to be marginally active with poor likelihood of reactivation, three years - possible to re-activate, and within two years - active.

[jordansparks]

A dental practice appraiser told me that the industry standard is to count all patients who have been seen in your office in the last 2 1/2 years.

[mzrdmd]

How do I run a report that will give me the number of active patients that I have ? Say within the last 2, 2.5, or 3 years ?

Thanks,

Mike

[jordansparks]

Query 22.