What is the most common patient interaction in an ambulatory setting?

The most common patient interaction in an ambulatory setting is an office visit. In an ambulatory care environment, which focuses on providing preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services without requiring hospitalization, office visits are central. Patients typically schedule appointments to see their primary care physicians or specialists for routine check-ups, follow-up care, and various health concerns.

While telehealth sessions have gained popularity, especially in response to recent global health events, they still do not match the volume of in-person office visits traditionally conducted. Emergency room visits are part of an acute care setting and not specifically ambulatory. Home healthcare visits cater to a different population and specific needs, making them less common in the general ambulatory care landscape. Therefore, the office visit stands out as the predominant form of patient interaction in this context.